Why you should make arnica your running buddy

Aching from a long run and there’s another one just around the corner? Get back on the road with arnica montana, a recovery tool of in-the-know runners, fitness fanatics (hi!), and wholesome types who don’t like to pop pills for their aches and pains.

The plant’s got a long history as a homeopathic remedy for soreness, bruising, and swelling. (It’s even a de-puffer in eye cream.) And, unlike Advil, you apply it right where you hurt.

It’s also the kind of product that smells more like high-quality natural skin-care than a clinical hand sanitizer or some of the other drugstore muscle-relief creams.

Here are five ways to get this great topical pain reliever in contact with your road-ravaged feet, muscles, and joints:

COOLING ON CONTACTNaturopathica Arnica Muscle Gel, $24In addition to arnica, you know what helps takes the edge off that burning, hobbling pain your quads and calves are emitting? Menthol, which provides a long-lasting cooling sensation in this gel.

BEST FOR MASSAGEWeleda Arnica Massage Oil, $14.95Don’t happen to have an expert (or willing) massage therapist at home? Tote this with you to your next sports or deep-tissue session.

WARMING AND SLEEP-INDUCINGMJ’s Herbals Arnica Salve, $12.99Keep this organic salve made with warming clove oil on your bedside and apply it the night before an early run. The especially relaxing scent helps get you to sleep.

GREAT ON THE GOBadger Sore Joint Rub, $9.45Limp to brunch no more! This tiny tin is small enough to fit in your running jacket pocket for immediate application.

FIRST AIDDr. Hauschka Birch Arnica Oil, $25.99Slather this Arnica-laden oil on swollen knees, brag about how good your PR’s looking, and recline proudly.—Melisse Gelula

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