| Product: |
Arnica |
| Date: |
07.03.01 (8609 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: A natural way to aid recovery; reduces swelling, bruising; good post-operatively; works quickly
Disadvantages: Can be expensive
Just before Christmas I had to go in to have my wisdom teeth out, 18 weeks on now I am still unwell. As it turns out I had a jaw co ndition that was triggered off as a result of having my teeth out and now I find myself on a soft diet and attending physiotherapy every week. I often experience a lot of aching and pain in my jaw and it feels extremely stiff. After trying many lotions and potions which may aid the healing process my grandad who is a homeopath gave me a bottle of Arnica gel. I had heard of arnica before as I had read a couple of opinions on dooyoo about it, however, I would have never thought of trying it on my jaw.
Arnica has been used as an alternative medicine for many years, with the native Indians being especially keen users of the herbal extract. The herb can be used externally as an ointment or internally as a homeopathic remedy and it is well known for its healing properties, especially for sprains, strains, stiffness, bruising, swelling and increasingly as a post operative aid. Marathoners also use the arnica extract before they race to improve their performance and minimizing their pain that can result from muscle sprains or strains, stiffness, or swelling. Since discovering Arnica I have heard many cases of friends using it for sports injuries, to ease swelling and bruising and also to reduce swelling after tooth extractions!
So, does it really work? Well, clinical research has shown the effectiveness of arnica. In 1991 a British study on hospital patients with acute injuries showed that arnica relieved stiffness in 98% of the patients tested. Arnica may have many preventive benefits as well.
In my case I also have to testify to its amazing results.I was given a 250ml pump action bottle from Simply Beautiful Cosmetics (SBC), which has a great range of homeopathic therapies, I was told that I was to use it sparingly as I didn't need a lot,but with a small blob I massaged it into my jaw every couple of hours and
when it felt especially stiff.
The gel is clearish in colour and has a very herbal smell to it. I was told intially that it wasn't a very nice smell by my grand father, however, it was a lot better than I expected. Ok, not Chanel or anything, but as far as ointments go it is in no way offensive.The gel is very quicky absorbed and so there is no signs of it after application, just massaging it into my skin made it feel warm and it was not too long afterwards that I felt some relief in my jaw.
At times with my jaw I was having great difficulty speaking and eating was just a complete nightmare. One minute I was finding it difficult to get a word out of my mouth and the sound of my words was very slurred, however after applying the gel I suddenly found I could speak again, ok not completely normally, but 70% better.Additionally, if I applied the gel about 10 minutes before meal times it loosened up in time to eat.
I sometimes feel that maybe it is a psychosomatic thing and just the applying of a cream makes me think I feel better, yet time after time this gel eases the stiffness and pain and so there has to be something in it.
I continue to use the gel daily and I am amazed at it's results. Arnica can also be taken orally, however for my purposes the gel was ideal.Be warned though, you should not take arnica internally unless it is in the proper dilution.
There are a few people who may be sensitive to the compound helenalin that is in arnica. If you develop a mild rash, then you probably are one of those people and should stop using arnica immediately.
To contact SBC and get more information about this gel and other homeopathic products you can do so at SBC,Essex,CM1 3AG
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