Arnica for kids?

Now that Ethan is at the stage where he is getting bumps and bruises I decided to buy some arnica. He has a humungous bruise on his forehead right now going all black and purple.  Anyway when I finally found some it said on the box not to use on kids under 12 years of age. Why?? And is there something else you can put on bruises?

Really?  I've always used it.  Everyone I know uses it.  That or Tiger Balm.  We even gave Arnica to the cat. 

Never heard of it.  Truth be told, I've never heard of putting anything on bruises either.

We sell it at the healthfood shop, however, we have a special formula made just for kids.  It's called Dr. Greenfinger's.  I know, I know, silly name, but they have a line of natural first aid for children; you could try looking for it.  Arnica is good stuff; it works!

Never heard of it. Truth be told, I've never heard of putting anything on bruises either.

 Me neither.. but I did a little research and here is what I found...

Arnica (Arnica montana)
 



Arnica is also commonly called leopard's bane. The arnica plant has a bright yellow, daisy-like flower that blooms around July. Preparations made from the flowering heads have been used in homeopathic medicine for hundreds of years. It is popular in Germany and over 100 drug preparations are made from the plant. Arnica is a perennial that is protected in parts of Europe.
The active components in arnica are sesquiterpene lactones, which are known to reduce inflammation and decrease pain. Other active principals are thymol (an essential oil), flavonoids, inulin, carotenoids and tannins.

Arnica works by stimulating the activity of white blood cells that perform much of the digestion of congested blood, and by dispersing trapped, disorganized fluids from bumped and bruised tissue, joints and muscles.

Arnica is known to stimulate blood circulation and can raise blood pressure, especially in the coronary arteries. The plant is used externally for arthritis, burns, ulcers, eczema and acne. It has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities that can reduce pain and swelling, improving wound healing.

 

We sell it at the healthfood shop, however, we have a special formula made just for kids.  It's called Dr. Greenfinger's.  I know, I know, silly name, but they have a line of natural first aid for children; you could try looking for it.  Arnica is good stuff; it works!

I'll look out for that thanks. I didn't see it at Holland & Barrett but we have 2 other healthfood places in town I'll check them out.

I found a kid's version at a local herbalist called Napier's where I buy Aillidh's soap and lotion (everything else gives her excema).  It's a gel.  I think Weleda makes some as well.

Thanks Expat, I'll look out for those too.

Thanks Expat, I'll look out for those too.

I have a gel one, but it's made the Napier's people themselves so I don't know if they sell it far and wide.  It works a treat, though!  Aillidh still gets skinned knees a lot b/c she's fond of climbing things - not very well I might add - and running. 

The Weleda one should be available.  They also have a calendula creme I've heard good things about. 

Dr Hanshuka (sp?) also makes products for kids, so does Burt's Bees.  I've seen both in the Napier's shop, so it's likely they're available elsewhere in the UK.

i used arnica tablets post-birth, but been yet to use anything on Calvin's bumps and bruises...