We have covered a lot on sciatica during pregnancy in a previous post. This post will focus mainly on home remedies to help alleviate the symptoms.
It is not advisable for a pregnant woman to take herbs without first checking with her midwife, doctor, or naturopath. Some herbs are not safe for pregnancy, some might interfere with the medicine or supplement you are taking.
So you have to be careful while taking herbs during pregnancy. And if the herb was prescribed for you, please stick to the dosage, don’t go above it.
The following herbs can help relieve the pain of sciatica during pregnancy and they are safe for pregnant women.
Safe Home Remedies For Sciatica During Pregnancy
Fenugreek seeds
This is a powerful remedy for sciatica pain, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis. It has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that get rid of pain and swelling.
Get a handful of fenugreek seeds and crush them. Mix the powder with warm water or yogurt to form a mushy paste. Apply the paste on the affected for a few hours and then wash it off.
Do this daily to get your desired relief.
Capsaicin cream
This is the active ingredient found in cayenne pepper. It is a natural pain reliever. It acts by reducing the levels of substance P, a neurotransmitter that transports pain signals in the body.
If the level of this substance is reduced, the pain reduces. Don’t apply this cream on broken skin. Apply the cream to the affected area 4 times daily and massage lightly.
Do this for one week.
Turmeric
Curcumin, the powerful compound in turmeric reduces pain and inflammation. You can take the supplements or take turmeric tea. Take it daily until the pain goes.
Avoid this if you are on diabetic medication or blood thinners.
Valerian root
You have to check with your doctor to rule out medical contraindications and to see if you can take this herb. It is a powerful relaxant and it can relieve chronic nerve pain. it relaxes the muscles and makes one sleep.
You can drink the tea or take the supplement. Please stick to the dose as excess can harm you or your baby.
Steep half teaspoon of dried valerian root in 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Strain the mixture and allow it cool. Drink this twice weekly.
Aloe Vera
This herb has wonderful soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It also hastens the healing of the sciatic nerve. Drink ¼ cup of aloe vera juice once daily.
You can also apply the gel to the affected region.
White willow bark
This herb should be used under the supervision of a naturopath or doctor. It reduces pain and has anti-inflammatory properties. you can take it in tea form or supplement.
Ginger
Ginger tea or oil can relieve pain and even morning sickness. It also reduces inflammation. You can take the tea three times daily.
Add 5 drops of ginger oil to one tablespoon of coconut oil. Mix and apply this blend to the affected area. Massage lightly and repeat this twice daily.
Garlic milk
This powerful herb has many wonderful properties including the reduction of pain and inflammation. Peel and crush 10 cloves of garlic.
Put a pan on fire and the crushed garlic, 1 cup of water, and 2 cups of milk to a pan. Bring this to a boil and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Strain it and let it cool.
Add some honey and consume this drink two times daily.
Elderberry
Elderberry juice is highly effective in relieving sciatica pain in pregnancy. It has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.
Add a teaspoon of elderberry to a cup of boiling water and let it steep for 10 minutes. Strain and drink when warm. You can add honey for taste. Take this 3 times daily.
Chamomile tea
This herb has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. add 1 teaspoon to a cup of boiling water and leave it to steep for 10 minutes.
Strain and drink when warm. Do this three times daily.
Arnica
This is a great solution for nerve pain in pregnancy. You can take it orally and it is also available in rubs and creams.
Epsom salt
Soaking in Epsom salt for 20 minutes relieves pain, inflammation, and other discomforts. Fill your bathtub with warm water and add 2 cups of Epsom salt.
This salt is so rich in magnesium.
Peppermint oil
This is a natural pain reliever, highly potent, and hastens recovery. Mix 5 drops of this essential oil with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Mix properly and apply this mixture to the affected region.
Massage slightly. Do this twice daily.
Devil’s claw
Pregnant women with ulcers or blood-thinning medications should not use this herb. It is best you take the supplement. Choose a brand that contains 50mg of harpagoside.
Nutmeg powder
Roast some nutmeg in a tablespoon of ginger oil. Let it cool down a bit and then you apply it to the affected area.
Potato juice
Mix potato and carrot juice together and drink. This will relieve the pain and irritation of sciatica affecting the legs.
Celery juice
This is a powerful home remedy for sciatica in pregnant women. It relieves inflammation quickly. Blend some fresh celery stalks and sieve. Add honey and drink 2 times daily.
Mustard oil
This is one of the best home remedies for sciatica. Heat 3 tablespoons of mustard oil, add three carom seeds, and 3 cloves of crushed garlic.
Wait until it cools down, then massage the affected place with this mixture.
Horseradish
This is one of the best home remedies for sciatic pain. Grind half horseradish into a thick paste and apply on the affected area. Wrap the area with a clean washcloth.
Leave it on overnight. Do this daily when you want to go to bed.
Apple cider vinegar
This is one of the most effective home remedies for this condition. It reduces inflammation and pain.
Add 500ml of ACV to a basin of warm water. Add a cup of Epsom salt to this and mix well. Soak your feet in this for 15 minutes. do this three times weekly.
When to See a Doctor?
Sciatica can be managed at home but if it is not responding to all the treatment you are doing, you should see a doctor ASAP. See a doctor if you notice that:
- The pain is increasing and it is severe
- The pain is interfering with your daily activity
- Your symptoms persist for more than a few months after giving birth to your baby.
Conclusion
Sciatica during pregnancy is common and there are many ways you can relieve this at home. We hope this post helps you.
Regular exercise, the right diet, an active lifestyle, and the right posture can prevent this from happening in the first place. Not all women experience this but a majority do.
Did you experience sciatica during pregnancy? Please share with us how you found relief.
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