Nerves & Sensory

Sciatica & Nerve Pain

Calm irritated peripheral nerves, reduce surrounding inflammation, and support myelin repair for sciatica, pinched nerves, and neuralgia.

Prevention

Key nutrients: B-complex (B1, B6, B12), alpha-lipoic acid, magnesium, vitamin D, omega-3, acetyl-L-carnitine.

Eat regularly: Oily fish, eggs, leafy greens, sunflower seeds, almonds, beef liver, nutritional yeast, turmeric, ginger, berries.

Strengthen the core and glutes, avoid prolonged sitting, sleep with a pillow between knees, and practice piriformis and hamstring stretches daily.

Hypericum (homeopathic)

OtherTraditional use

30C, 3–5 pellets every 1–2 hours for shooting, electric-shock nerve pain — the classic homeopathic for any injured or irritated nerve.

St. John's wort (topical)

HerbTraditional use

St. John's wort infused oil massaged along the painful nerve 2–3×/day — traditional remedy for sciatica and neuralgia.

⚠ Cautions: Internal St. John's wort interacts with many medications including antidepressants and birth control.

Magnesium glycinate

MineralStrong evidence

400–600 mg/day calms nerve excitability and relieves muscle spasm pressing on the nerve.

B12 (methylcobalamin)

VitaminStrong evidence

1000–5000 mcg/day sublingual — essential for myelin repair; deficiency causes nerve pain and numbness.

Alpha-lipoic acid

OtherStrong evidence

600 mg/day reduces neuropathic pain, tingling, and burning — best-studied for diabetic neuropathy but useful broadly.

Benfotiamine (B1)

VitaminStrong evidence

150–300 mg 2×/day — fat-soluble thiamine that protects nerves from glycation damage.

Turmeric (curcumin)

HerbStrong evidence

500 mg curcumin with piperine 2–3×/day reduces inflammation around compressed nerves.

Acetyl-L-carnitine

OtherStrong evidence

1500–3000 mg/day supports nerve regeneration and reduces neuropathic pain.

Capsaicin cream (topical)

HerbStrong evidence

0.025–0.075% cream applied 3–4×/day depletes substance P and reduces nerve pain over 2–4 weeks.

⚠ Cautions: Burning sensation at first; wash hands after applying; avoid eyes and broken skin.

Devil's claw

HerbModerate evidence

50–100 mg harpagoside daily for lower-back and sciatic pain.

Magnesia Phosphorica 6X (tissue salt)

MineralTraditional use

Schüssler 'antispasmodic' salt — 4 tablets dissolved in hot water and sipped at the onset of shooting or cramping nerve pain.

Kali Phosphoricum 6X (tissue salt)

MineralTraditional use

Schüssler 'nerve salt' — 4 tablets 2–3× daily for nerve irritation aggravated by stress and exhaustion.

A note of caution. Natural doesn't mean risk-free. Herbs and supplements can interact with medications, affect pregnancy, or worsen certain conditions. Speak with a qualified clinician before starting a new regimen, especially if you take prescriptions.