The source
Often referred to as the "homeopathic Ibuprofen," Arnica is an essential remedy to have on hand at all times. To understand Arnica as a homeopathic remedy, it's helpful to look at the source of the remedy, the flower Arnica montana, which is in the daisy family. (As a reminder, to make homeopathic remedies, a substance is highly diluted so that no detectable material of the original substance remains.)
The flower lives high in the mountains and flowers throughout the summer. It can look scraggly or bedraggled from the mountain wind whipping it throughout the day. Though hiking boots and animal hooves might trample through it, it can look beaten but not destroyed.
The homeopathic remedy
This is the remedy to grab immediately for injuries! Think bruised and beaten, just like the mountain flower. In our home we've used it for head bumps, twisted ankles, post-surgery, and major falls.
First remedy for blunt trauma, bruises, swelling, sore and beaten feeling
Head injuries, falls, blows
Eye injuries with bruising around the eye
Great after surgery or dental work (helps to keep swelling and pain down)
This is the go - to remedy immediately when there's an injury, then can move to another remedy when other symptoms present
Note: Although this remedy might be nicknamed the "homeopathic Ibuprofen," it's not a catch-all remedy for pain and discomfort like Ibuprofen is in allopathic medicine. Remember that homeopathy is highly individualized medicine and so we have many other remedies that can cover specific pain and discomfort symptoms. However, it doesn't hurt to try Arnica. If pain persists, you can always book an acute appointment to find a better-suited remedy for your symptoms.
Dosing
I simple will not go anywhere (around town or on a trip) without Arnica montana on hand. My daughter has it in her fencing bag and my kids are sent to camp with it packed away. I think that this is a powerful remedy for kids to know how to use.
Where to find it: Most health food stores have Arnica montana on hand. Even some drugstores and major retailers have it!
Form: Arnica creams or gels are popular. Although these might bring some relief to minor injuries, I recommend having homeopathic pellets on hand. I find them to be deeper-acting.
30c potency pellets: This is the potency to have on hand for any injury.
200c potency pellets: This is the potency I would go to for a major head injury or serious fall.
Frequency: 1 dose every 2-3 hours in an acute first aid situation.
Tip: While potency can be important, just use whatever potency you have on hand! This summer a child fell out of the bleachers onto concrete at my son's baseball game and hit his head. I didn't have my Arnica (major mistake!) but my daughter had Arnica 30c. With the lower potency I dosed the child every 15 minutes about 4 times and his bump came down greatly and his mood improved in that hour.
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