Problems with sciatica: gentle alternatives from homeopathy

If you suddenly feel pain from your back to your leg, the sciatic nerve often reports. There are a variety of causes for this, for example nerve inflammation, incorrect strain or a herniated disc. If you prefer alternative treatments without strong painkillers, a variety of homeopathic preparations can provide relief for acute problems.

Good to know: Since there are very different causes of back pain, a careful diagnosis by doctors and possibly also an osteopath is recommended. It is then easier to choose the right homeopathic remedy and possible supplementary measures. So it can make sense to get out of the spiral of pain with targeted movements. Heat treatment of the affected area relaxes the cramped muscles. Here we give you an overview of homeopathic remedies that have proven particularly effective in eliminating acute pain.

Gnaphalium polycephalum

The plant, also known as dysentery or wool herb, is a daisy family and has been used in homeopathy for over a hundred years. It works particularly well for sciatica problems, lumbago, nerve pain and rheumatism of the extremities.

Calcium carbonicum

This so-called “all-rounder” (polychreste) in homeopathy consists of the snow-white interior of the oyster shell. In addition to lime, this mixture also contains other components such as manganese. Calcium carbonicum works, among other things, for back pain and constitutional changes in the spine.

colocynth

The coloquinte is a gourd native to Africa, India and the Mediterranean. The active components of this plant are obtained from the peeled, seeded and dried fruits. Two areas of application are particularly important, the effect on nerves, especially on the spinal cord, and on spasmodic colic in the hollow organs of the abdomen.

Rhus toxicodendron

This climbing plant belongs to the sumac family and is mainly native to North America. The active part of Rhus is particularly recommended for acute problems of the musculoskeletal system and therefore plays an important role in homeopathic sports medicine. It relieves discomfort from muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints.

Ruta graveolens

The garden or rue is found in south-western Europe and North Africa and belongs to the citrus family. Accordingly, the leaves give off an orange-like odor when crushed. Ruta is valued primarily for its effect on the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue. In homeopathy, the rhombus has a beneficial effect on back pain when you have overexerted yourself.

Phytolacca decandra

The pokeweed has dark red berries whose juice was used for dyeing in the past. It is found in North America and the Mediterranean. The effect of this perennial plant extends in homeopathy especially to the joints and the back, the lymph nodes and glandular organs such as the breast.

Dulcamara

The bittersweet nightshade plant, whose full name is Solanum dulcamara, grows in the shade on the banks of streams and rivers. Its red berries taste bittersweet, as the name suggests. The active ingredients are in the stems and leaves before flowering and, as a homeopathic preparation, help you in particular with back pain that occurs in damp and cold weather.

Arnica montana

Arnica should not be missing from this list, the daisy family from mountainous regions, which has been known in folk medicine as a wound-healing plant since the Middle Ages. In addition to its anti-inflammatory effect, the plant also alleviates back problems after injuries and overexertion in homeopathy. In addition, its healing power also relates to diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Correct dosing of homeopathic preparations

If there are no other recommendations from doctors or homeopaths, adults with acute problems take five drops, five globules or one tablet every hour until improvement occurs, but no more than six times a day. Infants up to the end of the first year of life receive one third, small children up to the age of six half and children up to the age of twelve two thirds of the adult dose. The potency D6 has proven itself.

Good to know

Homeopathic remedies help you to relieve your back problems, especially in the lumbar region. If the acute problems do not improve or the pain radiates down the buttocks into the leg, there could be a herniated disc. As a first measure, a so-called "stepped bed storage" can help you. You lie on your back and have your thighs bent at 90 degrees. The lower legs lie on a correspondingly high pad, so that the knee joints are also bent at 90 degrees. If you experience numbness or muscular weakness in your leg, you should see a doctor immediately. There is a risk of permanent nerve damage. A visit is also advisable if you have osteoporosis or if your back pain is getting worse.