Arnica (latin: Arnica montana), also called leopard's bane is a perennial herb often used to prepare homeopathic remedies, typically in remedies applied directly to the skin. It has been used for medicinal purposes since the 1500s and is still popular today. Arnica flowers have been used for reducing the swelling and pain of bruises, sprains, muscle/joint problems, and insect bites. It has also been used as a mouthwash for swollen gums and mouth ulcers.
Arnica is commonly used in topical herbal medicines to speed healing from bruises and other traumatic injuries. Arnica is thought to provide the body with pain relief as well as anti-biotic and anti-inflammatory benefits.
The plant is a perennial herb found in small clusters in mountainous regions. It has a bright, daisy-like yellow flower heads that bloom around July. The flowers of Arnica are of 2 to 3 inches in height. The leaves are bright green, the upper surfaces are toothed and slightly hairy. Its fresh or dried flower heads are used in medicinal preparations.
Applied to the skin as a cream, ointment, liniment, salve, or tincture, arnica has been used to soothe muscle aches, reduce inflammation, and heal wounds. It is commonly used for injuries such as sprains and bruises. As an herb, arnica is generally used only topically (on the skin) because it can cause serious side effects when taken by mouth. Oral homeopathic remedies do contain arnica, but they use an extremely diluted form that is not considered dangerous. If you have any question about whether you have the herbal or homeopathic form of arnica, talk to your doctor before taking it.
Arnica is used topically for a wide range of conditions, including bruises, sunburn, sprains, muscle aches, wound healing, superficial phlebitis, joint pain, skin irritation, inflammation, inflammation from insect bites, and swelling from broken bones. In these cases, an arnica-based gel, cream, ointment, or salve is topically applied to promote healing and soothing of the skin. Arnica gel is also touted as a means of relieving muscle soreness and sprain-related pain.
In homeopathic medicine, arnica is used in treatment of these and other conditions:
arthritis
backache
carpal tunnel syndrome
eczema
fibromyalgia
influenza
headache
hemorrhoids
migraine
The number of health problems that benefit from use of topical arnica usage are many. Some include sprains, superficial phlebitis or vein swelling, insect bites, bruises, Muscle and joint issues, and in the form of mouthwash it helps decrease the swelling in gums and the prevalence of ulcers in the mouth. Thought it is not documented, some have reported that usage of arnica has alleviated the symptoms of epilepsy, seasickness, rheumatic pain, Acne, senile Heart disease, coronary artery disease, angina, and increases the rate of wound healing. It has also been said to stimulate hair growth when applied directly to the scalp.
Arnica can also be used externally to treat tired, overstressed muscles. One study performed in Norway showed that marathon runners who applied arnica to their skin before the event experienced less pain and stiffness afterward. Arnica is a relaxing addition to the bath, and has been shown to be particularly helpful for soaking tired, aching feet.
Arnica's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect may be of some benefit to those with inflammatory skin disorders. This herb is traditionally used as a topical treatment for burns, eczema, and acne. However, arnica should not be applied to an open wound, as it could cause painful irritation.
Topical forms of arnica are generally rubbed on the skin at the site of pain or injury. Arnica salves are available for treatment of chapped lips and skin, eczema, and acne. You can also purchase tinctures or even dried arnica flowers—add them to a relaxing bath for relief of tight, tired muscles and sore feet at the end of the day.
Arnica also has:
anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce pain and swelling. It is an ideal topical pain reliever to treat bruises, sprains, muscle and joint pain that is generally aggravated by movement and alleviated by rest;
it helps to regenerate the tissue and is suitable for the treatment of all injuries resulting from impact, falls, stabs and cuts;
is used internally to reduce cholesterol levels;
is used to stimulate the nervous system, it is also used for mental and physical shock;
is used to promote the production of bile that aids the process of digestion of lipids in the small intestine;
it is used as a hair growing tonic. A hair rinse prepared with arnica extract has been used to treat alopecia.
Research also suggests that arnica may be useful in treating the following health problems:
Arthritis. In a 2002 study of 79 adults with mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee, researchers observed a significant decrease in pain and stiffness (as well as an improvement in function) among those who used arnica gel twice daily for six weeks.
Another study, published in 2007 and involving 204 people with osteoarthritis of the hand, showed that arnica gel lessened pain and improved hand function as effectively as ibuprofen.
Post-Surgery Swelling. Taking a homeopathic dilution of arnica may slightly reduce postoperative swelling, according to a 2006 study of 227 adults undergoing arthroscopy.
Post-Surgery
Pain. In a 2007 study of 190 adults
having their tonsils removed, scientists discovered that those
taking a homeopathic dilution of arnica had a small but significant
decrease in pain compared to patients assigned to a placebo.
A 2002 study of 37
people undergoing surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome found that
taking a homeopathic dilution of arnica and applying arnica ointment
also produced a significant decrease in post-surgery pain.
Muscle Soreness. Taking a homeopathic dilution of arnica may help ease muscle soreness, according to a 2003 study of 82 marathon runners. However, an earlier study of 519 runners found that homeopathic arnica was ineffective for muscle soreness following long-distance running.
Acne Treatment. Arnica creams is popular for its ability to treat acne.
Abdominal Pain. A compress containing arnica can relieve abdominal pains.
Back Pain. Tea made from arnica root resin is use for treating back pains.
Chaps. Arnica ointment is used for treating chapped lips.
Internal Bleeding. Arnica is used for treating internal bleeding.
Throat Infections. Arnica tincture is use in treating throat infections.
Mouth and Gum Infections. Arnica is useful as a gargle for mouth and gum infections.
Phlebitis. Arnica ointment is important for the prevention and treatment of phlebitis.
Arnica contains sesquiterpene lactones, substances that are known to reduce inflammation and decrease pain. Arnica prevents bruising by keeping stimulating the white blood cells to disperse trapped blood and fluid from the site of injury. Arnica's effectiveness as a treatment for bruising, sports injuries, and inflammation is well established and many commercial creams used for treatment of pain, bruising, and swelling contain arnica as an active ingredient. Arnica creams are also used to treat pain and inflammation resulting from carpel tunnel syndrome and arthritis.
Arnica's constituents, or the principles found in the herb, are what gives it its potency. The primary constituent is arnicin, which can be described as bitter, crystal-like in consistence, and unstable oil, found mostly in the flower heads. Phulin and tannin are next in line as major principles of arnica, and found in the rhizome. Other constituents include resin, flavanoids, polysaccharides, lactones, mucilage, and resin. The roots and flower heads, both dried and fresh, are mined for these qualities and used in medicinal compounds.
Arnica is available in topical creams and ointments. It is most commonly found as a tincture, which can also be used as the base for compresses and poultices. Arnica oil may also be used in topical preparations.
A number of homeopathic remedies are available in pill, topical, or injectable forms.
You should not take arnica by mouth without direct medical supervision, except in dilute form as a homeopathic remedy, because side effects may be severe (see "Precautions").
Homeopathic products should be used according to directions on the label or the advice of your homeopathic practitioner. Health care providers may give homeopathic preparations by injection.
When using arnica topically, never apply it to an open wound without a doctor's supervision.
Pediatric
Homeopathic preparations may be used to treat bruising, swelling, and trauma to soft tissues. Follow the dosage instructions on the product label or consult a licensed homeopath. Use only in homeopathic formulations. Don't use the herb itself.
Adult
Topical preparations of arnica may be prepared as follows:
Tincture: a 1:10 tincture prepared with 70% ethanol
Creams and ointments: 20 - 25% tincture or a maximum of 15% arnica oil made from one part dried arnica flower head and five parts vegetable oil
Compresses: tincture diluted 3 - 10 times with water
Poultices: tincture diluted 3 - 10 times with water
Mouthwash: tincture diluted 10 times with water (rinse but don't swallow)
Arnica is POSSIBLY SAFE when used in the amounts commonly found in food or when applied to unbroken skin short-term. Amounts that are larger than the amount found in food are LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth.
Pregnancy and
breast-feeding: Don't take arnica by
mouth or apply to the skin if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Ask
your doctor before using it on your skin. Talk to your doctor before
taking any medication, including herbs.
Allergy
to ragweed and related plants: Arnica
may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the
Asteraceae/Compositae family. Members of this family include ragweed,
chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others. If you have
allergies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before
applying it to your skin. Do not take arnica by mouth.
Helenalin
sensitivity: Some people are sensitive
to the compound helenalin found in arnica. If you develop a mild
rash, then you are probably helenalin-sensitive and should stop using
arnica.
Digestion problems:
Arnica can irritate the digestive system. Don't take it if you have
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcers, Crohn's disease, or other
stomach or intestinal conditions.
Blood pressure:
Arnica is known to stimulate blood circulation and can raise blood
pressure, especially in the coronary arteries. People with high blood
pressure or heart disease should consult a physician
before using arnica.
Surgery:
Arnica might cause extra bleeding during and after surgery. Stop
using it at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Arnica is seldom used internally, because it is irritating to the stomach, and can be poisonous if consumed in large amounts. Signs of arnica toxicity include vomiting, weakness, diarrhea, skin rashes, shortness of breath, a fast heartbeat, an increase in blood pressure, nervous disturbances, heart damage, increased heart rate, and coma.
Never apply arnica in any form on broken skin or on an open wound. Never take arnica internally unless it's in the form of homeopathic pills that contain too little arnica to cause harm.
However, an arnica tincture is sometimes recommended by homeopathic practitioners to treat motion sickness and seizure disorders (of course, if you have a seizure disorder you should be under a doctor's care, and consult your physician before taking any supplementation, including arnica).
These following reviews are taken from WebMD's medical site User Reviews & Ratings Section and further highlights some of the health benefits of using Arnica products:
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Reviewer: pegs, 35-44 Female on Treatment for less than 1 month (Consumer)
Effectiveness: Current Rating: 5
Ease of Use: Current Rating: 5
Satisfaction: Current Rating: 5
Comment:
I was injured playing soccer and ended up with a three inch across goose egg just below my knee on the outside muscle. I iced it immediately, but the sweelling continued and the pain was intense. I was limping pretty good and could not put all of my weight on my foot because it would send searing pain all the way up my leg. I used Arnica at bedtime and ibuprofen, and then continued icing through the night. I am notorious for getting huge colorful and painful bruises, so I was more than pleasantly surprized when I woke up the morning after and could walk easily with almost no discomfort and definitely no intense pain. There is almost no swelling and the usual bruising colors are not even there. It feels like it is about 4-5 days ago versus last night, and only feels like I worked the muscle a bit more than usual, not like I got clobbered. Since I am frequently a clutz and end up with large and deep bruises, it is a joy to wake up as though almost nothing happened!
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Reviewer: wolfmom58, 55-64 Female on Treatment for 2 to less than 5 years (Consumer)
Effectiveness: Current Rating: 5
Ease of Use: Current Rating: 5
Satisfaction: Current Rating: 5
Comment:
having fibromyalgia it has helped my body feel better especialy when I have over stressed by shopping and everyday chores. Sometimes I wish I could bath in it. Along with other meds I take at night it really makes a difference!
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Reviewer: Deb, 55-64 Female on Treatment for less than 1 month (Consumer)
Effectiveness: Current Rating: 3
Ease of Use: Current Rating: 5
Satisfaction: Current Rating: 3
Comment:
Used it for knee pain after minor surgery. Purchased the topical gel and the little pills. Was amazed at how quickly it worked but needed to use it frequently. Did not have good dosing info on the pkg.
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Reviewer: scott g., 35-44 Male on Treatment for less than 1 month (Consumer)
Effectiveness: Current Rating: 5
Ease of Use: Current Rating: 5
Satisfaction: Current Rating: 5
Comment:
Can't believe it! Sprained my ankle a week ago (too much running I guess) put on an ankle brace and started taking ibuprofen aspirin etc. right away. So for 6 days I was hobbling around feeling sorry for myself, that's when one of my fellow workers mentioned Arnica and I thought why not it can't hurt to try. Today is the 1st morning after taking it in pill form all day yesterday, pain is gone!! I am still weary of whether I am really cured but I [promise] this is the best my ankle has felt since I sprained it. The only side effect I have experienced is a bloody nose and that seems to have cleared up this morning as well. Amazing!
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