Herbal and plant-based medicines can be highly effective at reducing sciatica pain helping you manage the issue, particularly when used in conjunction with physical therapies. Below, we’ll go into more detail on a product we’re very proud of: Our Nerve Oil. But first, here’s a quick primer on sciatica and related nerve issues.

What is Sciatica? 

Sciatica is a condition that many have heard of but few understand. It’s common to think that any lower back or leg pain is sciatica, but you’d be wrong. Sciatica actually refers to pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve - the largest and longest nerve in the human body. This nerve branches out from your lower back and runs down each leg. 

Sciatica can occur for various reasons, but the most common is a slipped or herniated disc in the spine, which then presses against the nerve roots. Other causes include bone spurs, narrowing of the spinal canal, or muscle tension. A tight piriformis muscle in the buttock can be enough to trigger it. These issues can disrupt the normal function of the nerve, leading to pain, tingling, numbness, swelling, or a general feeling of weakness that radiates from the lower back, through the buttock, and down the leg. 

Although sciatica symptoms may clear up within a few weeks for some, this isn’t always the case. Chronic cases can linger or recur, especially if the underlying causes aren’t addressed. It’s one of several nerve-related problems - such as diabetic neuropathy or compressed nerves in other areas of the body - which can lead to persistent and frustrating discomfort.

In this blog we’ll look at natural ways you can prevent and ease symptoms of sciatica, and answer some of the big questions about nerve pain, including… 

• Who is most at risk of sciatica?

• Can a herbal nerve oil ease sciatica symptoms?

• What natural treatments can provide comfort and relief?

• What are the best ways to treat sciatica? 

• Can herbal medicine treat the root cause of sciatica? 

• What is the science behind Zen Maitri’s Nerve Oil?

Who is Most at Risk of Sciatica? 

According to a 2016 article by Harvard Health, up to 40% of people will suffer from sciatica in their lifetime, and it’s most commonly caused by a slipped disc – when the soft tissue between vertebrae in your spine pokes out. 

If you’re experiencing sciatica, you might feel some of the following symptoms: 

• Sharp or shooting pain along the nerve pathway (lower back, buttock and the back of the leg).

• A numbness or weakness in this area which can spread all the way to your feet.

• Paraesthesia – abnormal sensations like pins and needles or prickling of the skin.

• Pain that worsens with sitting, coughing, or sneezing.

There are several factors that might make you more susceptible to sciatica. Considering which of these might apply to you will give you a clearer picture of the cause of the problem, and help determine which natural treatments might benefit you. 

• Age – as we get older, the soft tissue connecting the bones in our spine weakens, making it more likely to become herniated (ruptured) and put pressure on nerves.

• Occupation – heavy lifting and repeatedly bending down can, over time, strain the back and legs; causing damage to the muscles and irritating the nerves.

• Sedentary lifestyle – prolonged periods of sitting down can compress the spinal discs and cause aggravation.

• Obesity – excess body weight can put additional stress on the spine, leading to spinal changes that can cause sciatica.

• Diabetes – this disease affects the body's ability to regulate blood sugar and can lead to something called diabetic neuropathy, which causes damage to the nerves in the hands, feet and legs.

• Posture and Ergonomics - Poor posture, particularly during work or prolonged sitting, can strain the lower back and contribute to nerve compression. Similarly, improper ergonomics in the workplace can increase risk.

• Lack of Core Strength - Weak abdominal and back muscles can reduce spinal support, increasing the risk of spinal issues and sciatica.

• Pregnancy - Pregnancy-related weight gain, hormonal changes (such as relaxin affecting ligaments), and shifting posture can all increase pressure on the sciatic nerve.

• Genetic Predisposition - Some individuals may inherit conditions like degenerative disc disease or spinal abnormalities, which can make them more prone to nerve-related issues.

• Smoking - Smoking can accelerate spinal degeneration by reducing blood flow to spinal tissues, increasing the risk of disc-related problems that may lead to sciatica.

• Trauma or Injury - Falls, car accidents, or sports injuries can cause sudden damage to the spine or surrounding muscles, triggering sciatica.

Introducing our Nerve Oil: A Comprehensive Formula for Sciatica Relief

Zen Maitri’s Nerve Oil takes a holistic approach, addressing nerve damage and pain from multiple angles. By combining anti-inflammatory, nerve-soothing, circulation-enhancing, and antioxidant-rich ingredients, this formula offers a powerful, natural solution for those dealing with sciatica, neuropathy, and other nerve-related issues. It’s a carefully crafted blend that harnesses the best of herbal medicine to bring effective, targeted relief when you need it most.

The Science Behind Zen Maitri’s Nerve Oil

Nerve pain, or neuropathic pain, is different from typical pain. Unlike nociceptive pain, which is a direct response to tissue damage or harmful stimuli (like a cut or a burn), neuropathic pain arises from dysfunction or damage to the nerves themselves. It can manifest as a sharp, burning, tingling, or numb sensation, and it often continues long after the initial trigger has resolved. 

Nerve pain can result from changes in nerve structure or function, which alter the way pain signals are transmitted and interpreted by your brain. This can occur anywhere along the nervous system, from peripheral nerves (which spread throughout your body) to the spinal cord and brain.

Neuropathic pain is notoriously challenging to treat because it often involves changes in the nervous system that continue even after the initial injury heals. These changes can include alterations in nerve cell receptors, inflammatory responses in surrounding cells and central sensitisation - a state where the central nervous system becomes hypersensitive to pain signals. As a result, even a light touch or mild pressure can be perceived as painful. 

Given these complexities, it’s important to use a targeted, multifaceted approach when addressing nerve discomfort. 

Zen Maitri’s Nerve Oil has been carefully formulated to tackle various aspects of nerve pain with a powerful blend of natural oils and botanical extracts. Each ingredient has been chosen based on its scientific evidence and traditional use in herbal medicine. Our team of medical herbalists has developed this formula to bring relief from a range of angles: reducing inflammation, soothing nerve irritation, boosting circulation, and supporting nerve repair.

How Our Natural Nerve Oil Ingredients Work to Soothe Sciatica From Five Angles 

Easing Inflammation

Inflammation is a key factor in nerve pain, as it can increase the sensitivity of nerve endings and prolong pain signals. Our Nerve Oil includes several potent anti-inflammatory ingredients, including: 

Frankincense and Wintergreen oils are among the most effective natural anti-inflammatories. Wintergreen’s methyl salicylate content acts similarly to aspirin, helping to soothe inflammation along nerve pathways, particularly in conditions like sciatica.

St John’s Wort contains anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and neuroprotective properties that make it adept at easing the pain caused by nerve injury, and enabling the body to begin the healing process. 

Calendula oil is included for its gentle yet effective anti-inflammatory properties, helping to calm irritated tissues and reduce the risk of further nerve irritation.

Soothing and Repairing Nerves

Neuropathic pain often persists due to heightened nerve sensitivity and altered pain pathways. Our formula includes ingredients known for their ability to soothe and support nerve healing:

St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a standout for its nerve-soothing properties. It has been shown in clinical studies to possess antinociceptive effects, meaning it can help block pain signals at the level of the nervous system. It’s particularly effective when combined with other analgesic ingredients, enhancing their pain-relieving effects.

Comfrey oil contributes to the formula with its renowned tissue-healing properties. It contains allantoin, a compound that supports the regeneration of damaged muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues - often areas affected in cases of nerve-related pain.

Enhancing Circulation

Good blood flow is essential for nerve health and healing. Without adequate circulation, nerves can become starved of oxygen and nutrients, worsening pain and hindering the body’s natural recovery processes.

Capsicum oil is derived from chilli peppers. It’s a powerful stimulant for circulation that contains capsaicin, a compound known to stimulate blood flow and create a warming sensation that can help ease pain. Capsaicin is well-documented for its role in depleting Substance P - a neurotransmitter associated with the perception of pain. As a result it helps to reduce pain signals.

Sandalwood oil supports enhanced blood flow and nutrient delivery to the affected areas, helping with nerve repair and reducing tension.

Protecting Against Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress, a process where free radicals damage nerve cells, plays a significant role in nerve pain and damage. Ingredients with antioxidant properties help to mitigate this damage and protect nerve function.

Vitamin E is included for its antioxidant effects, helping to neutralise free radicals and protect the nerves. It also plays a role in preserving the shelf life of the oil blend, ensuring that the active compounds remain potent.

Lavender oil further enhances the protective effect, providing both antioxidant support and additional anti-inflammatory benefits to soothe the skin and nerve tissues.

Calming Tension and Muscle Spasms

Nerve discomfort often leads to muscle tension and spasms, which can worsen pain. Our blend includes oils known for their calming and muscle-relaxing properties:

Lavender oil offers a multifaceted approach, combining anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antispasmodic effects. Its soothing aroma also helps alleviate stress and anxiety, which are common responses to chronic pain.

The sweet, grounding scent of Sandalwood oil helps create a sense of calm and relaxation, aiding in the release of muscle tension and providing comfort.

Looking for More Advice to Ease your Sciatica? 

Mild symptoms of sciatica usually clear up quickly and can be soothed using natural treatments. Our Nerve Oil is a perfect example. If your symptoms are severe or become progressively worse, then we recommend reaching out for support. 

Our medical herbalists are here to help. If you’re not sure how to implement a plant-based, natural treatment regime for sciatica or other nerve pain, you can book a consultation and benefit from a tailored herbal prescription.