Do you have a “mom phrase” that you’re known for? Mine is definitely “put some arnica on it.”

There are two little things that I know help my children besides hugs… peppermints and arnica! They’re magical…I always have them in my Mary Poppins bag.

Decades ago, one of my dance teachers told me to use it on my swollen feet after dancing all day. I was hooked and now I have my daughter keep a tube of arnica in her dance bag. My son keeps one handy too for after basketball.

Arnica is for minor aches and pains. It’s a homeopathic remedy used to soothe muscle aches, reduce inflammation and heal wounds, including bruises and sprains. Arnica helps to increase circulation, which helps speed recovery. 

Did you know that Arnica comes from a perennial plant with yellow-orange flowers similar to daisies? The fresh or dried flower heads have been used medicinally since the 1500s.

It’s superb for sore muscles and stiffness, or have a stubborn bruise that won’t go away. You can buy it in a tube, like toothpaste, and apply it the way you would Ben-Gay. So go ahead…put some arnica on it!