Arnica cream
Nature’s first aid box
Arnica creams and gels have long been used by mothers to treat their children. In fact I am never without Arnica cream in my first aid box.
Let’s look at the benefits of Arnica creams and gels.
The Arnica flower
Arnica is a beautiful, small yellow flower, which is part of the Sunflower family. It has a delightful scent, which is subtle but sweet and exotic. The flower almost has a subdued Ylang Ylang aroma to it.
The actual word Arnica could be derived from either of the two following Greek words :-
- “arnikis” which translated means lamb’s coat, a reference to the soft petals of the delicate flower
- or “ptarnica” which means to make one sneeze.
Arnica is know as the herb of Freya, who used Arnica in her summer love rituals, and in Nordic mythology, Arnica was strewn in the fields in midsummer to protect the crops from the Norse demon Bilwis.
Arnica uses
Arnica is used for a wide range of topical conditions, which include:
- Bruising & swelling – Arnica cream or gel is commonly used to speed up the healing of bruises as Arnica helps to enhance blood circulation and reduce the severity and duration of bruising and reduces swelling.
- Sprains – Topical application of arnica creams or gels, can be beneficial in treating sprains. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties also contribute to pain reduction and faster recovery.
- Post surgical recovery – Arnica ointment is sometimes used to reduce swelling and pain after surgical procedures.
- Pain relief – Due to the anti-inflammatory nature of the arnica flowers, Arnica creams,gels and ointments can provide pain relief, reduce inflammation and can alleviate muscle aches, joint pain and arthritis.
- Insect bites and stings – The anti-inflammatory properties of Arnica provide relief from itching, swelling, and pain associated with insect bites and stings.
- Skin aliments – Some people use Arnica creams and gels topically to treat certain skin conditions, such as eczema or dermatitis. The anti-inflammatory effects can help soothe irritated skin.
Arnica oil also helps to boost circulation and speed up the healing process.
For years, Arnica has been used as a homeopathic treatment for skin, scalp and hair conditions because Arnica has anti-inflammatory properties, it helps to :-
- prevent infection to the scalp
- strengthen hair follicles
- and reduce premature hair loss, greying and split ends
However,
Although the Arnica flower is powerful for moving pain out of the body, it is actually toxic if digested internally. For this reason Arnica is only used in creams or gels.
How to use Arnica creams and gels
Your Arnica cream or gel, should be issued with an instruction leaflet and it is always best to read these before apllying the Arnica to your body.
It is recommended to not use Arnica on broken skin or wounds.
Always consult a homeopath, doctor or pharmacist should you be unsure.
As you can see, Arnica is an essential product to have in your first aid kit, whether you choose a cream, gel or lotion, the properties of this wonder flower are invaluable in treating growing children’s many bumps and bruises.
Arnica products can be purchased at your local homeopath, health store or pharmacy.
