How to Use Arnica Montana in Children

Arnica Montana is a homeopathic remedy used to treat bumps, bruises and muscle soreness. Arnica Montana helps to reduce swelling and bruising, and relieves pain. Used in homeopathic form, Arnica Montana is completely safe for children. It is an excellent addition to a parent's first-aid kit.

Things You'll Need

• Arnica Montana 30C homeopathic remedy in pellet form
• Arnica Montana topical gel, ointment or cream

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Instructions

• 1

  Choose an Arnica Montana preparation for your child's injury. Arnica is available in pellet form to be taken orally, and in gel, cream or ointment form for topical use. Do not give your child herbal Arnica preparations, which may have dangerous side effects when taken internally. Homeopathic preparations are safe to take internally because they use tiny amounts of Arnica in an extremely diluted form. Homeopathic remedies are labeled with a potency that consists of a number followed by X or C. This number refers to the number of times the substance has been diluted. In homeopathy, higher numbers are more potent even though they are more diluted. Arnica Montana 30C pellets are a good choice for internal use. Topical Arnica preparations are usually available in a 1X potency.

• 2

  Give Arnica Montana orally as soon as possible after an injury. Place two or three pellets under your child's tongue and allow them to dissolve. Measure the pellets into the cap of the vial and dispense them directly into your child's mouth without touching them. Some brands have a vial with a twist cap that dispenses pellets into the cap one at a time for easy measuring. Most children readily take homeopathic remedies as the pellets taste sweet.

• 3

  Apply a thin layer of Arnica Montana gel, cream or ointment directly on the bump or bruise soon after the injury. It is safe to take Arnica pellets and use topical Arnica at the same time, and doing so may increase relief. Do not use topical Arnica on broken skin as it may cause irritation.

• 4

  Repeat the dose three times a day as needed. If pain persists or worsens, take your child to a doctor.