Use Arnica Montana to Reduce Swelling and Bruising after Surgery

Arnica montana is a common treatment option for those who have suffered a sudden fall or blow. Arnica montana is a flower that is made into a soothing ointment, gel, cream, or pill that helps people heal with comfort, and cures them from the core. The use of Arnica as a medical aid is rooted in time old traditions, and it is still considered one of the best ways to heal today.

The Arnica Plant

Arnica is a perennial plant with tall stems 20-60 cm high. It bears a single flower on the head. Bright yellow flowers generally bloom in July and August.The flowers appear in the midsummer season and continue to bloom until autumn. The leaves of the arnica plant are bright green in color. The upper leaves are pointed and mildly hairy, while lower leaves have rounded tips. It is native to the mountains of Europe and Siberia. The plant is found to grow on moist as well as grassy upland meadows.

Various Usages of Arnica

For plastic surgery patients, Arnica montana is used to reduce bruising and swelling after treatment. The plant also offers other medical uses, including:

• Acts as an antibiotic
• Helps reduce swelling and pain including pain of bruises, muscles, joint problems, and cartilage pain
• Cures insect bites
• Beneficial in healing chapped lips as well as acne
• Used as mouthwash for swollen gums and mouth ulcers
• Widely used in hair tonics and anti- dandruff products

Apart from medical usages, Arnica also serves as a flavored ingredient in drinks, frozen dairy desserts, candy, baked products and puddings. The oil of Arnica is also used in perfumes and cosmetics.

Benefits that Boost Wellness

Arnica is well known across the world as a homeopathic treatment. Physicians generally recommend Arnica to promote wellness, and to prevent heavy bleeding, blood clots, to improve retinal microcirculation, and to help slow down some of the the damaging effects of diabetes including retina damage. Arnica has many different benefits that boost the overall wellness of patients.

How to Apply Arnica

Arnica dosage must be taken as directed by a physician. Generally Arnica is applied topically and in a diluted form. Some important considerations when applying arnica include the following:

• Never apply the product to open injuries
• Do not apply it onto scrapped skin
• Most importantly, Arnica should not be used for a long period of time

Awareness of Adverse Side Effects

Keep in mind the following precautions:

• Patients should be aware of his or her particular skin type before applying Arnica. If the skin gets sensitive coming in contact with Arnica, it may end up causing blisters as well as eczema. Arnica can aggravate the condition of the skin.
• If Arnica is used frequently, it can cause heart irregularities and dizziness.
• Patients that are breast-feeding or pregnant should not use Arnica.

Arnica has many potential benefits, but should be used with caution. It can reduce the degree of swelling and bruising after plastic surgery, but should never be taken internally. For more information about Arnica, patients should consult a physician.

Contact Crawford Plastic Surgery for more information.