Arnica montana
From Make Me Heal
Contents |
What Is Arnica Montana And How Can It Benefit My Healing?
Also known as Leopard's bane, Sneezewort, Mountain tobacco, Arnica Montana is a popular homeopathic remedy for cosmetic surgery patients. Many of the patients who have taken Arnica Montana both before and after their surgeries have raved about its healing powers in reducing postoperative bruising and swelling. Grown in mountain regions, this homeopathic herb not only helps reduce bruising and swelling but also lessens bleeding during surgery, promotes healing, lessens postoperative pain, helps kill bacteria, aids in the reabsorption of internal bleeding (which leads to less bleeding during the surgery and less post-op bruising), and reduces muscle soreness. Of the patients we’ve encountered who have experienced little or no swelling and bruising, a good number of them used Arnica both before and after their surgeries (of course, many of them also followed other healing-friendly rituals regarding good nourishment, icing, elevation, immobility, and the activities guidelines). The healing benefits of Arnica can be partly explained by its active components being sesquiterpene lactones, which are known to reduce inflammation and decrease pain. Arnica stimulates the activity of white blood cells, which not only strengthens the immune system but also digests congested blood and displaces congested fluids in injured tissues, joints and muscles. This explains the decrease in bruising that patients who use Arnica experience. Because Arnica can help repair damaged tissues, patients also apply Arnica in cream form to improve the healing of their scars (but only once the wounds have fully closed). Arnica is known to stimulate blood circulation, which indirectly benefits scar healing. Because Arnica has anti-bacterial attributes, the use of the cream may also protect the scars from the dirt and bacteria in the environment that can slow down the scar healing process. Because some doctors may not wish you to take any homeopathic remedies (including Arnica) during post-op, be sure to consult with your doctor about Arnica before your surgery.
How Should I Administer Arnica Montana?
For patients undergoing a cosmetic procedure, Arnica can be taken in both pill and cream/topical forms. Many patients take both forms during their journey. In many cases, patients take the pills before and after their surgery to help reduce their bruising and swelling. Once wounds have closed, patients often switch to using Arnica topical creams on their scars to promote better healing and to help minimize the appearance of scars. When administering Arnica in pill form, please respect the 4 guidelines for homeopathic remedies (not to use your hands, to hold the pill under your tongue, not to eat or drink for 15 minutes before or after, and stay away from substances that can counteract its effects). If used topically, it is important that Arnica creams not be used on broken skin or open wounds because this can irritate the wound and cause a rash. For this reason, do not rush using a cream before your wounds have closed fully. When using the cream, first begin by washing your hands and then wash the affected scar area. Thereafter, pat the scar area dry with a cotton ball or clean towel and then gently massage a thin coat of the Arnica cream over the scar site.
When Does One Typically Start & Stop Taking Arnica Montana?
The time to begin taking Arnica varies from woman to woman. Some patients have started using Arnica anywhere from 2 weeks before surgery, while others began using it at 3 days pre-op, and some only took the remedy during post-op. Despite these wide ranges, we’ve observed that a considerable number of patients begin taking Arnica between 3–7 days pre-op. If you are considering taking Arnica during the pre-op phase, it is important that you ask your doctor about taking Arnica the morning of your surgery. Some doctors and anesthesiologists may want your body to be free and clear of certain medications before they begin their work and they’ll ask that you don’t eat, drink or medicate yourself passed the night before surgery (depending on what time of day your surgery is scheduled). Every professional has his or her own routine, so make sure that you follow your doctors’ instructions. While patients vary in their schedules for administering Arnica, patients typically stop taking this remedy in pill form once their bruising and swelling symptoms have largely faded away (which occurs by around 2 weeks post-op or shortly afterwards). Once your wounds have healed and closed completely, Arnica topical creams may be applied to your scars. Wound closure may occur anywhere around days 7-14 post-op. You can generally use Arnica creams for as long as benefits are noticeable, up to about 4- 6 months. However, you should make sure to read the specific directions for each specific gel because the suggested duration for use may vary.
What Are The Ranges On Recommended Dosages?
Homeopathic Remedy Dosage Strengths
- X is the highest strength (1:10 ratio of active ingredient to inactive solution)
- C is the medium strength (1:100 ratio)
- M is the lowest strength (1:1000 ratio)
As with most homeopathic remedies, there is a great range of strengths to take. Some patients take the same strength throughout their whole journey, while others change the dose from one strength during pre-op to another strength during post-op. We’ve found patients taking all kinds of dosage strengths including, for example, 30C, 30X, and others. The number of pills to take at a time and the number of times to take the dosage a day will vary according to the specific strength of the brand that you choose. You should follow the specific instructions on the product label. While this regimen is not necessarily the average, it is not unusual to find patients taking 3-4 pills at a time, about twice a day. Some patients decrease the strength of their dose right before and after surgery and then return back to their original dosage a few days after surgery. For example, one may start out with a dosage of 30C or 30X and then decrease the strength to 1M right before and after the surgery, and then go back to the original dosage of 30C or 30X a few days into post-op. The patients who decrease their dosage before and after their surgery typically do so because some doctors, especially anesthesiologists, will not want you to take any homeopathic medications, food or drink unless necessary in the hours surrounding your surgery. For this reason, it is important that you get your doctor’s consent regarding any special remedies or treatments that you are considering on taking during your recovery as well as medications and supplements that you normally take in your daily life. Disclosing this information will enable your doctor to determine if anything that you are thinking of taking may be healing-unfriendly and should not be taken before, during, or after your procedure. As far as Arnica topical creams, you can apply the cream anywhere from 2-3 and even as high as 5 times a day during the early phase of scar healing and then make the usage less frequent as your scar matures. You should read the specific directions on the product packaging.
What Are The Side Effects?
Arnica has been safe for the patients that we have encountered, and none have reported any side effects. However, research indicates that with prolonged use, Arnica may cause eczema, peeling, blisters, or other skin conditions. The main precaution to consider is that Arnica topical creams should not be used on open or broken wounds because this can irritate the wound and cause a rash.
Are There Any Drug Interactions?
As with almost all homeopathic remedies, there are no drug interactions with Arnica Montana. However, eating or drinking less than 15 minutes before or after you take the pill form will diminish the effectiveness of Arnica Montana. Additionally, it is important to stay away from caffeine, garlic, chocolate, and mint products for at least 1 hour before and after you take your Arnica pills.
