Sciatica describes pain anywhere along the sciatic nerve, which runs down the back of your leg from your pelvis toward your knee. That shooting pain and sometimes weakness can radiate anywhere from your lower back to your foot. The underlying cause must be addressed for aromatherapy treatments to be successful. The related symptoms of sciatica can be focused on with anti-inflammatory and nerve-pain-relieving essential oils.
Alone or combined, some suggested essential oils for sciatica are:
• Cedarwood
• Helichrysum
• Lavender
• Lemongrass
• Marjoram
Talk to a healthcare professional if you begin to experience sciatic nerve pain. Knowing the underlying causes helps focus essential-oil treatments.
In combination with other natural remedies, such as stretching, these aromatherapy tools may provide relief.
• Simple massage. Massaging the area with a few diluted drops of analgesic essential oils may provide some quick relief.
• Soothing soak. To reduce the sometimes overwhelming pain of sciatica, sink into a relaxing bath infused with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving oils.
• Cool compress. An oil-infused cool compress can bring quick relief to nerve pain. You can alternate between cool compresses to reduce inflammation and warm compresses, to increase blood flow.
Natural Partners for Aromatherapy
For maximum results, combine your essential oils with these other natural remedies:
• Stretch your muscles. A regular yoga routine can help relieve sciatic nerve pain. If you sit often, get up and walk around or stretch periodically.
• Sip some tea. Drinking chamomile, ginger, or peppermint tea can help reduce inflammation.
• Take vitamins. Taking vitamins B12, C, and D may help reduce pain and inflammation.
When sciatica pain strikes, you want quick relief at the ready. Here are two aromatherapy recipes that help.
After stretching, use a firm hand to massage this relieving mixture on painful areas, focusing on the lower back toward the base of your spine.
1 tablespoon carrier oil
4 drops lavender oil
3 drops helichrysum oil
2 drops lemongrass oil
Combine the oils in a small glass bowl. Massage the mixture firmly onto your lower back, buttock, hip, thigh, and length of leg.
Sink into a relaxing bath infused with essential oils and also soothing Epsom salts to help melt away the pain.
12 drops cedarwood oil
10 drops marjoram oil
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 cup Epsom salts
½ cup coarse sea salt
½ cup baking soda
1 dark-glass pint jar
In a large glass bowl, combine the oils. Add in the Epsom salts, sea salt, and baking soda and whisk to combine. Pour the mixture into your jar. Add ¼ to ½ cup of the blend to a hot bath.