Sciatic Nerve is the longest nerve in our body stretching all the way from the lumbar spinal area and down to one’s feet. But due to its length, it is more prone to damage, since impact to any one area where this nerve can cause pain in all the regions controlled by this nerve. The inflammation caused due to the sciatic nerve can restrict lower back movement along with pain and swelling in the legs and feet as well. The best way to get Sciatica pain relief is to use Essential oils for sciatica.
The major drawback of sciatic pain is, it starts as an ache in the lower back but eventually spreads down to the buttocks and either into both or one leg. Many people while sharing the experience of sciatica pain elaborated that the leg pain is worse as compared to the back pain.
Essential Oils for Sciatica
- Birch essential oil
- Cajeput essential oil
- Ginger essential oil
- Nutmeg Essential Oil
- Peppermint Essential Oil
- Rosemary Essential Oil
- Lavender Essential Oil
Causes of Sciatica
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Lack of exercise
- Injury or impact on the sciatic nerve
Symptoms of Sciatica
- Cramps in any one leg
- Numbing of any one leg.
- Weakness and inability to move.
- Difficulty in standing or walking for a long time
- Intense lower back pain
Risk factors for Sciatica
People ranging between ages 30 to 50 years are more prone to conditions of sciatica. Pregnant women are also prone to sciatica, which can create problems during pregnancy owing to the pressure on the sciatic nerves due to the developing uterus.
Significant symptoms for sciatica include loss in bladder and bowel control. It can require immediate medical surgery to avoid further damages. But fortunately, such a complicated condition of chronic sciatica is very rare.
Being physically active can help prevent sciatica, which helps reduce the inflammations and pain. Stretching exercises and yoga can help stabilize the affected area and strengthen the immune core.
Why use essential oils for Sciatica
Essential oils play a vital role in fighting against sciatica since it involves inflammation and consistent pain. Essential oils are said to work better when compared to medication and painkillers by health experts.
Essential oils for sciatica are also a natural way to curing conditions of sciatica. These oils soothe the pain and inflammation in the affected areas and numb the irritated nerves providing relief from pain. These also help from issues like anxiety and depression that result due to erratic and chronic pain.
The below-mentioned oils will elaborate its uses and benefits for sciatic pain and conditions of sciatica.
1. Birch essential oil
Birch essential oil is said to possess detoxifying properties. It contains components like methyl salicylate and salicylic acid, which helps in pain relief. White birch oil helps explicitly lower the inflammation in the sciatic nerve.
2. Cajeput essential oil
Cajeput essential oil comes from the fresh leaves and twigs of the cajeput tree. This oil is a crucial ingredient in the antiseptic lotions to treat joint pains and other pains. The cajeput essential oil has a component called cineole, which when applied to the skin can surface irritation caused in the nerves and can eventually relieve the pain.
3. Ginger essential oil
The ginger essential oil is known to aid digestive issues; however, it is also useful to soothe pain and inflammation which are common symptoms of sciatica. Ginger essential oil comes from ginger rhizomes which are a source of Phyto-compound called Zingibain. These oils are extremely potent and have anti-inflammatory properties.
4. Nutmeg Essential Oil
Nutmeg essential oil comes from the dried kernels of the ripe seeds of Nutmeg. It is a vital spice for every household’s kitchen. It offers natural treatments for digestive problems, pain, and other health conditions. It can be massaged onto the affected areas to get relief from conditions of inflammation, swelling, and sciatic pain.
5. Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint is a hybrid of water mint and spearmint. This essential oil is extracted in the cold pressed method. It contains active ingredients like menthol and menthone.
Uses of peppermint oil have been documented back to 1000 B.C. and have also been found during the Egyptian era. They contain anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties, which can help relieve pain caused due to sciatica. It also helps sooth the irritated sciatic nerve giving a cooling effect.
6. Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary essential oil is derived from a plant called Rosmarinus officinalis. It is an evergreen plant native to the Mediterranean region. It’s a member of the mint family and smells like pine. It is considered as one of the oldest medicinal herbs. Both Its leaves and flowers possess medicinal properties.
7. Lavender Essential Oil
The lavender essential oil is considered very versatile when compared to other oils. It’s known for its relaxing effects on the body. The fragrance is extremely calming, relaxing, soothing, and balancing- both mentally and physically. It can also be used as a natural perfume, unlike other perfumes which contain alcohol in them. It can be used to clean cuts, bruises, and irritations.
How to use these Essential Oils for Sciatica?
Since the above-mentioned essential oils for sciatica are very potent, it is advised to blend them with any carrier oils of choice. Then they are said to have a better effect on the affected region. They can also be massaged onto the affected areas, especially with sciatic pain. Regular use can get relief from pain and other conditions of pain.
Do’s and Dont’s
Always suggested consulting a health expert to determine what works best for you. Never ingest essential oils. Always take precautions when it comes to children, pets, and the elderly. Unnecessary and overconsumption could also be fatal.
The benefits of essential oils can be reaped by topical applications or inhalations. Don’t use too much, since essential oils are very much concentrated and potent.
Precautions
- Always purchase essential oils from a reliable vendor selling high-quality products.
- Keep essential oils away from sensitive areas such as genitals and eyes.
- Always perform a patch test before using essential oil for massage
- Store essential oils in a cool place, away from direct sunlight.
Side Effects
Excessive use of anything could have a drawback, applies the same for essential oils. Always advising a health expert to decide what is suitable for you will reduce the chances of side effects like allergic reactions and skin irritation.
Homemade recipes or DIY
Recipe 1: Garlic milk
blending milk, water, and crushed garlic cloves and bringing it to a boil. Simmer it for 5mins and then strain the milk. Add honey, but that’s optimal. Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties, which helps relieve pain.
Recipe 2: Turmeric
adding a teaspoon of turmeric powder with 1 cup of hot milk. Drinking this can help tame inflammation, especially for sciatic pain and other conditions of sciatica.
Hoping the above content regarding essential oils for sciatica and conditions like the sciatic pain was useful to you. Essentials oils for sciatica are the trending buddies for one’s health and wellness. Keeping in mind the dos and don’ts, precautions and side-effects regarding essential oils will hold one at bay from unwanted complications. Consult a health expert before applying essential oils to ensure that you do not suffer any side effects.
