Have you talked to a doctor about your nerve and muscle pain? That's what people I know who have either or both have done.
Yes, I am in physical therapy on a regular basis with someone who specializes with what I am going through. She also works closely with my doctor who I see as often as needed. I am starting aqua therapy in a week or two. However, I do not want to be on opiates (which I was originally prescribed, they were not really working, and I recently stopped taking them). The tricyclic antidepressants prescribed for nerve pain do not work for me (I have had negative side-effects, besides not wanting to be on them, either), I am now trying out gabapentin and hope it makes a dent in the pain. The pain is severe and I am looking at ALL options. I have always found some relief and help when it comes to plant medicine. I prefer plant medicine whenever possible. My physical therapist and doctor are pro me trying out herbs that do not negatively interact with the gabapentin. They see the amount of pain I am in and want me to feel better.
OK, so, report on the Indian Warrior: I am still experimenting. I know tolerance can build with the pedicularis species. So, I am only trying out doses with it every few days. However, just a few days ago I used a large dose of phenibut and I do not mix phenibut with anything (so I took a break with the pedicularis experimenting). Phenibut takes away my pain almost 100% and it allows me to sleep for long periods of time. The absence of pain lasted near 36 hours this time and really gave me the relief I needed (admittedly, this does not happen every time I take phenibut, sometimes it helps the pain and sometimes it just allows me to sleep a bit although the pain still lingers). Unfortunately, due to the tolerance issues with phenibut, I only take it once every 7 days, so I do need other options.
Anyway, back to Indian Warrior: I first tried a small dose (think it was around 300 mg), weighed it on a scale and put the powder in a capsule (I did this for all doses). I really did not feel anything that might not have been placebo. The next time I tried 600 mg, which again, did not do a whole lot. But, at around 800 mg- 1 gram, I am experiencing a very nice blanket of warmth and slight euphoria for a small amount of time before falling into a very nice sleep. It felt really good, kind of heavy, I wanted to melt into the couch I was laying on. When it came on it was definitely a definitive feeling, it was not placebo, it was very obvious. I am also taking skullcap just about daily and nightly, as well. Now, I did not sleep for more than 3-4 hours and I still woke up in pain. Now, ANY amount of sleep is a big plus for me right now, so I will take the few hours with pleasure!
I plan on trying a couple of other doses that are within 1-2 grams to see how it feels and if it makes a big difference in the experience. It would be great if I could find a dose that lasts a bit longer, maybe helps me fall back asleep if I do wake up, etc. -- a dose that is a bit more pronounced - without any negative side-effects. I will report my findings afterwards!