Does arnica cream work for bruises?

If you’ve ever been sucker-punched by life and ended up with a hideous bruise, you know how frustrating it can be to wait for the swelling and discolouration to disappear. But have no fear, because arnica cream is touted as the solution for speeding up the healing process. Does it actually work though? Let’s find out.

What is Arnica?

Before we dive into the efficacy of arnica cream on bruises, let’s talk about what this mystical ingredient even is. Arnica is a yellow-orange flower that grows in Europe and North America. It has long been used in homeopathic medicine as an anti-inflammatory agent, pain reliever, and wound healer.

Arnica contains compounds called sesquiterpene lactones that are believed to reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process of injuries like bruises (ain’t science grand?).

How Do Bruises Form?

Bruises form when blood vessels near your skin break or rupture due to trauma (smashing your shin on a coffee table). The escaping blood caused by this vessel damage pools beneath your skin, leading to that oh-so-attractive black-and-blue mark you’re familiar with.

Your body eventually reabsorbs this pooled blood over time (kinda like Mother Earth taking care of her own business) which leads to the fading of bruises from blue-ish purple then gradually greenish-yellow til they disappear altogether.

Is There Evidence That Arnica Cream Actually Works On Bruises?

Many people believe fervently (almost religiously) in using arnica cream on their bumps and bruises – but what does science have to say about its efficacy?

In search of answers (cue dramatic music) research has examined whether topical application (applying directly onto affected area) may help heal minor contusions/bumps/bruises (as well as other skin conditions). Muscle soreness studies have also been done and oral doses given, but we’ll focus on the latest of studies regarding arnica cream (somewhat illuminating)

A systematic review of 13 studies conducted to assess the effectiveness of arnica for treating bruises was conducted in 2010. Researchers found that when used topically versus placebo or non-treatment, arnica cream did indeed reduce bruising more effectively than these options.

However (here comes the plot twist), nine out of those thirteen studies had significant bias against them (this sounds odd but there’s actually a specific definition in scientific methodology). This affected their internal validity – meaning they received low scores by reviewers because they simply weren’t properly designed or controlled experiments.

So to summarize: There’s evidence that suggests topical application could be effective dealing with contusions/bruises — but keep in mind this isn’t considered gold-standard science.

How Does Arnica Cream Work Against Bruises?

Okay, so if you’ve decided to try using arnica cream, how exactly does it work? Well (time to get technical) remember those aforementioned sesquiterpene lactones I chattered about earlier? Those are responsible for the herb’s perceived efficacy combating inflammation and promoting healing (ain’t nature grand?). Some research indicates that arnica can inhibit certain enzymes linked with inflammation as well.

However let me emphasize: The creams available over-the-counter contain varied amounts/formulations/not all are equal –drugs purchased should only be from trustworthy pharmaceuticals and suppliers trained specialist (trustworty weathered hunter-gatherers don’t mix up good aspirin with poison ivy)

How To Use Arnica Cream On Your Bruise

Now(cue marching band) here are some tips on how best use your newly acquired product:

  1. Apply a small amount (about an inch of cream, depending on the affected area) to your clean fingertips.

  2. Rub the cream gently onto your bruise until it’s fully absorbed. Apply 3-4 times/day (as per package insert).

Note: Do not use arnica cream on broken skin, as this can cause irritation and an increased risk of infection!

The Final Verdict On Arnica Cream For Bruises

This entire article rides on this conclusion—Does arnica cream work for bruises? Well (drum roll please…) –depending on what research you’re starting with but “it’s possible that topical application Arnicare Gel/Arniflora/Arnileve/Anti-Bruising Complex from trusted healthcare practitioners/suppliers help reduce swelling/discoloration” (whimper). Keep in mind that despite its popularity among certain circles, there remains a dearth of quality evidence proving any significant effect whatsoever– so we can’t more than casually say ‘maybe’?!?

But hey shrug, if arnica makes you feel good when applied then go ahead and bathe in it. Just don’t rely solely on it to heal your bump(s) overly upset(unless ur dressing up like an eggplant costume next week)!

Other Ways To Treat Bruises

In addition to using topical remedies like arnica gel or cream, here are some other ways that might make those pesky black-and-blue marks fade faster:

  1. Apply a cold compress – this helps constrict blood vessels and limit blood loss into surrounding tissues.

  2. Elevate the injured area above heart level; gravity kicks off mother nature circulatory system via IV drip action.

  3. Consider taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen,naproxen or aspirin(DO NOT use Tylenol/acamofenacin-they won’t be as effective).

  4. For the delicate-skinned out there, body-confining compression shorts/leggings/knee-braces could do wonders (and allow for mobility), while wide itchy leggings might just increase swelling.

Final Thoughts

The lack of good-quality research on using arnica cream for bruises can be frustrating, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give a try to bathe in rare wildflowers if it makes you feel better. Just make sure to manage your expectations and follow proper application directions.

Whether or not arnica cream genuinely works on bruises(OR IF IT’S JUST ANOTHER SNAKE OIL), remember that time itself will heal those nasty nicks at its own pace; so sit back, relax and consume all the ibuprofen one can handle (but always following instructions!).

Random Posts