Using Arnica to help reduce pain and inflammation
This has been a challenging summer for me. Earlier in the season I began to have a lot of pain in my knee and foot. Soon my entire leg was aching, and the top of my foot was swollen which made it difficult to walk. I tried everything I knew to help with the pain and inflammation, but nothing was working. Finally, we drove to our chiropractor who is 3 hours away.
He found that I had a bulging disc and my leg was completely locked up. He adjusted what felt like my entire body, gave me some ice and reminded me to add Arnica to my regimen to help with the pain and inflammation in my knee and foot.
Most likely, you’ve heard of Arnica and used it previously as it is readily available at your local drug store. Arnica is an anti-inflammatory herb and is often used to minimize bruising, reduce muscle soreness after a strenuous workout, carpal tunnel, plantar fasciitis, arthritis, varicose veins and even hair growth.
All parts of the plant (flowers, leaves and roots) can be used but the leaves and roots have very little medicinal value. The Arnica flower heads are most commonly used and most beneficial in preparing a salve, lotion, body/foot soak, poultice and compress.
Arnica should not be used on open wounds.
Growing Arnica
Arnica is expensive so let's add it to our herb garden
I did a little research and found that there is a short supply of Arnica this year, so I bought a few plants on Etsy to add to my herb garden. It is a perennial, so hopefully next year I will be able to harvest flowers for my projects.
If you would like to start some plants from seed, you can find them at Strictly Medicinal.
Some of the trustworthy companies currently have a waitlist for Arnica, but it is expensive due to the demand. Another option is to buy premade Arnica oil or salves.
(This article contains affiliate links so I make a little money when you buy something, but at no extra cost to you. Thanks! )
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