Used since the 1500s for its medicinal properties, arnica continues to be a popular topical and homeopathic remedy. The scientific name for the arnica used in alternative medicine is Arnica montana. Other plant species of arnica exist but don't exhibit the medicinal potency of Arnica montana.
Characteristics
The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) describes arnica as a perennial plant that can reach the height of two feet. A perennial plant takes more than two years to complete its biological life cycle. Arnica montana produces yellow flowers that resemble daisies. The stem is round and hairy. Native to the mountains of Siberia and Europe, it's now cultivated in North America.
Flowers
The flowers of Arnica Montana are used in medicinal preparations. Both dried and fresh blossoms are suitable.
Medicinal Use
The UMMC says the topical use of arnica is recommended for a variety of conditions including sprains, bruises, inflammation due to insect bites and swelling from fractures. However, scientific evidence does not back these claims except in the studies conducted on hand osteoarthritis. Topical creams, gels and salves are commercially available.
Hand Osteoarthritis
In a study conducted by the Rheumatology Clinic in Switzerland and published by the medical journal Rheumatology International, researchers used a randomized, double-blind study to examine the difference between treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and arnica for the topical treatment of hand osteoarthritis. Patients received treatment with a topical gel including ibuprofen or arnica for 21 days. The study found "no differences between the two groups in pain and hand function improvements." Researchers concluded their arnica preparation is not inferior to ibuprofen in patients with osteoarthritis of the hands.
Postpartum Bleeding
A study conducted by the Center for Integrative Complementary Medicine at the Shaare Zedek Medical Center and published by the medical journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine concluded homeopathic treatments with Arnica montana "may reduce postpartum blood loss, as compared with placebo."
Precautions
Patients using topical applications of arnica who follow directions correctly show few side effects except skin irritation, peeling and blisters. However, the UMMC warns against using arnica internally, with the exception of homeopathic remedies.
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