Using Arnica for Bruises
Jun 12, 2024
Does Arnica Help with Bruising?
With a centuries-long history as a natural pain reliever, Arnica montana can also help relieve the symptoms of bruises and may heal bruises faster. When used topically, arnica cream can help restore the color of bruises and reduce pain and inflammation.
While many homeopathic physicians recommend it, how effective is arnica and what kind of arnica is best for bruises? This article discusses how to use arnica for bruises, and why Doctor Hoy’s® Arnica Boost Recovery Cream is a safe, clean, and effective way to relieve bruises naturally.
In This Article:
- Using Arnica on Bruises: Research and Types
- How Arnica Works on Bruises
- The Best Arnica Cream for Bruises
- How to Use Arnica Cream
Using Arnica on Bruises
Arnica montana can be found in tinctures, tablets, oils, balms, creams, and gels. Depending on its application, arnica can relieve discomfort from bruises, swelling, sprains, muscle aches, joint pain, insect bites, and sunburn.
Many alternative medicine practitioners and traditional physicians have used arnica to help treat bruises and swelling from events like impact and sports injuries as well as post-surgery.
Researching Arnica for Bruises
In 2017, a clinical trial analysis suggested that arnica could help reduce bruising and swelling when used with a cold compress. Meanwhile, a 2020 systematic review also found that arnica could help reduce discoloration when used after cosmetic facial procedures.
In a study from the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, participants with recent bruising used arnica cream on their bruises twice a day for a month. In the end, those who used the arnica cream had less bruising compared to participants who used a placebo cream.
Along with using arnica cream on bruises, recent research suggests that arnica might help people manage chronic pain symptoms and may be an effective alternative to some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). More research is needed to confirm how effective the different types of arnica are when treating various ailments.
Homeopathic vs Topical Arnica
Homeopathic arnica tablets are extremely diluted. Otherwise, they could have serious side effects. You should not take arnica orally unless under the direct supervision of your doctor as it can cause drug interactions, particularly with blood thinners.
The best and safest way to use arnica is topically. Arnica gel for bruises contains a measured amount of arnica flower that’s safe when applied to the skin. When using arnica for kids over the age of two, always choose a natural topical like Doctor Hoy’s arnica cream.
How Arnica Works on Bruises
When used as a bruise cream, arnica works with your body’s natural healing abilities to stimulate blood flow to the bruised area. What makes arnica one of the best natural remedies for bruises is its anti-inflammatory benefits. Additionally, arnica is rich in amino acids like glutamine and has antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties.
Arnica creams with MSM (methyl sulfonyl methane) can also help increase the production of collagen, a protein that promotes elasticity and new tissue growth. To improve overall skin health and longevity, arnica is used in some anti-aging skincare products, too.
What is the best arnica cream for bruises?
Specially formulated as a natural bruise and pain reliever, Doctor Hoy’s Arnica Boost Recovery Cream is the best cream for bruise relief. Safe for adults and children over two, Arnica Boost stimulates circulation and helps heal bruises with three key ingredients:
- Arnica montana for rapid bruise relief and faster healing.
- MSM to promote collagen and improve skin health.
- Aloe vera to soothe pain and ease inflammation.
Doctor Hoy’s arnica cream for bruises is non-toxic, paraben-free, and water-based so it dries fast without that leftover greasy feeling. There is no scent or sensation, making Arnica Boost safe for sensitive areas.
Arnica Boost cream can be reapplied frequently for continuous bruise relief. It’s effective when used alone or with Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel, a natural arnica gel for back pain, muscle aches and joint pain.
Directions for Using Arnica Bruise Cream
Apply arnica cream on bruises as you would any lotion or ointment. Squeeze about a fingertip’s amount onto your hand and rub the cream into the bruised area. For larger bruises, use a larger amount. The cream should absorb quickly into the skin. Repeat use as needed.
Arnica should not be applied to open wounds or if you are allergic to arnica and similar flowers like sunflowers or marigolds. If you have sensitive skin, do a patch test before applying arnica to larger areas.
How quickly does arnica work on bruises?
Because arnica works with your body’s natural healing process, your bruises likely won’t heal overnight. Applying arnica can help speed up healing and works faster if you use a combination of arnica and massage therapy to stimulate blood flow. Reapplying arnica cream on bruises three to four times a day may help heal your bruises faster.
How often should I put arnica on a bruise?
Arnica cream should be applied to bruises about three to four times a day, though you can apply it more often. To completely heal your bruises, continue to apply arnica cream for several days after the bruise has disappeared.
Get Natural Relief from Bruises with Doctor Hoy’s Arnica Cream
Many homeopathic doctors and their patients swear by arnica cream for bruises and pain relief. Doctor Hoy’s Arnica Boost Recovery Cream uses natural, powerful ingredients to help heal bruises. Discover safe, clean, and effective relief with the best arnica cream for bruises by Doctor Hoy’s.
References:
Arnica Information | Mount Sinai - New York. (n.d.). Mount Sinai Health System.
Ferguson, S. (2022, February 10) Arnica for Bruises: Does It Work? Healthline.
Iannitti, T. et all. (2016). Effectiveness and Safety of Arnica montana in Post-Surgical Setting, Pain and Inflammation. American Journal of Therapeutics, 23(1), e184–e197. https://doi.org/10.1097/mjt.0000000000000036
Knackstedt, R., & Gatherwright, J. (2020). Perioperative Homeopathic Arnica and Bromelain. Annals of Plastic Surgery, 84(3), e10–e15. https://doi.org/10.1097/sap.0000000000002043
Lee, H. S. et all. (2017). The effectiveness of postoperative intervention in patients after rhinoplasty: a meta-analysis. European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, 274(7), 2685–2694. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-017-4535-6
Sherban, A., Wang, J. V., & Geronemus, R. G. (2021). Growing role for arnica in cosmetic dermatology: Lose the bruise. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 20(7), 2062–2068. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.14191
Smith, A. G. et all. (2021). Clinical Trials, Potential Mechanisms, and Adverse Effects of Arnica as an Adjunct Medication for Pain Management. Medicines, 8(10), 58. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines8100058
What Does Arnica Do For Bruising? (n.d.). Skintensive Skincare.
