Answer: Arnica helps bruises go away faster A typical bruise goes away in 2-3 weeks on its own. With arnica, it's 5-6 days.
If you want to help a bruise heal more rapidly than it would if left unattended, you can apply a dose of topical Arnica to the affected area. Topical Arnica is usually best for skin bruises; however, homeopathic Arnica tablets can also be helpful.
The reason arnica works is because, like many plants, it has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, says Anderson. When arnica cream or arnica gel is applied, it stimulates circulation, helping the body's own healing system react—which encourages some speedy relief.
Apply a thin layer of Arnicare Bruise to affected area and massage gently as soon as possible after minor bruise. Repeat 3 times a day or as needed.
After 2 days, warmth may aid healing.
A heating pad or warm washcloth wrapped in a towel can help some bruises heal. Even a warm bath can soothe sore areas. Warmth brings more blood flow to an area of the body, which can help as the body tries to heal the injury.
Large amounts of undiluted Arnica can cause irritation or damage to the skin, mouth, throat, and stomach, as well as vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, high blood pressure, damage to the heart and other organs, increased bleeding, coma, and death.
If you have allergies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before applying arnica to your skin. Do not take arnica by mouth. Surgery: Arnica might cause extra bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using it at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
It's possible to overdose even on homeopathic arnica. A 2013 study documents the case of an individual who overdosed on homeopathic arnica and experienced vomiting and a temporary loss of vision.
How often should I use an Arnicare topical? The recommended frequency of application for all Arnicare topicals is three times a day.
The recommended usage is to take 5 pellets of Boiron Arnica three times a day, beginning two days prior to your procedure. You can continue taking arnica until your symptoms improve up to a week after the procedure.
Apply ice immediately after the injury. Apply heat to bruises that have already formed to clear up the trapped blood. Compression, elevation, and a bruise-healing diet can also help speed up the healing process.
Vitamin K clarifying cream is recommended. A pulse dye laser can be used to help clear bruises within 24 to 48 hours after the bruise appears. Arnica gel is an herbal remedy that has proven to help reduce inflammation and bruising.
When used for bruises or swelling, arnica gel can work within a few hours to two days. For pain relief, arnica gel may take one to two weeks to be effective. If your pain has not lessened after several weeks, stop using the product and consult your health care professional.
Studies show that homeopathic preparations of arnica gel in doses of less than ten percent carry no benefits for reducing muscle pain, swelling, and bruising beyond the placebo effect (20, 21).
Mild redness or irritation of the skin. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur while taking arnica topical: Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); severe or persistent irritation.
When used topically or in a homeopathic remedy, arnica does not interact with any conventional medications.
Directions. Adults and children 2 years of age and older: Dissolve 5 pellets under the tongue 3 times a day until relieved, or as directed by a doctor.
Arnica Uses
If eaten, the actual herb is toxic to the liver and can be fatal. However, some oral supplements contain highly diluted arnica. These are considered homeopathic treatments. These low-dose arnica tablets have been studied for muscle pain, diabetic eye damage, and swelling and pain after surgery.
Within 2 to 3 days, your body starts reabsorbing the blood. There's a greater concentration of yellow or green. Light brown. By day 10 to 14, the bruise fades to light brown before disappearing completely.
Minor bruises often heal in a few days. Some people bruise more easily than others, and the bruising can take longer to heal.
Most bruises fade away within two weeks without treatment. More severe bruising and hematomas may last a month or longer. These steps can help you heal faster: Rest and elevate the injured area to prevent swelling and relieve pain.
Bruising can take weeks to fade away, and the amount of time is different for each person. Bruised areas can swell and get worse in the first few days. After that, all symptoms should gradually diminish. If you have severe or increasing pain and swelling, fever, call your doctor for advice (and treatment if needed).
Don't Touch It
Given that the area is in pain, you might want to massage it — resist the urge. Touching or massaging the bruise may actually resulting in more broken blood vessels and a worse-looking bruise.