Arnica, Thuja or Herbal Honey? How to Choose the Right Natural Cream for Your Pet
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At Phytopet, we're often asked which of our natural creams is right for a particular condition. The good news is that each one has a distinct purpose — here's a quick guide to help you choose.
Arnica & Calendula Cream 150g — For Bruising, Sprains & Muscle Soreness
Reach for Arnica Cream after physical exertion, a knock, or a fall. Arnica montana has long been used in herbal traditions for bruising and muscle soreness, and has been studied for its anti-inflammatory properties, though a recent systematic review found mixed results across the available studies. Calendula is included for its traditional soothing properties and has shown some evidence of supporting skin healing. Popular with owners for use after exercise. Note: use with caution in cats — consult your vet before use.
Best for: bruising, sprains, muscle soreness, post-exercise recovery (dogs and horses)
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Thuja Cream 150g — For Warts, Sarcoids & Abnormal Skin Growths
Thuja Cream contains Thuja occidentalis, which has a long history in traditional herbal practice for use on skin blemishes and growths, alongside Calendula, included for its traditional soothing properties. We haven't found peer-reviewed veterinary evidence confirming Thuja's effect on warts or sarcoids, so we'd always recommend having any new or changing skin growth checked by your vet, especially anything suspected to be a sarcoid, before starting any topical care.
Best for: skin blemishes such as warts and growths, alongside your vet's advice for anything new or changing
Herbal Honey Skin Balm 150g — For Wounds, Mud Fever & Skin Irritations
When it comes to minor wounds, abrasions, and mud fever, our Herbal Honey Skin Balm is a popular natural first aid choice. Honey and Propolis are both well studied for their antibacterial properties and role in skin healing, Hypericum is traditionally used to soothe nerve-rich areas around wounds and showed promising results in a small clinical trial on wound healing, and Calendula is included for its traditional role in supporting the skin. Safe for use on all animals including cats.
Best for: minor wounds, mud fever, abrasions, skin irritations
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Still not sure?
If your pet has multiple issues, these creams can be used alongside each other — they're all natural and gentle. As always, consult your vet for persistent or serious conditions.
Sources and further reading
- Toma CC et al. Effects of Arnica phytotherapeutic and homeopathic formulations on traumatic injuries and inflammatory conditions: a systematic review. Plants, 2024
- Givol O et al. A systematic review of Calendula officinalis extract for wound healing. Wound Repair and Regeneration, 2019
- Yildiz Karadeniz E, Kaplan Serin E. Use of honey in diabetic foot ulcer: systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Tissue Viability, 2023
- Machado Velho JC et al. Use of propolis for skin wound healing: systematic review and meta-analysis. Archives of Dermatological Research, 2022
- Samadi S et al. The effect of Hypericum perforatum on the wound healing and scar of cesarean. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2010