| I would guess that at least 75% of pro players in London have a tube of this in their cases or in the medicine cabinet at home - I use it regularly. Not everyday but certainly after really hard days playing. It is a homeopathic remedy to repair damaged tissue and speed the natural process of regeneration that accurs after bruising.
It is perfectly safe to use on the lips, although the cream may contain alcohol which can evaporate and cause the lips to dry out. It is best to apply liberally and then massage the cream into the lips and the surrounding embouchure muscles until it has been fully absorbed by the tissue. It may even be that this massaging has a beneficial effect in itself but ensuring that the cream disappears should reduce the chance of any drying out. I normally do this as soon as I have finished playing and then again before going to bed at night - only after a really hard day though.
As with all homeopathic remedies arnica can be taken orally - rathe than as a topical application. The tablets come in various concentrations - most players I know will have a phial of M30 arnica - this seems to be the right level. It would be best to seek the advice of a registerd homeopathic practitioner if you are unsure about this treatment - but in the Uk homeopathic remedies are freely available, without prescription in all pharmacies and most large grocery stores.
In my experience vitamin E has no effect on swollen or bruised lips but is very useful if you have dry, cracked, flakey or chapped lips. Vitamin E is essential for the replacement and growth of skin cells.
Are there any medical TM members who can shed some light on this?
My other top tip for sore, dry or chapped lips is a cosmetic product by Elizabeth Arden called eight hour cream - popularly known as miracle cream - many trumpet playing colleagues have recently been raiding their wives or girlfriends make-up cases to get their hands on this stuff. Be warned though it costs about £20 for a 50ml tube!!
All the best, Noel.
__________________ Noel Langley - Eclipse Artist noel@eclipsetrumpets.com
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