How Arnica Worked For Me

Years ago we were in a Bed and Breakfast in France.  Having taken 8 years of French in school, it was coming back to me nicely and I was acting as interpreter for my husband - sometimes well and sometimes with poor grammar. 

One morning we were speaking to the owner of the B&B in her office.  The room was one step up from the 'sunken' breakfast/dining area.  I stepped back, and, being close to the edge of this room's floor, I stepped backward and harshly down into the breakfast room, fell, and twisted my ankle.  Europe doesn't post all the warning signs that America does.  I had not taken note mentally to be careful at this exact location in the home we were staying.  It was my fault.  The owner was upset but not as upset as an American would be (probably because lawsuits don't happen there like in U.S.?). 

This was not just any twisted ankle.  Ice was brought and my husband helped me hobble back to our private room.  Then I let loose with my pain, extreme (!) - away from everyone but my husband.  The ankle swelled to twice its size and I was worried about the rest of our vacation.  We continued icing it and the next day went to the Pharmacie.  I was familiar with ARNICA's use for bruises and tried to explain that is what I wanted.  The staff didn't understand until I showed them my ankle and somehow imparted the quest for a product to help with bruising (contusions to them).  Arnica appeared.  It worked magic on my ankle.  I am certain that the Arnica we purchased there is stronger than what you can get in the U.S. health food stores but it is something I keep in my herbal "medicine cabinet" along with myrhh (will write about that in a later blog).
(I am not offering medical advice, just a personal experience.)