FitSugar

Definition: Arnica

BellaSugar — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:00:43 PST

Mr. Bella is fast becoming a huge fan of the rock climbing gym. As a result, he's become a huge fan of arnica oil. The extract from arnica, a daisy-like plant, helps reduce inflammation and pain from sprains, muscle aches, sore joints, and insect bites. Arnica also helps alleviate bruising by stimulating blood circulation. You could say it's a major multitasker.

Typically found in ointments, gels, or creams, arnica is sometimes an ingredient in beauty products, too. It gives products like Laura Mercier Deep Cleansing Clay Mask ($32) or The Eraser Concealer ($18), and DuWop Igels Variety Pack ($25) their anti-inflammatory benefits.

Acne? Arnica helps with that, too. Found in Acne by Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion ($33), arnica works to reduce redness and heal, with its natural antibacterial properties. But beware. This plant can be poisonous if ingested - not like you were going to have a taste or anything.

Working Out When Really Sore - Is It A Good Idea?

FitSugar — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 11:45:00 PDT

I'm one of those people who LOVES feeling sore the day after working out. I love to feel muscles I haven't felt in a long time - it makes me feel like I really worked it.

That sore feeling is normal, and it's caused by microscopic tears in your muscle fibers. When your body rebuilds the damaged muscles, they become even stronger.

If you've gone for a run yesterday, and today your thighs and butt are so sore that you have a hard time walking down stairs, then you probably want to skip out on running for the day. You want to give your muscles a chance to heal completely and properly, if you don't, you could end up injuring yourself.

That doesn't mean you have to skip out on exercising altogether. Take it down a notch and maybe go for a short walk or do some stretching - the light exercise will get your blood pumping and actually might help to relieve some of your discomfort. Or use this as a great opportunity to work some other muscle groups. Grab some weights and work your arms, or do some ab or booty strengthening exercises.

Fit's Tips: The main point here is to listen to your body, and do what you're comfortable with. Obviously if you are in a lot of pain, you want to rest your body. You can take an OTC anti-inflammatory such as Advil (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen sodium/naprosyn). Or you can take arnica or rub Topricin on your sore muscles. If a muscle is extremely tender, you can also ice the area to reduce swelling and pain. On the other hand, if you are sore all over, taking a hot bath or getting a gentle massage might be the answer to your body's prayers.

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Help Ease Your Pain With Arnica

FitSugar — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 14:00:00 PST

Ever heard of Arnica? Well I can tell you about it.

Arnica is a homeopathic remedy that can greatly reduce and relieve pain, bruising, and inflammation if used immediately after a wide range of traumas. It comes in a variety of forms from topical creams to heal and soothe your injuries from outside in, and pills to heal you from the inside out.

The Arnica Bump Stick is in a handy go-anywhere container - keep it in your purse or first aid kit.

You can also buy Arnica oil which is great for soothing sore muscles - use it for massages. There's also Arnica ointment, gel, or lotion if you have a bigger area that's hurt - you can rub it all over. My favorite is Topricin.

Arnica also comes in pill form which is great to take before surgery since it can help relieve pain and reduce swelling and bruising.

Fit's Tips: Keep a tube of Arnica in your gym bag. Use it on tired, stiff, or sore muscles before and after your workout.

Make Bruises Disappear

FabSugar — Sat, 02 Sep 2006 09:11:56 PDT

OK, I admit it: I am clumsy. I'm forever hitting my shins on furniture and tripping and falling down on my butt. This really becomes a problem when I'm getting ready to don a cute miniskirt or a swimsuit, and I realize I'm walking around with an enormous bruise. Plus, bruises take so long to go away that some of my skimpier clothes are out of commission for weeks.

That's why I can't say enough about Boiron Arnica Gel. Made from a Northwestern mountain plant called arnica montana, this nice-smelling, non-sticky ointment is used by athletes to cure muscle aches and pains. But it's also miraculous when it comes to banishing even the biggest, ugliest bruises. You just gently and generously rub the gel on the affected area a couple of times a day, and the bruise will literally disappear in a matter of days. (As a bonus, it will also stop hurting.) Even I thought it sounded too good to be true at first, but every time I use it, I'm amazed at how quickly and effectively this stuff works. You can buy a 2.5 oz. tube for $8.39 here.

3 Warning Signs You Might Be Exercising Too Much

Self — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 04:50:49 PDT

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Self here on FitSugar!

If you're anything like me, your workout waves come in (short) fits and starts. At least you're doing something - that's how I rationalize it.

On the downside, that may mean that you get overzealous during exercise phases. It's great to keep moving, but overshooting your fitness level - or even hitting the gym too much as a pro - can be counterproductive, actually slowing your progress.

Here, experts describe the pitfalls and warning signs of overexercise, plus some moves for massaging your own overworked muscles:

First, physical activity is supposed to be key to happiness and health, so how do we even know if we're overexercising? American Council on Exercise-certified spokesperson and exercise physiologist Fabio Comana, M.A., M.S., says, "Exercise when it's modest to vigorous helps boost your immune system. When you exercise too vigorously and don't allow for recovery, it actually represses your immune response."

Overexercising or "Overtraining Syndrome" may actually manifest like a cold or flu, in the sense that you'll feel worn out. Explains Comana, these are some classic symptoms/signs:

Increased Heart Rate:
As you become more conditioned, your heart rate should lower. That's an adaptation of training. If you're overtraining, your resting heart rate will rise, which also happens when you're under stress. Lie in bed with your fingers on your pulse (wrist or neck) and count the number of beats per second to check. If you are under stress, maybe your body isn't up for the usual workout. Stop training for a while, as you manage the stress in your life. Or if exercise is a catharsis, scale back a little. Maybe if you're doing five days a week, downshift to three.

Check out more warning signs that you may be overexercising and learn how to treat them after the break!

5 Fast Fixes For Dark Under-Eye Circles

Miriam Lacey — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 03:05:04 PDT

Dark circles under eyes plague most of us at some time or another, and they're a chronic issue for lots of people. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to give raccoon eyes a temporary lift. To see how you can brighten up your peepers in a flash, just keep reading.

Vincent Longo Cosmetics Set to Make a Big Comeback

Jaime Richards — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 10:54:41 PDT

Due in part to a failing economy back in 2008, Vincent Longo Cosmetics was eventually forced to pull its products from the shelves of retail giants such as Sephora, Neiman Marcus, Fred Segal, and Nordstrom. Space NK, however, still kept the indie brand's stock in supply. But now, Vincent Longo is set to make a big comeback.

Last year, the company began selling its products in CVS Pharmacy's Beauty 360. And with a new investor in place, Vincent Longo himself is now again able to work on what he's known for: creating innovative, stand-out formulations.

He'll completely revamp everything except for complexion products. New items will include Liquid Concealer ($28), formulated with arnica and peptides to reduce dark circles and puffiness; Pearl X Eyeshadows ($25), baked shadows with speckled colors; and Perfect Shine V Gloss ($22), glimmery pearl lip colors that add temporary volume. To see what other brand is also making moves to rise from the ashes, just keep reading.

You Asked: How Do I Treat a Big Bruise?

FitSugar — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:00:55 PDT

Dear Fit,
I was out surfing the other day when my board and I got into a bit of a tangle. I ended up with a huge bruise on the front of my thigh and the top of my foot. They hurt and look awful. How should I treat them? Ice? Thanks.
- Banged Up Betty

Kudos to you for riding the waves, but banging into your board can cause a lot of pain. To learn my suggestions on how to treat your bruises keep on reading.