I have a toddler who runs and climbs and dances and jumps and copies everything his 4 year old cousin does- which means I have a toddler with lots of bruises.
Enter Arnica Montana- a flowering plant native to the mountains of Europe and Siberia that has been used medicinally since the 1500s.
The petals and roots contain helanalin and thymol derivatives which are anti-inflammatory and have been proven more effective than ibuprofen when used topically on the skin.
Arnica also acts as a vasodilator which means the small capillaries under the skin are widened. This increased blood flow to the area aids the healing process by removing other blood and fluid accumulation- almost like an internal irrigation of the wound.
The result? Bumps and bruises vanish in no time! I always have a bottle of Arnica on me at all times. The one we use is in a base of organic olive oil, but it comes in gels, sprays and creams also. Here is the kind we use:
Just last week, that 4 year old cousin smashed her finger in the door. It immediately turned purple and looked terrible- everyone thought she would lose a fingernail. We put arnica oil on it generously, and by the next day it was looking so much better. I love it when we use a natural remedy that works and we have witnesses!
Please note: Arnica should not be used on broken skin. My favorite topical ointment for cuts and scrapes is Angel Baby Bottom Balm (I just saw that it’s on sale right now!) This is always in my diaper bag too- as it can be used as a diaper cream, or for any type of first aid.
Whew- life with a toddler is tough!