Herbal remedy for sciatica and the nervous system

Tess October 1st, 2007

Doctors use the term neuralgia to describe pain that originates from nerves. Many nerve pains are caused by overuse. For example, carpal tunnel syndrome is common in people whose are involved in excessive writing, typing or woodwork as it involves using their hands and fingers day in and day out. Leaning continuously on your elbow or crossing your legs all the time may also compress certain nerves. Compression of nerves may also be caused due to trauma, degeneration and narrowing of the spinal disc and other such reasons. One such common type of neuralgia is sciatica that is caused by a compression of the sciatic nerve that runs down from the base of the spine along the back of your legs.

Sciatica can be an extremely painful condition leading to partial or complete immobilization. Alleviating pain becomes a primary concern before any other treatment can be concentrated upon. Conventional pain relief drugs can be addictive and can lead to side effects that may require further treatment. Herbs can play an important role in sciatic nerve treatment if you wish to avoid such side effects.

Herbal sciatica alternative remedies have been in use for a long time to treat sciatica and other types of neuralgia. Some of them also have indirect scientific evidence to support their efficacy. Salicylic acid in willow bark was originally used to produce a synthesized form of Aspirin, for pain relief.

Ginger and turmeric are commonly used in the East for their anti inflammatory properties. Both of them have stood the test of time as well as the inquiries of doubting researchers and are now recommended for long term use.

Vervain is a tropical or subtropical American plant grown for its showy spikes of variously colored flowers. It has been used by our ancestors as a nerve tonic but had fallen from grace. In conjunction with other sciatica alternative remedies, like exercises, acupuncture and chiropractic manipulations, it gives excellent results in pain management. It is supposed to be an antidepressant and therefore, should be used with care. California poppy and oats are other herbs that are good at toning up the nervous system. St. JohnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s Wort is another such herb. These are nervous system herbs that can be useful in relieving sciatica pain.

Most of these herbs are available in tinctures and pills and can be taken internally. St. JohnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s wort is used externally along with herbal oils. The efficacy of herbal oils and herbs cannot be denied as they have a semblance of scientific and confirmed anecdotal supports. Herbs, however, can prove to detrimental to health if used indiscriminatingly. Herbs for sciatica are no exception to the cardinal rule and all medication should be taken after gathering proper information and under the guidance of an expert.

References:

http://www.mother...helf/Books/15/19.cfm

http://www.health...tica-pain-relief.htm

http://articlegol...bromyalgia-Treatment