Arnica and Other Stuff for Bruises?

[SweetErika]

I got two very large, ugly bruises on the insides of my upper arms yesterday. I know Arnica may help them heal faster and decrease the inflammation and pain, but I've never tried it before. I'm also on vacation in Canada right now, so I can't ask my doctor, I'm not really sure what's available, how products may differ, etc.

So, what should I be looking for in homeopathic Arnica preparations in terms of strength and such?

Has anyone had good luck with the dissolving pills vs. the gel or cream? Since the bruises are so severe and I have other inflammation issues right now, should I maybe take it orally as well as apply a topical gel?

I know I can ice the bruises for a while longer, then switch to warm compresses after another day, up my Vitamin C intake, eat pineapple and keep taking tylenol, but is there anything else I should consider doing to speed the healing process?

 

[fire_breeze]

I got two very large, ugly bruises on the insides of my upper arms yesterday. I know Arnica may help them heal faster and decrease the inflammation and pain, but I've never tried it before. I'm also on vacation in Canada right now, so I can't ask my doctor, I'm not really sure what's available, how products may differ, etc.

So, what should I be looking for in homeopathic Arnica preparations in terms of strength and such?

Has anyone had good luck with the dissolving pills vs. the gel or cream? Since the bruises are so severe and I have other inflammation issues right now, should I maybe take it orally as well as apply a topical gel?

I know I can ice the bruises for a while longer, then switch to warm compresses after another day, up my Vitamin C intake, eat pineapple and keep taking tylenol, but is there anything else I should consider doing to speed the healing process?

I'm sorry to hear about your bruises . Some people - and I'm one of them - holds onto a bruise for a very very long time. Most bruises are essentially blood that seeped from the capillaries under your skin, so often, there's not much we can do. Massaging lightly the bruises can help, as does pumping up your vitamin C and elevating the bruise, although for your inner arms, it can be pretty uncomfortable to walk around with your arms raised.

I'm assuming that you're in BC at the moment? The province has a more holistic approach, and so you'll be able to find homeopathic clinics/apothecaries more readily. In any case, most pharmacies in Canada are equipped with homeopathy as well as one pharmacists who is experienced in this type of care. They will be more than happy to help you with any questions. Although, from my experience, Canadians tend to favour a more milder approach to healthcare (so homeopathy, when applicable, is often recommended, even among doctors), so if you're used to something stronger, you may be surprised that they'd recommend 80% of the dose. Again, your kilometrage may vary, but this has been my experience when visiting pharmacies on either side of the border. Otherwise, many of the brands are the same, just often cheaper.

I sometimes use Arnica Gel when I'm pretty battered up after hiking (I think I found it among the other sporting creams, but it's been a while). It helps with the swelling and the tenderness and quite well, but the discolouration is there, but I do hold onto bruises, even if they don't hurt. I've only seen it in creams and tinctures, and never in consumable form. It's my understanding that Arnica is rarely used in pill forms, but rather is applied topically, but I could be wrong.

I do strongly recommend that you visit a pharmacy and see if they have a homeopathy section (usually in the back, with either the vitamins or where you pick up your prescription). If they do, you can bet that they have experience and are knowledgeable in the department. Often, they'll prepare it for you, or you can already buy the product in prepared form. It depends on the pharmacy, though. In any case, they will be able to answer whatever questions that you may have. Be prepared to tell them about other meds you might be taking and some of your lifestyle (active, baby, etc), so they're won't be any complications and ill side effects.

Good luck and heal

 

[SweetErika]

I'm sorry to hear about your bruises . Some people - and I'm one of them - holds onto a bruise for a very very long time.

Thanks! I'm easily bruised and a slow healer, too, which totally sucks. My husband said the extent and location of these particular bruises made it look like he's been abusing me, and even our toddler has been pointing them out every time he sees them.

Most bruises are essentially blood that seeped from the capillaries under your skin, so often, there's not much we can do. Massaging lightly the bruises can help, as does pumping up your vitamin C and elevating the bruise, although for your inner arms, it can be pretty uncomfortable to walk around with your arms raised.

I'm assuming that you're in BC at the moment? The province has a more holistic approach, and so you'll be able to find homeopathic clinics/apothecaries more readily. In any case, most pharmacies in Canada are equipped with homeopathy as well as one pharmacists who is experienced in this type of care. They will be more than happy to help you with any questions. Although, from my experience, Canadians tend to favour a more milder approach to healthcare (so homeopathy, when applicable, is often recommended, even among doctors), so if you're used to something stronger, you may be surprised that they'd recommend 80% of the dose. Again, your kilometrage may vary, but this has been my experience when visiting pharmacies on either side of the border. Otherwise, many of the brands are the same, just often cheaper.

I sometimes use Arnica Gel when I'm pretty battered up after hiking (I think I found it among the other sporting creams, but it's been a while). It helps with the swelling and the tenderness and quite well, but the discolouration is there, but I do hold onto bruises, even if they don't hurt. I've only seen it in creams and tinctures, and never in consumable form. It's my understanding that Arnica is rarely used in pill forms, but rather is applied topically, but I could be wrong.

I do strongly recommend that you visit a pharmacy and see if they have a homeopathy section (usually in the back, with either the vitamins or where you pick up your prescription). If they do, you can bet that they have experience and are knowledgeable in the department. Often, they'll prepare it for you, or you can already buy the product in prepared form. It depends on the pharmacy, though. In any case, they will be able to answer whatever questions that you may have. Be prepared to tell them about other meds you might be taking and some of your lifestyle (active, baby, etc), so they're won't be any complications and ill side effects.

Good luck and heal

That's great info!

Price-wise, do you think I'd be better off with a big chain drugstore like London Drugs, or somewhere like Real Canadian Superstore? We usually stock up on certain medications that aren't available at home when we're here, but I've found the best prices on those to be at Costco. I can check, but I don't think they have much in the way of homeopathic stuff. There is a supplement store here that says it has "low prices," though I'm not sure how true that is or what type of selection they may have yet.

Apparently the oral homeopathic preparation of little pills you dissolve in your mouth is very diluted. It's the herbal form that's dangerous when ingested.

 

[fire_breeze]

Thanks! I'm easily bruised and a slow healer, too, which totally sucks. My husband said the extent and location of these particular bruises made it look like he's been abusing me, and even our toddler has been pointing them out every time he sees them.



That's great info!

Price-wise, do you think I'd be better off with a big chain drugstore like London Drugs, or somewhere like Real Canadian Superstore? We usually stock up on certain medications that aren't available at home when we're here, but I've found the best prices on those to be at Costco. I can check, but I don't think they have much in the way of homeopathic stuff. There is a supplement store here that says it has "low prices," though I'm not sure how true that is or what type of selection they may have yet.

Apparently the oral homeopathic preparation of little pills you dissolve in your mouth is very diluted. It's the herbal form that's dangerous when ingested.

Oh dear! I'm so sorry . I do feel your pain, and hopefully, you won't have concerned citizens glaring at your husband wanting to castrate him.

Price-wise, there's severe price regulations on meds, whether it's over the counter or prescription (again, depending on the province you are in, but this is generally speaking), but if one brand costs 5$, then you can safely assume that other stores will not over or under price their merchandise by much. Personally, when it comes to meds - conventional or alternative - I go to a pharmacy, just because I know that's what they specialise in, and what they know and can help me better if I have any questions. I did a quite check and London Drugs seems to carry more alternative OTC, including Arnica, than Real Canadian. That said, I am not familiar with Real Canadian, but I have been to London Drugs several times and was always pleased with what I found there (btw, it's from LD that I buy my Arnica creams). Supplemental stores may or may not be also bound by regulations. The trouble is that not all provinces recognises homeopathy as being meds, although most do, so those will not necessarily be subjected to the regulations. It may be that the supplemental store has strict policies in terms of qualifications (again, province depending) and would be better choice, or it may be just a glorified health food store. Unfortunately, the best advice I can give is go and browse around and compare prices. If you were here, I'd be able to tell you which supplemental stores are extremely useful and would be worth the while of the extra trip, and which ones are not, but unfortunately most of these stores are independently owned.

Costco sometimes has homeopathic remedies, but it's extremely rare. I wouldn't make a separate trip for it.

Ah! I had no idea! I learned something new! Thank you.

 

[SweetErika]

OK, well we stopped at the supplement store on the way home from the park, and I wasn't impressed with the prices on the gels. They want $15 for a 50g tube of 2.5g gel. The other cream with a bunch of other ingredients in it (1.5g of arnica per dose, but calendula, echinacea, etc., as well) was crazy expensive, so I ruled that one out immediately. The dissolving pills were $7.40 and the ladies said those would be my best bet based on the extent of the bruising (the bigger bruise is about 9" long and 3" wide ). One of them said she took the pills all the time, with no side effects or anything, so I may end up getting those. Maybe they'll help the inflammation in my knee and ankle from other accidents, too.

But I'll definitely go check with London Drug today. There's one right down the street, actually, so that'll be easy. I may look at the Superstore as well, since they always have my favorite Hobnobs and I need to get some Golden Syrup so I can make my own Hobnobs. It's a damn shame Hobnobs won't cure my bruises!

And, yeah, we're in Kelowna, BC, so there's a fairly good selection, and I'm guessing regulation. From what we've heard from people here, AB seems to be the "lawless" province (lots of Albertans here on vacation and apparently the traffic laws and such are fairly different).

 

[Boundlife]

And, yeah, we're in Kelowna, BC, so there's a fairly good selection, and I'm guessing regulation. From what we've heard from people here, AB seems to be the "lawless" province (lots of Albertans here on vacation and apparently the traffic laws and such are fairly different).

Hey, the laws are the same it's the fines and stuff that varies. There are also a few people going on vacation without their brains, having temper tantrums, pissing off the locals. I guess you haven't heard what is said about Americans

 

[SweetErika]

Hey, the laws are the same it's the fines and stuff that varies. There are also a few people going on vacation without their brains, having temper tantrums, pissing off the locals. I guess you haven't heard what is said about Americans

It was a police officer that mentioned BC and AB had some different laws.

Of course I've heard what's said about Americans, and I actually generally agree. That's why I never advertise where I'm from and make it a point to behave far better than most Americans when I'm abroad. For the record, I usually like Canadians and Canada far more than my fellow Americans and the U.S. I'd move up here in a heartbeat, TBH.

Fire, I got the pills and some really concentrated arnica gel at London Drugs for under $20 after clarifying with one of the pharmacists (you're right, they know their stuff!). And the other goodies at the Superstore. Here's to hoping the arnica preparations work well on everything. I'll let you know how the pills make me feel; in addition to the bum knee and ankle, my pectoral muscles and torso in general are hurting pretty bad from the incident that caused the bruises, so I have plenty of parts to gauge how they're working!

 

[fire_breeze]

Hey, the laws are the same it's the fines and stuff that varies. There are also a few people going on vacation without their brains, having temper tantrums, pissing off the locals. I guess you haven't heard what is said about Americans

Although, one has to point out that the implementation of those regulations varies province to province as well as the availability of and acceptability of homeopathic remedies.

It was a police officer that mentioned BC and AB had some different laws.

Of course I've heard what's said about Americans, and I actually generally agree. That's why I never advertise where I'm from and make it a point to behave far better than most Americans when I'm abroad. For the record, I usually like Canadians and Canada far more than my fellow Americans and the U.S. I'd move up here in a heartbeat, TBH.

Fire, I got the pills and some really concentrated arnica gel at London Drugs for under $20 after clarifying with one of the pharmacists (you're right, they know their stuff!). And the other goodies at the Superstore. Here's to hoping the arnica preparations work well on everything. I'll let you know how the pills make me feel; in addition to the bum knee and ankle, my pectoral muscles and torso in general are hurting pretty bad from the incident that caused the bruises, so I have plenty of parts to gauge how they're working!

And we'd love to have you

I'm glad that the pharmacists were able to help you. And please do let me know how they work! You've got me looking into the pill form for those times when I go skiing and won't be able to walk for two days.

And enjoy your Hobnobs

 

[SweetErika]

And we'd love to have you

I'm glad that the pharmacists were able to help you. And please do let me know how they work! You've got me looking into the pill form for those times when I go skiing and won't be able to walk for two days.

And enjoy your Hobnobs

Aww, thanks! Some day I'll make it to your neck of the woods (did you say you were in the Toronto area?) because I've seen and heard so many good things about the Eastern part of your country.

Because I'm taking both the pills and the cream/gel, I'm not sure what's working so well, but the bruises are fading fast. I'd venture to say the cream is working better, though I have noticed a decrease in pain and inflammation in other parts of my body, so maybe the pills are doing something. I just wish I'd stocked up on the cream before we left yesterday, because that stuff is amazing AND relatively inexpensive. I also like that we can use it on our little one, who's frequently banging himself up these days.

Anyway, I just looked at the tube of cream, this is the stuff:
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VnfuvAi1kX4/TKNgdYay6II/AAAAAAAADeE/J5UJ0L5CiIY/s1600/securedownload.png
The concentration is 15%, which is stronger than most of the other products they had on the shelves at either store.

I should have thought to take a picture of the bigger bruise each day, but more than half of it's faded to just a light yellow after only a few days of treatment, and it definitely started working within 24 hours. That's incredible to me, considering I can have small, simple bruises on my legs for WEEKS, and the bruising on my arms is far deeper and more severe than those.

Apart from Naproxen Sodium, the best thing I've found for muscle soreness is regular, large doses of Vitamin C. IIRC, there was a study several years ago that showed C was more effective at relieving post-exercise soreness than Ibuprofen and the like, so I've been using that ever since with really good results.

 

[Noira]

It was a police officer that mentioned BC and AB had some different laws.

There are some different laws from province to province but mostly the variation is just in the way of the fines and other minutiae. Albertans are definitely not lawless! Round these parts we know it's the guys from Ontario that tear up the roads, and apparently Vancouver is terrifying too.



All provinces sulk about the other ones. It's just kind of how it goes. It's entirely possible that BC gets all of our assholes on vacation. I can't imagine our traffic rules are all that much different from BC's because I know they're nearly identical to Saskatchewan and Manitoba's road rules. The main difference I've had to be concerned with is license regulations, since getting a license--both the age and requirements--varies wildly from province to province, though I think it's closer to standard now. It must be BC that's the one with the strange laws!

However, word of me: Alberta is definitely on the more redneck neck of the woods, for Canada. Even Manitoba is more liberal and that's saying a lot. It's a gorgeous province but I really do hate it here sometimes. I love Canada, but I think I'd like to move east or west and live somewhere a little more liberal-friendly. That's probably where the lawless stereotype is coming from, since over here, BC is considered the artsy-fartsy liberal pretentious lazy arse province... and from that point of view, I'm pretty sure our rednecks must look damn lawless.

For medications and things: Shoppers Drug Mart or London Drugs. Superstore is just a massive grocery store and I never go there for drugs, they usually have much better prices. Looks like you figured that one out though.

There isn't much you can do for a bruise, though. Get your vitamins to pump up your body's immune system so it heals itself faster, and R.I.C.E--rest, ice, warm compresses, elevate. Glad the Arnica is working for you.

 

[laceNlthrgrrl]

Short version: Arnica is very, very good.

Sunlight helps even more. Simply put, it helps to dissolve bruising. Especially those pesky yellow parts.

 

[SweetErika]

There are some different laws from province to province but mostly the variation is just in the way of the fines and other minutiae. Albertans are definitely not lawless! Round these parts we know it's the guys from Ontario that tear up the roads, and apparently Vancouver is terrifying too.

It was a tongue-in-cheek comment. I'd imagine BC views AB somewhat like we view some of the rural states. For instance, people used to be able to go as fast as they felt was reasonable on rural stretches of highway in Montana, and if you got going too fast, they'd just give you a little ticket for the environmental impact. That was a pretty foreign idea to those of us who were used to driving within enforced speed limits.

All provinces sulk about the other ones. It's just kind of how it goes. It's entirely possible that BC gets all of our assholes on vacation.

I don't think BC gets the Albertan assholes. I'm guessing it's probably more that a lot of the Albertans who vacation in Kelowna are likely frustrated with the traffic setup and congestion there. And it IS frustrating, even for someone like me, who's used to driving in a lot of traffic. The main issue is the lack of left-turn arrows and the short turn lights. It takes a hell of a lot more patience than most of us have to sit there through multiple (often long) light cycles, then go park ourselves in the intersection until we have an opening, are forced to turn against a short yellow light and then risk a red-light camera getting us if we can't get through fast enough. Oh yeah, and while we're doing all of that, we have to make sure we're not going to cream any pedestrians or cyclists (Kelowna has a ton of both and lots of jaywalkers on busy streets). For me, that definitely creates a sense of urgency and anxiety that even stop-and-go traffic for many miles doesn't induce in me.

I've only driven in BC, but the lack of left-turn arrows (and in many parts of Vancouver, left-turn lanes) is totally bizarre to me. For a place that seems very concerned about safety and traffic flow in general, they sure create patently dangerous conditions that slow traffic way down.

However, word of me: Alberta is definitely on the more redneck neck of the woods, for Canada. Even Manitoba is more liberal and that's saying a lot. It's a gorgeous province but I really do hate it here sometimes. I love Canada, but I think I'd like to move east or west and live somewhere a little more liberal-friendly. That's probably where the lawless stereotype is coming from, since over here, BC is considered the artsy-fartsy liberal pretentious lazy arse province... and from that point of view, I'm pretty sure our rednecks must look damn lawless.

That's probably it.

Out of curiosity, what are some of the main ways AB is too conservative for your tastes, or what would you change if you could? I'm interested in comparing our ideas of conservative.

Glad the Arnica is working for you.

So am I! I looked into getting some more here, but was dismayed to find everything comes in far lower concentrations. I may have to ask our Canadian friend to get several tubes for us next time she's up there visiting her family.

 

[SweetErika]

Short version: Arnica is very, very good.

Sunlight helps even more. Simply put, it helps to dissolve bruising. Especially those pesky yellow parts.

Sunlight in general, or on the bruises themselves? If it's the latter, that'd be difficult given the location of these bruises, our weather and my skin cancer history/risk. I can try resuming my Vitamin D supplements and getting a little sun when I'm out and about, though. However, I'm betting the bruises will fade to almost nothing in a matter of a 3-5 more days of arnica treatment.

 

[fire_breeze]

Aww, thanks! Some day I'll make it to your neck of the woods (did you say you were in the Toronto area?) because I've seen and heard so many good things about the Eastern part of your country.

*laughs* Nope, a little more East. I'm from Montreal, actually. Just follow the sounds of the cursing

Because I'm taking both the pills and the cream/gel, I'm not sure what's working so well, but the bruises are fading fast. I'd venture to say the cream is working better, though I have noticed a decrease in pain and inflammation in other parts of my body, so maybe the pills are doing something. I just wish I'd stocked up on the cream before we left yesterday, because that stuff is amazing AND relatively inexpensive. I also like that we can use it on our little one, who's frequently banging himself up these days.

I will file that info away

By the way, check well.ca. As arnica cream is over the counter, they can ship it. From a brief search, they have the brand that you bought, for something like 10$. Also, you can have Canuck friends ship it to you - I send OTC creams and such to the States all the time, through regular mail. Just a thought.

There are some different laws from province to province but mostly the variation is just in the way of the fines and other minutiae. Albertans are definitely not lawless! Round these parts we know it's the guys from Ontario that tear up the roads, and apparently Vancouver is terrifying too.

I'm sorry, I couldn't help but laugh about your comment about Ontario drivers ripping up the road. Whenever I drive in Ontario, I'm frustrated by the way they drive, it's so slooow.

Actually, I get seriously frustrated when I see an Ontario plate going 70 in a 70 zone on the left side. I mean, honestly

 

[SweetErika]

*laughs* Nope, a little more East. I'm from Montreal, actually. Just follow the sounds of the cursing

Definitely expect a visit at some point, then! I've always wanted to go to Montreal.

By the way, check well.ca. As arnica cream is over the counter, they can ship it. From a brief search, they have the brand that you bought, for something like 10$. Also, you can have Canuck friends ship it to you - I send OTC creams and such to the States all the time, through regular mail. Just a thought.

Yeah, I saw that site, but shipping is $14 if I don't order $99+ worth of product (which would be way too much arnica, and I honestly can't think of anything else I need, since I can get muscle relaxants cheaper by prescription here and the only other drug we buy in Canada is codeine for headaches and such). So, it'd be cheaper for our friend to pick up a few tubes when she heads up there. If it'll be a while and I run out, I might as well just buy the lower strength stuff here, then apply it more often if the 3 times a day thing isn't working. Maybe I should look into becoming the U.S. distributor for that brand!

 

[toedipper]

traumeel

traumeel cream and pills contain arnica and are very good for bruising and pains. widely available in US/canada i believe

 

[simplegirl]

I didn't know that about Arnica. Glad I read this post as I bruise easily too. I'm always full of them and they take forever to fade. Will have to give this a try. Thanks alot for posting the picture of the package too. Makes it alot easier to know what I'm looking for.

 

[SweetErika]

traumeel cream and pills contain arnica and are very good for bruising and pains. widely available in US/canada i believe

I think that's one of the ones I looked out, but ruled out because it was so expensive and the concentration of Arnica in particular was lower than many of the other topical preparations on the shelves in both the supplement and drug store. Also, with that many ingredients, including belladonna (which can be very toxic and I can't take at all because I'm still nursing some), I was concerned about the potential for reactions/adverse effects. I've heard so many good things about arnica for bruising over the years that preparations that only contained arnica seemed to be my best bet, both healthwise and financially.

 

[fire_breeze]

Definitely expect a visit at some point, then! I've always wanted to go to Montreal.


Yeah, I saw that site, but shipping is $14 if I don't order $99+ worth of product (which would be way too much arnica, and I honestly can't think of anything else I need, since I can get muscle relaxants cheaper by prescription here and the only other drug we buy in Canada is codeine for headaches and such). So, it'd be cheaper for our friend to pick up a few tubes when she heads up there. If it'll be a while and I run out, I might as well just buy the lower strength stuff here, then apply it more often if the 3 times a day thing isn't working. Maybe I should look into becoming the U.S. distributor for that brand!

Let me know, and I'll give you the low-down on how to navigate this wonderful and frustrating city (just make sure that unless it's a mild winter, you come in the summer. )

You know, all joking aside, you might actually have something. The product that I tend to ship to the US of A is Rub A525, regardless if it's the hot/cold, arnica, odourless, etc, among other similar products that cannot be attained OTC or at all. To be honest, I'm a bit shocked that it hasn't made it's way across the 49th. The stuff is fantastic. I mean, Tim Horton's is now everywhere!

 

[shyirishamy]

Generally I don't take perscription drug's of any sort, my first choice is always homeopathic remedies and Arnica in 30c is what I would use for brusing like this. The higher potencies are more often used for constitutional remedies.

 

[CandiCame]

This thread makes me happy. I honestly didn't know you could do fuck all to bruises, and i get them all the time. You touch me to hard and it leaves a bruise. I look like I just got out of a fight most of the time.

Love knowing this shit exists.

 

[warrior queen]

I know I'm replying a bit late, but for future reference -
haemorrhoid [sp?] cream works exceptionally well on bruising.
It's designed to disperse blood.