Arnica and bruises

Ok, I had a request to write about something immediately practical. So, I thought it would be very useful for everyone to know about arnica.  Arnica is a perennial herb with a long history of traditional herbal and homeopathic uses.  (See prior post below for an intro to homeopathy).  Parents will find that it particularly handy this time of year when our kids are apt to get the occasional bumps and bruises as they head outdoors.

If your child does end up with a bump and the skin is intact, apply arnica cream or gel or tincture as soon as possible. You may find the bruising and swelling is completely different with arnica.  The results can actually be quite impressive.  If your child has a bump in which the skin is broken, do NOT apply topical arnica.  Instead, try a dose of over-the-counter homeopathic arnica in the 6c, 12c or 30c potency once by mouth immediately.  Check with a professional homeopath for more specific and individualized dosing.  Arnica topicals and homeopathic remedies may be found in your local health food store and sometimes in regular drug stores.  Arnica treatment of bruising is a gentle and easy introduction to both herbal medicine and homeopathy. 

Don't forget about the usual icing and elevation of the bruised area to reduce swelling.  And, of course, be responsible and see a physician ASAP if your child has a significant injury, laceration, head injury, loss of consciousness, headache, nausea, vomiting, or is otherwise not acting him- or herself.

Photo credit http://en.wikipedia.org