Arnica is mostly used in the form of ointment and liniments to reduce immediate swelling of bruises and sprains, as well as strains. It's very widely used in latin america for babies and young children as anti-inflamatory measures when they bump into a heavy object. Athletes use it often for sports injuries. Arnica Salve soothes cracked skin. The way arnica works, is the thymol that derives in concentrated form in the plant's roots which have demonstrated to be effective vasodilators of subcutaneous blood capillaries.