Arnica and Calendula: The Dynamic Duo
Arnica and Calendula are the most-used remedies in my homeopathic first aid kit. Over the years, they have come into use for toddler tumbles, sports injuries, dental extractions, skateboarding falls, gardening mishaps, and all manner of everyday accidents. They go hand-in-hand for any injuries involving the soft tissues – Arnica for shock, sprains, bruises, and bumps, and Calendula for cuts and grazes. They can be used either internally or topically. I find that in most cases Arnica is needed internally and Calendula (in tincture form) externally. This is primarily because Arnica should not be used where the skin is broken, and Calenda can be very soothing to painful wounds when applied to a soft gauze dressing.
In cases of acute trauma where there is bruising and swelling, Arnica is the first remedy to think of. It ‘s helpful too where there is shock and emotional trauma, especially when the person says “I’m fine” when they obviously are not.
Arnica has the ability to reach back and heal old injuries – physical and emotional.
It is made from the Arnica Montana plant, also known as Leopard’s Bane. It grows on mountainsides and its German name, Fallkraut, which translates to “falling herb”, attests to its historical use as an injury remedy
The Calendula plant is a marigold, a member of the Asteraceae plant family.
Calendula is a great wound healer. Applied to open wounds in diluted tincture form, it reduces pain and promotes healthy granulation and rapid healing. If the wound is deep or inaccessible, a pellet of Calendula 30C will have the same effect. Calendula is also very useful following dental extraction, where a gentle application of diluted Calendula tincture can staunch bleeding and prevent infection.
The English homeopath Dorothy Shepherd, who practiced in England during World War II, shares my love of Calendula. In her classic book Homeopathy For the First Aider, she recounts many experiences of miraculous healing with this humble plant.
Calendula’s healing properties have been recognized since ancient times; there are records of its use as a medicinal herb in Roman, Mayan and Aztec culture.
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