Arnica

What a wonderful invention!!! Yesterday Nick stepped out of the house, did a double somersault and twisted his ankle - pass the arnica. Today Jonty's best friend pushed him off the see saw at school and Jonty landed with a thud on the concrete - forehead first. Arnica did the trick. This afternoon Emily fell off the couch, then fell off her chair, and finally attempted to ride her black bike down a flight of stairs - arnica, arnica, arnica. Nina started crawling properly yesterday - we'll just keep taking the arnica wherever we go.

I was wondering what arnica actually is and how it works? Because really, its miracle stuff.

Arnica is a genus with about 30 perennial, herbaceous species, belonging to the sunflower family. Generally it is found in the temperate regions of western North America... two species are found in Eurasia (and I thought it was South African!!!!).

Some species - Arnica montana and Arnica chamissonis, for example - contain helenalin, which is a sesquiterpene lactone that is a major ingredient in anti-inflammatory preparations (mostly against bruises). I knew that.

Arnica oils and salves are used on the skin for sprains, bruises, and inflammation (redness, swelling, pain) caused by insect bites, arthritis, or sore muscles. I've never tried this, but apparently Arnica can also be applied to the skin to treat a sore throat.

Other names for Arnica include: Leopard's Bane, Wolf's Bane, and Mountain Tobacco.

I found a research article which "proved" that it does not work. Our family begs to differ and our lack of bruising is proof enough for us! So we'lll continue using it, and singing its praises.