Hey David, dosing question about an acute pain formula for severe lower back injury (bulged disc, stenosis) that has flared up significantly (this is for myself). I can barely walk right now and am in a pretty significant amount of pain. My ND had given me some cyclobenzaprine for acute situations like this but I prefer not to take it. Pain is a bit of everything, sharp and stinging nerve type pain that shoots down my legs and up my back, severe muscle tension and spasms, throbbing when in the most comfortable position. Here's what I whipped up real quick (brain not functioning too well right now so it might be a bit off...) 20% Hypericum 15 % Dipsacus 15% Cimicifuga 15% Monotropa 15% Corydalis 15% Piscidia 5% Zanthoxylum Is it okay to take 5 ml every 3-4 hours. I calculated the dosages of each herb so i'm only getting about .75 ml of the 15% herbs per 5 ml dosage, which is a bit under or within the recommended dosages for all the remedies. I'm a bit new to Monotropa and Corydalis so those were the ones I was most uncertain about. Also wasn't sure how fitting Dipsacus is for severe acute pain? Wasn't sure how fitting Aesculus would be for the throbbing pain? Thanks for your help, i'm in rough shape over here.

David said: Dear Sajah, I am so sorry to hear about this, I have some experience with low back pain and I feel for you. I think your formula is fine, although as you mentioned Teasel root is more of a long term herb, not so much for acute pain. I would replace it with Kava for the spasms, perhaps some Sweet Melilot and if you can get it about 5% Bai Zhi which will potentiate the Corydalis. Topically a combination of Arnica and Hypericum with a little Black Pepper EO and Wintergreen EO may help. Also does heat help, get on the heating pad if it does, acupuncture would be useful here and if you know a good bodyworker a periformis release and working on the psoas may help. I hope you feel better quickly.