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Original poster

Arnica for C-Section??

18 replies

justbeingmummy · 30/03/2011 11:06

I brought some Arnica tablets for when I have my planned c-section on the recommendation of a few people.
Im not sure when I should start taking them and for how long and how often?

It says on the pack to take every 2 hours to start with then 4 times a day afterwards Confused

Just wondered if anyone took them and could offer some advice.

Many thanks x

OP posts:
nocake · 30/03/2011 11:11

Don't bother. Arnica tablets are homeopathic... which means the tablets contain absolutely no active ingredient and are just sugar pills. It also means that they don't do anything. I would take them back to the shop and ask for your money back.

BikeRunSki · 30/03/2011 11:14

I took them from the day after my CS for about 4 weeks. Kind of forgot on the day. No swelling, no bruising. Lovely smooth scar that was used to show off "how it ought to be done". Am a big beliver in Arnica, although usually very orthodox in my approach to medicine.

sh77 · 30/03/2011 16:39

Took Arnica tablets day after ELCS along with regular painkillers - not a single day of pain or tenderness. Scar healed quickly and beautifully. Not sure it was down to Arnica but it certainly did no harm.

I also dabbed on tea tree oil every 5 days.

marmon · 30/03/2011 16:39

I started taking Arnica about 2 days before my CS and stepped it up after the operatio, the bruising came out a day after the CS and i did not need any painkillers afterwards! My midwife said that patients who take Arnica are less likely to need painkillers afterwards then those that dont! It does really work and midwives endorse it.

Original poster
justbeingmummy · 30/03/2011 16:41

Thanks ladies :)
So can I just ask, what dose you were on and how often you took it?
Also is it right you have to dissolve it under your tongue?

Many thanks x

OP posts:
sethstarkaddersmackerel · 30/03/2011 16:45

I'm feeling a bit sorry for BikeRunSki's surgeon here - s/he does a lovely job and the arnica gets all the credit!

BikeRunSki · 30/03/2011 17:31

I belive that my surgeon is owed all the credit, she did indeed do a lovely job, but I also believe that Arnica helped my rapid recovery.

No idea what dose I took.

sh77 · 30/03/2011 18:35

I took 30c dose from Boots. I put them under my tongue.

ZacknJakesMuma · 30/03/2011 20:04

nocake- that's not a very helpful response. Also, unsubstantiated and very negative, I'm sure the OP was hoping for advice not bigotry.

OP- although I haven't had a c-section, I have had two very large 9lb 12oz babies naturally and took Arnica both times. I ordered a 200c strength bottle from my local health food shop and found it told be absolutely excellent In helping with the healing process and bruising (and was supported completely in this by my lovely midwife). I took one right after the birth and then twice a say for about a week- bear in mind the frequency does vary according to how strong the dose is per pill. I am currently pg with no.3 and will be taking Arnica again this time. Best of luck to you.

ZacknJakesMuma · 30/03/2011 20:05

say-day. Blasted iPhone!

sethstarkaddersmackerel · 30/03/2011 20:19

nocake's advice was excellent.
accusing someone of bigotry because you don't agree with them is a bit silly.
I'm sure she could substantiate it if she could be bothered. Probably rather more easily than anyone could substantiate claims that it is likely to actually work. Hmm

Original poster
justbeingmummy · 30/03/2011 20:37

Thanks all for your replies, Im not sure if it works or not to be honest and obviously people have different opinions and experiences, Im just thinking that it cant do any harm so is worth taking even if it is just a placebo effect :)

I have however used arnica cream for bruises before and found it quite helpful, like I say I cant be sure it actually did any good but certainly didnt do any harm so will give it a whirl. I should also add I will be taking all the painkillers I will get my hands on too so Im not particuarly fussy lol.

Sh77 - Ive brought some tea tree oil too, did you bad it straight on your wound? I was advised to put some drops in the bath to help healing?

Wish me luck for tomorrow Confused

OP posts:
Original poster
justbeingmummy · 30/03/2011 20:38

#DAB it straight on your wound, not bad!! Can you tell Im nervous lol x

OP posts:
sethstarkaddersmackerel · 30/03/2011 20:48

justbeingmummy, you know there are two different sorts of arnica remedies, herbal and homeopathic? the creams are often herbal arnica which has come out well in some trials. The tablets are homeopathic.

whatever the truth is behind homeopathic arnica, it is completely safe, no risk of side effects, so if you already have it then give it a whirl. But you don't need to get too hung up on doses.

I'm sure it will be fine tomorrow, most people heal up fine without arnica so don't stress either way.
Best of luck, are you looking forward to meeting your new baby? Smile

ZacknJakesMuma · 30/03/2011 21:03

Really don't want to hijack this thread with an argument so wish you the very best for tomorrow OP.

nocake · 30/03/2011 21:20

I was just presenting the scientific facts. They can't be argued against because they're the facts. Homeopathic arnica contains no active ingredient. They are just sugar pills. If you're interested just do a bit of research on the net and you'll find that I'm correct. If you then want to continue being abusive towards me then you're just showing yourself up.

Original poster
justbeingmummy · 30/03/2011 22:03

Im am VERY excited to meet my little man :)
Also very nervous but just cant wait for him to be here!!

Thanks for all your replies x

OP posts:
sethstarkaddersmackerel · 30/03/2011 22:08

hope it all goes smoothly and easily tomorrow, will look out for you on the birth announcements threads!

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