How does topical arnica cream/gel work?!
Question:
How does topical arnica cream/gel work?
I use this on my daughters bruises, she is 3 and bangs up her knees and shins playing...it seems the arnica makes the bruises worse looking. Does arnica just speed up the bruising/healing process, so they look worse sooner...and then heal sooner?
Answers:
Hi Joe, Yes arnica balm or ointment can be used as cream or a compress for the affected area, it's a very good treatment.
You also can use five drops of thyme oil diluted either in bathwater or some other oil can be used as a compress to get rid of swelling or horse chestnut is also very useful for such injuries. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties and presence of a compound called aescin it becomes beneficial for all kinds of injuries. You can spread this gel on the affected area every two hours till the pain subsides.
Jason Homan