The pain-relieving properties of willow bark can help combat pain caused by sciatica. Do you have this problem? Discover other effective remedies.
Treatments to relieve sciatica can vary depending on the severity of the pain. Most of the time it is possible to reduce it with rest, pain relievers and some healthy habits. How to combat it with home remedies?
Well, although many are used to using conventional drugs, there are a number of natural ingredients that can promote their relief. In fact, since they do not usually cause side effects, they are considered one of the best alternatives.
Best of all, they are very easy to prepare and can be used as many times as necessary. So, taking into account that many suffer from this ailment, below we want to share some recipes to calm it down. Make your notes!
What is sciatica?
Sciatica is pain caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve. It is described as a pull or pinch that can even paralyze the person who suffers from it. In addition, it can be accompanied with a feeling of numbness, tingling and movement difficulties.
The severe pain starts at the waist and usually spreads to the thigh and knee. Although it may occur mildly, in many cases it becomes a reason for disability. It is even one of the pains that causes the least work in the adult population.
Some of its causes include:
- Disc herniation
- Deformations of the joint or bone
- Trauma from accidents
- Physical overstrain
- Inflammatory tumors and diseases
The best alternative remedies to relieve sciatica
Severe pain caused by sciatica should be attended by a professional, who usually recommends anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant medications. However, in addition to this, you can consider some of the remedies that we give below.
Willow tea
The willow bark infusion contains an active ingredient known as salicin, which is contained in aspirin. Thanks to this property, this simple natural remedy can help alleviate sciatica and other similar ailments.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of water (250 ml)
- 1 teaspoon of willow bark (5 g)
Preparation
- To start, bring a cup of water to a boil.
- Once it reaches its boiling point, add the willow bark to it.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes and finally strain it.
How to use
- Take a cup of tea every 8 hours.
Note:Avoid this remedy if you are allergic to aspirin. If you are taking other medications, consult your doctor before taking it.
Nettle
The anti-inflammatory properties of nettle leaves are helpful in decreasing irritation of the sciatic nerve. Its external application favors circulation in the affected area and produces a calming effect.
Ingredients
- 4 cups of water (1 liter)
- 3 fresh nettle branches
Preparation
- First, pour the water into a pot and bring it to a boil.
- Once it reaches its boiling point, add the nettle to it and leave it on low heat for 10 minutes.
- Then wait for it to sit for a few minutes and strain it.
How to use
- Dip a washcloth into the hot infusion and apply it to the pain area.
- Let it act for 10-15 minutes.
- Repeat its use 2 or 3 times a day.
Thyme and oregano
Thyme and oregano contain essential oils and antioxidant compounds that act positively on the body. They have always stood out as allies for pain, since they have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that produce relief.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of water (500 ml)
- 1 tablespoon of oregano (15 g)
- 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme (15 g)
Preparation
- Start by heating the cups of water until they reach their boiling point.
- Then add the herbs and simmer 5 minutes over low heat.
- After this time, let the drink stand and strain it.
How to use
- Drink one cup of tea in the morning and one in the afternoon.
Garlic
Garlic contains an active ingredient called allicin, which helps improve blood circulation. Because of this, eating garlic every day can promote relief from muscle aches and sciatica.
Ingredients
- 1 raw garlic clove
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (10 ml)
Preparation
- Crush a raw garlic clove and mix it with the olive oil.
How to use
- Consume the remedy every day on an empty stomach.
Have you tried these remedies to relieve sciatica yet? Remember to use them constantly until you get a sense of relief. Also, try to complement them with mild exercises and a good diet.