Arnica Gel

Arnica grows in mountain woods and pastures of central Europe and Russia, the Pyrenees and in Northern America and Canada. The dried flower heads and rhizome are used herbally and was first used by Swiss mountaineers to help prevent sore and aching limbs. It has seldom been used internally, because of its irritant effect on the stomach. Its action is stimulant and diuretic, and it is chiefly used in low fevers and paralytic affections. As a homoeopathic tincture, Arnica has been used successfully in the treatment of epilepsy and for seasickness.

Used on unbroken skin to alleviate sprains, muscle pains and dislocations, it is also said to be helpful when painted on unbroken chilblains.

Applied promptly, it helps prevent the formation of bruises by stopping the capillaries from bleeding. It works by stimulating the activity of white blood cells which process congested blood, and by dispersing trapped fluids from joints and muscles and bumped and bruised tissue. It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial qualities and it is these that help to reduce pain and swelling as well as improving wound healing. Recent trials involving a team of rugby players and a group of mothers with young children compared the efficacy of different bruising treatments.

A variety of bruising treatments were used including anti-oxidant injections, sports compresses, painkillers and vitamin K, which is thought to speed up healing, as well as Arnica cream and pillules.

In virtually all cases, Arnica was the favoured option: while the cream was effective in treating bruises and swelling, the pillules also treat shock and can provide relief faster as there is no need for it to be absorbed through the skin.

Other herbs to use to prevent the formation of bruising include calendula that is an all round skin herb. Taking vitamin C with bioflavonoids boosts the capillaries to withstand knocks.

Adding 15ml of the tincture to a hot water footbath is said to provide relief for tender feet. Applied to the scalp it is said to stimulate hair growth.

Although Arnica may be an historical remedy, modern science has showed that the role it plays doesn't stop at bruises. Increasing evidence suggests that it also may help the body recover from surgery, from toothache to childbirth. Research on dental patients showed that arnica helped to control pain and bleeding after treatment.

Note: External use only. It has been used internally but is not recommended as some people are particularly sensitive to the plant and many severe cases of poisoning have resulted from its use. Likewise, repeated use externally may cause inflammations or other reactions; at the first signs of anything like this, stop taking it and consult a medical professional. Arnica must never be used on broken or lacerated skin or where blood is seeping.