Ouch

Best remedy

How to use

Look for

Bruises

Arnica (Arnica montana)

Take homeopathic arnica internally, or apply a topical cream to banged-up body parts to decrease swelling, numb the pain, and speed healing.

NatraBio's Arnica Rub

Cuts and scrapes

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Marigold-derived calendula speeds up the healing of minor scrapes and shallow cuts. Clean the wound, then apply a generous coating of calendula ointment or salve.

Weleda Calendula Ointment

Minor burns and sunburn

Aloe (Aloe vera)

Studies have shown that smoothing on aloe vera gel makes burns heal faster and reduces swelling. And the gel cools the painful heat.

Jason Natural Products Aloe Vera 98% Moisturizing Gel

Bee stings

Apis mellifica

Tuck three 30c homeopathic pellets under your tongue three times a day until you're ouch free. Be sure to remove the stinger first (a baking soda paste can help draw it out).

Boiron Apis Mellifica

Bug bitess

Ledum palustre

Another homeopathic remedy, this works best as part of a salve made with other pain- and itch-fighters, including calendula and Apis mellifica.

Hyland's Bug Bite Ointment

Source: Lisa Arnold, ND. Arnold has a private practice in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.