MEDICINE|HEALING
When Life Knocks You Around, This Exceptional Cream Works Wonders
It’s known to some, but most people have never heard of, let alone used, this staple of mine
Today has been TOUGH…a real thorn in my side (or rather, my arm).
Yesterday afternoon I got my booster shot.
Also, my period is due aaaaany minute…
AND last night I got some bad news that I’m keeping to myself (for now) to help me not ruminate on it more than I already am (such as checking my email for an update every 10 minutes).
On top of that, my supportive and wonderful partner is down for the count as well with a splitting headache that’s lasted for more than 24 hours now (in addition to a sore arm from the booster as well).
I don’t know why, but BOTH of my arms were feeling sore within a few hours of getting my booster shot yesterday.
The first time I was vaccinated against COVID-19, my upper arm ached even more- to the point where I kept putting an ice pack on it to help deal with the pain.
The second time, I had no negative side effects.
Getting the shot the day before my period was due was not my ideal. It just worked out that way due to scheduling issues between me and my partner.
It’s a perfect storm that I know will pass. I just need to ride it out.
One of my best friends sent me a package almost a month ago that happened to FINALLY arrive today (she sent it priority mail which normally only takes up to 10 days).
It was full of thoughtful, sweet and personalized gifts, including photos, that warmed my heart and lifted my spirits.
It was actually while opening her packages and rummaging through the various items that she sent that I happened to glance over and see a tube of ointment that has been a saving grace to me for more than 25 years.
I know it’s all in German so I took a photo of it using Google’s translator app:
Here’s one last screenshot taken via the translator app that shows the list of ingredients:
Now, I’m not what you would call “accident prone”, however, I am one of those people who tends to bumps into things- hard!
I’ve whacked my shins on many stools, chairs, corners of bed frames…you get the idea.
If you apply arnica cream or gel (there are pill forms too) fairly soon after injury (sprains, strains also- any soft tissue injury), it speeds up the inflammatory response which means you heal quicker.
One of the best stories that showed me just how powerful this stuff is happened in 2012.
I ran into an old friend from high school whose small dog was being protective of her and bit me on the hand when I reached over her (the dog was in her lap) to shake her husband’s hand.
The bite didn’t really break the skin, but it did hurt!
It hurt the most on the top of my hand- a dull ache- and I knew it was going to bruise.
Oh, and I was working as a massage therapist at the time!
I headed straight to Rite-Aid or CVS. Both tend to carry arnica in gel or cream form. I applied it immediately 3–4 times a day.
In less than 2 days my hand was completely healed!
I even travel with arnica (and neosporin) because it comes in so handy.
About an hour ago, I applied it to both of my sore arms- the entire length of them, fingers included.
Now my left arm still aches and burns near the injection site, but my right arm is much better.
I use it on my neck and back when they are sore from sleeping in a weird position or from overexertion of any kind.
Research on it’s scientific efficacy has produced mixed reviews. However, it’s always worked well for me.
Here are a few articles detailing more about it:
A few more stories by me:
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