Natural Treatment For Bruised Skin – Arnica Montana
I would never have even heard of Arnica Montana if my yoga teacher hadn’t told me about it. It is one of the natural remedies that is just not that well-known. Pamela Allardice writing in her book, Natural Remedies – A to Z says “Father Jon Kunzle, a great herbalist of the 19th century recommended that it be made into an ointment or tincture for use in case of sprains, dislocation and swelling caused by them.” This advice still holds true today. Arnica can be used to reduce inflammation, soothe muscle aches and heal wounds.
Arnica, the common name for Arnica Montana can be used as a natural remedy for bruises, sprains, swellings and common athletic injuries. Pamela says you can make your own arnica tincture by soaking a handful of fresh arnica flowers in pure alcohol (or 80 proof vodka)) for two weeks. Unfortunately, Arnica flowers aren’t available where I live.
You can though go to your local natural foods market or heath food store and find a good selection of Arnica products. Our regular grocery store actually carries Arnica products in the Health Food section. You can get Arnica in a cream, ointment, tincture or salve form. These forms are all used as topically, in other words you apply them to your skin. You can also get Arnica in a homeopathic remedy.
Arnica is often used in homeopathy, and should be taken internally only in the extremely diluted form common to homeopathic remedies. A homeopathic remedy generally comes in pill form and they are normally taken as pills which are placed under the tongue. Often, homeopathic remedies are categorized by symptoms and not the name of the medicine. So, you might find Arnica Montana under the name “Bruised Skin.”
If your concerned about Arnica interacting with other medicines you take consult your doctor or your pharmacist. It is always a good idea to check with your doctor before taking any herbal remedy internally.
