Arnica, a sunny, yellow daisy-like perennial native to the mountains of Europe and southern Russia, is used in many alternative medicinal treatments and homeopathic remedies. Arnica can be toxic, however, cautions integrative physician Dr. Andrew Weil. Special care must be taken when applying it in topical form or when taking it internally.
Preparations
Arnica can be used fresh or dried, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Topical arnica treatments include creams, ointments and salves applied to bruises, sprains, aching muscles and insect bites. Arnica topical treatments can also be used for the purposes of healing wounds, assuaging rheumatic pain and swelling that goes along with fractured bones. Homeopathic arnica treatments, in which it is taken orally, are taken to treat muscle soreness, bruises and similar conditions. The UMMC states that these remedies have "no detectable amount" of arnica and are generally considered safe when taken according to the product's instructions.
Topical Arnica Treatment
In addition to consumer arnica treatments, such as prepared ointments and creams, the UMMC states that topical preparations can be made at home using arnica tincture. For compresses and poultices, dilute arnica tincture three to 10 times with water, or make your own topical ointment using 20 percent to 25 percent arnica tincture and five parts vegetable oil. Arnica is considered safe when applied topically, according to the UMMC.
Warning
Arnica can be toxic if it gets inside of the body, Weil cautions. Don't apply external arnica treatments to an open wound or broken/injured skin. The UMMC states that using arnica externally for a long time can cause skin irritation, resulting in peeling, blistering and eczema. Some people may be sensitive to the helenalin in arnica, Weil cautions. If a slight rash erupts on your skin, you're probably sensitive to arnica and should stop using it.
When Taken Orally
As noted, homeopathic arnica treatments contain so little arnica, they are rarely harmful. When taking homeopathic arnica pills, Weil advises pouring four into the bottle cap and putting them directly into the mouth without touching them, as homeopathic pills should not be handled. Weil states that homeopathic arnica can be taken 24 hours after experiencing an injury in two-hour intervals. Avoid taking arnica 30 minutes before eating.
Cautions
Don't take arnica orally in any other form other than a homeopathic remedy, according to the UMMC, which goes on to state that other oral forms of arnica are rarely used, as arnica causes serious side effects such as tremors, dizziness and heart irregularities. A large dose of arnica can result in death. Unless recommended by a doctor, do not take arnica except in the homeopathic form.
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