Herbal first aid for soft tissue injuries.  Sprains or strains of the joints anywhere on the body can cause painful inflammation.  The first step would be to ice the area if there is any chance of internal bleeding or bruising.  Arnica oil will prevent bruising from forming when applied directly after the impact. 

Note: Arnica Oil should not be applied directly into an open wound. 

An additional aid for internal bleeding would be to take a dose of Cayenne, a glass of hot lemonade would be helpful. This is a cold drink consisting of 16 to 32 ounces of water,  1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp cayenne, Lemon juice and Maple syrup to taste.  

Note:  Cayenne aids to equalize blood pressure allowing the body to control any bleeding more quickly. https://daradietz.me/2016/05/30/when-how-to-use-cayenne/

After the ice pack has done its job or if not Icing is required, as in the case of overuse of a joint, or any case where there was no impact or concern for internal bleeding, apply a pack with a good Healing Salve with anti-inflammatory properties.  A good combination of herbs and essential oils could be,  Comfrey Root; Marshmallow Root, Marigold Herb, Beeswax; Essential oil of Rosemary, Lavender, Frankincense and Helichrysum

Apply as a salve pack over the abused or damaged joint for a couple of hours.  This combination of herbs will knock down the inflammation around the damaged area and allow healing to happen more quickly.  Also this will aid in keeping the discomfort from increasing.  (Remember, pain comes from blockage, clearing the blockage will knock down the pain.)

A good herbal combination to aid in restoring the damaged joint is Dr Christopher’s BFC formula.  His combination of herbs supports with the nutrition to “knit” the body back together.  BFC, Stands for Bones, Flesh, and Cartilage, this herbal combination of, White Oak Bark, Comfrey Root, Gravel Root, Mullein Leaf, Marshmallow Root, Black Walnut Hulls, Wormwood, Skullcap, Lobelia is an helpful aid for providing the body with the nutrition needed to repair damage to the Bones, Flesh, and Cartilage. 

The formula can be applied as a salve pack over the affected area.  It is also wonderful as an herbal extract taken as a cup of tea internally.  Leave pack on overnight, depending on how extensive the damage continue to use allowing the area to “breath” without a pack for 6 to 8 hours each day.