Arnica - tablets or cream?

[lilylilyrose]

I'm 39 weeks today, and getting a list of 'last minute' bits and pieces together for after the birth. Someone recommended arnica to me, but I can't remember if it's tablets or cream that's supposed to be best!

Has anyone here used arnica after childbirth, and did it help? Was it cream (which I imagine might sting a bit TBH!) or the tablets? If you took the tablets, which strength were they? I noticed that Holland & Barrett sell two strengths. Thanks

[electra]

I've used arnica tablets. I used them after my dd was born and after an operation I had. The idea is that it brings out any bruising quickly and helps prevent scar tissue.

[Nbg]

tablets!

[electra]

Sorry - not sure about what strength I had though...

[SanetJvv]

Arnica 200c start taking as soon as labour starts. More info in Gentle Birth method book, sorry, borrowed my book to someone else.

[SanetJvv]

You wont be able to buy Arnica 200c from highstreet shops, I orderde mine from a special alternative meds shop.

[LIZS]

You can't use cream on open wounds - ouch !!

[CarGirl]

The tablets and start taking them now so they are in your system before labour starts........mage a huge difference I had no brusing/swelling nothing the 2 times I used it when I had started taking it beforehand.

[Tutter]

am currently taking the tablets - just got mine from boots

tutter (1 week postpartum)

[lilylilyrose]

Tablets it is then, thanks everyone! I'll scout some out ASAP

[aikigypsy]

I don't know about for childbirth, but I use arnica gel fairly often for sore muscles and bruises. You might want to have some on hand, in addition to the tablets, to rub on any strained muscles and ligaments. The gel is supposed to absorb better than the cream, and I would definitely not use either on anything other than regular, unbroken skin.