by Steven Horne, RH(AHG)

Nerve Eight is a natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic herbal blend. It works on pain and inflammation in several ways.

First of all, it contains two herbs with natural salycilates (the forerunner of aspirin), white willow and black coshosh. Both are helpful for inhibiting the prostaglandins involved in the inflammatory response, just like aspirin. Black cohosh also has the benefit of being antispasmodic, so it eases muscle tension (another common factor in pain).

The antispasmodic action of black cohosh is aided by valerian and hops. These are sedative herbs, meaning the sedate the central nervous system. This gives them a relaxing and mild pain relieving action.

Wood betony and Devil’s claw are two more herbs in this formula with anti-inflammatory properties. Devil’s claw, white willow and black cohosh have all been used historically to ease the pain and inflammation of arthritis. Wood betony is a good remedy for soothing the nerves and has been helpful for neuralgia (nerve pain).

The capsicum and ginger in this formula help to stimulate circulation. Ginger is anti-inflammatory and capsicum is directly analgesic. Capsaicin, a compound in capsicum directly blocks pain receptors.

Nerve Eight is an excellent blend for chronic muscle and joint pain, tension headaches, arthritis, neuralgia and other forms of pain due to chronic inflammation. Take two capsules every two to four hours up to about 10 or 12 capsules per day maximum. Nerve Eight combines well with Joint Support for arthritic and muscle pain.