Willow

• Willow contains salicin, a powerful painkiller similar to aspirin. Willow can be taken in tea or supplement form. Occasional side effects may include mild stomach upset. Be sure the supplement you choose contains 60 to 120 mg of salicin. Lesser amounts may not provide pain relief.
  
  

Wintergreen

• Oil of wintergreen contains methyl salicylate, an external anti-inflammatory. Rubbed on the skin, it relieves sore muscles. Added to the bath, it can relax the muscles and soothe sciatic pain. Warning: Keep oil of wintergreen out of the reach of children. Even small amounts can be dangerous to children. Purchase oil of wintergreen only if it is sold in child-proof packaging.
  
  

Valerian and Other Muscle Relaxants

• To relieve the tension and cramping that is sometimes associated with sciatica, muscle relaxant teas or tinctures may be helpful. Valerian, skullcap and cramp bark act on the nervous system and prevent muscle spasms. Other sedative or relaxant herbs include hops, passionflower, catnip and chamomile. Some of these preparations may cause mild drowsiness.
  
  

Capsaicin

• In a Tongji Medical University study, topical capsaicin, a compound derived from cayenne peppers, raised the pain threshold for individuals suffering from sciatic pain. Capsaicin may cause skin irritation at the site of the application. Do not use capsaicin if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
  
  

Devil's Claw

• Devil's Claw is an anti-inflammatory and has analgesic properties. A study to determine the effectiveness of Harpagophytum (a component of Devil's Claw) on back pain showed that more individuals receiving Harpagophytum extract reported improvement in their pain over a placebo group.
  
  

Turmeric

• Sciatica is often defined as an inflammation of the sciatic nerve. Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory with a growing reputation. Turmeric helps the body produce prostaglandins to fight inflammation. Turmeric's reputation as an inflammation fighter has been proven in studies on arthritis.
  
  

Sciatica Tips

• Maintain a healthy weight and sensible exercise program. There are specific stretching and strengthening exercises specific to sciatica. Consider yoga as an adjunct to your regular exercise routine. During an episode of sciatica, move as much as possible. Acupuncture, acupressure and biofeedback are gaining favor for the treatment of sciatic pain.