Sciatica is a neuralgic pain due to the inflammation or irritation of one of the two sciatic nerves running through the lower limbs, from the lower back to the heel through the back of the thigh.
This pain can be confused with lumbar pain, and its diagnosis is reserved for the medical profession. Often located on one of the two nerves, the pain is acute, often unbearable and very disabling.
Don't panic, some essential oils can help you manage this bad patch, reducing inflammation and pain.
We have selected Lemon Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Citriodora) for its anti-inflammatory action, the essential oils of Wintergreen (gaultheria procumbens) or Odorante (gaultheria fragrantissima) for its analgesic properties and finally Peppermint essence (Mentha x piperita) which is a recognized painkiller.
Sciatica: which essential oils are effective against pain?
The essence of Lemon Eucalyptus, the anti-inflammatory
The essence of Lemon Eucalyptus is composed in great majority of citronnellal, a molecule with strong anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, this essential oil is able to inhibit biological reactions that usually lead to the development of inflammation. Thus, its use will allow to reduce the pains and to avoid their propagation.
How to use it ?
By skin application, dilute 1 drop of Lemon Eucalyptus essence in 5 drops of St. John's wort oily macerate (or another vegetable oil). Apply 3 to 4 times a day as long as the pain persists.
Precautions - Take care to dilute well Lemon Eucalyptus essence It should be used at least at 30% to avoid any skin irritation. This essential oil contains several allergens (limonene, citral, geraniol, linalool, citronellol, eugenol), it is preferable to make a test in the hollow of the elbow before regular use.
Contra-indications - It is usable by the children from 3 years, by the pregnant women except during their first trimester of pregnancy, and the nursing women.
Oils of sweet gaultheria and couched, analgesics
Essences of Wintergreenor Odorante, sometimes called Wintergreen, are both from of a small shrub of the Gaultheria family known to contain a large amount of methyl salicylate, a molecule that was used to synthesize aspirin. Like the commercial molecule, the essential oil has analgesic properties that will help manage the pain associated with sciatica.
How to use the oil of Gaulthérie Couchée or Odorante ?
In cutaneous application, dilute 3 drops of essential oil of Wintergreen or Odorante in 10 drops of vegetable oil of Arnica (or another vegetable oil). Apply 3 to 4 times a day until improvement.
Cautions - Epileptic subjects should not use these essences without medical advice.
Contra-indications - These essential oils are suitable only for children over 7 years old and are not suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Its use must be external only. Essences of Sweet Clover and Couched Gaultheria are not suitable for people on anticoagulants or for people allergic to aspirin and its derivatives. Also, it is not suitable for people with eczema, asthma, ulcers, or hiatal hernia. Finally, it cannot be used before a surgical operation.
Peppermint essential oil, the invigorating one
Peppermint is a medicinal herb and universal aromatic. If it is very used to fight against headaches for example, its anaesthetic and analgesic properties, due to menthol, will also be beneficial to calm the pains related to neuralgia. This oil is also very refreshing, able to reduce pain.
How to use it ?
For a cutaneous application, dilute 1 drop of Peppermint essence in 9 drops of St. John's wort vegetable oil (or another of your choice).
Lightly massage the painful area up to three times a day, but not beyond 3 weeks.
Cautions - The use of Peppermint essential oil requires the advice of a specialist for people prone to asthma and epileptic fits. A medical opinion is essential for a prolonged catch. This essential oil contains several allergens (limonene, linalol), it is preferable to make a test in the hollow of the elbow before regular use.
Contraindications - Contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding as well as for children up to 6 years. Be careful, Peppermint essential oil has many contraindications. Irritating for the ocular mucous membranes, avoid any contact with the eyes.
In the event of contact, to pass a compress soaked with vegetable oil, then to rinse abundantly with water. The Peppermint can have neurotoxic effects with strong dose and has an action mimicking that of the estrogens. Do not use in case of G6PD enzyme deficiencies, because it can cause jaundice, inflammation of the gallbladder, biliary lithiasis, seriously affect the liver, hypertension as well as important cardiovascular problems.
Roman chamomile oil, the antispasmodic
The distillation of Roman Chamomile flowers allows to obtain an essential oil containing monoterpene esters such as isobutyl angelate which has an anti-spasmodic effect. Thus, the nervous spasms involved in sciatica will be reduced and the pain relieved. Also this essence, like the herbal tea, is calming and relaxing, allowing a better management of the pain.
Cow to use Roman Chamomile essential oil ?
By cutaneous way: to place 1 drop of essential oil of Roman Chamomile in 4 drops of vegetable oil. Gently massage the painful area, 3 times a day until improvement.
Precautions - The use of the essence of Roman ChamomileThe use of this product for people with epilepsy should be done with the help of a therapist. At too high a dose, it may cause dizziness and a risk of apathy. The only allergen listed in these essential oils is limonene, but in small quantities. It nevertheless presents a risk of allergies in people allergic to asteraceae. It is always preferable to do a test in the hollow of the elbow before regular use.
Contraindications - The essence of Roman Chamomile will make everyone happy, with the exception of pregnant women during the first three months of pregnancy, nursing mothers, and children under 3 years of age.
How to combine essential oils for the treatment of sciatica?
The relaxing massage
In an appropriate bottle, add 30 drops of Peppermint essence and Roman Chamomile, then 45 drops of Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil. Add to this mixture 130 drops of St. John's wort oily macerate. Apply by massaging lightly the painful area using 4 to 6 drops of the synergy.
Repeat up to 3 times a day for up to 3 weeks of use.
Oily macerate of St. John's wort is photosensitizing. Avoid exposure to the sun for 12 hours after use.
The anti-pain massage
Pour into a bottle, 4 mL of essential oil of Sweet Clover, 3 mL of Lemon Eucalyptus essence and the same amount of Peppermint. Then add 20 mL of oily macerate of Arnica. Apply by massaging the painful surface, at most 3 times a day, up to 3 weeks of use.