Valkruid (or Arnica Montana) has been used for centuries to treat muscle injuries, bruises and sprains, blue spots and swelling.
Arnica works as a natural painkiller for injuries, such as sprains or tendon or muscle injuries. It is an anti -inflammatory effect and because of the antimicrobial properties it can relieve irritation when it is applied to the skin (but in diluted form, such as in ointment, gel or line😉). Arnica also has the ability to stimulate blood circulation and quickly send the blood to the scene of the injury, but also quickly away, so that waste and an excess of (coagulated) blood are removed as quickly as possible. This process ensures that the swelling is reduced and that the pain is relieved. Moreover, it promotes the healing of the tissue.
And - not unimportant - With rapid use, Arnica helps swelling and bruises prevent. We ourselves have a lot of advantage of Arnica Gel, both with our own horses, but also if we are injured ourselves (and this happens occasionally when you work with horses 🤪) This is also the reason why we have a large selection of different liniments and gels with Arnica in our range!
In addition to the orderer Arnica, also cooling as warming liniments with Arnica, we have one with extra MSM for horses with joint problems and the fine Arnika Strong-gel. The latter is in any case an indispensable part of our first aid box.
But also use Arnika for a pre-workout massage to heat muscles and joints. Or after exercise, where recovery can promote, prevent injuries and to relieve aches and pains and/or tired muscles and joints. Arnica Liniment is good to use together with a massage glove or brush, for a wonderfully relaxing massage for your horse!
Gel or spread?
Gel is water -based and, because of the consistency, easy to use for local use, for example on one leg or on a bruise if your horse has played too hard with a meadow grid.
Liniment is a liquid for applying or massaging on the skin. It is easiest to pour and then apply linen on a sponge or canvas, but you can also pour a little from the product into your hands or directly on the horse. The latter is messing around a little more😉
Liniment can also be used very well as a cover, by Drenken a piece/bandage/canvas in Arnica and applying to the injured place.
Find our selection with Arnica here: https://nl.equinics.eu/search?q=arnica
Important: This info blog is based on Equinics' own experience, both in terms of the products, therapies & gadgets discussed, problems, injuries, but also horses in general. 😃 We would like to emphasize extra that you think you should always ask your own vet (first) for advice, when your horse needs help! 😊