Although there are many species of arnica, Arnica montana is the one principally used in preparations intended for medicinal use. Native Americans believed arnica helped to soothe sore muscles and relieve inflammation. Homeopathic topical ointments and internally ingested remedies are popular, inexpensive and widely available in the United States, Canada and Europe.
Plant Description
Arnica produces a yellow flower, 2 to 3 inches wide, similar to the common daisy. Hairy and round, the main stem terminates in three secondary stems that each produce a flower. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), arnica is cultivated in North America, but it originates from the mountainous regions of Europe and Siberia. Both the dried and fresh flower heads are used as ingredients in medicinal preparations.
Plant Distribution
Statistics posted on the United States Department of Agriculture Plant Database say you can find 23 arnica species growing wild across the country. However, Arnica montana, the species of arnica most used in medicinal preparations, does not grow wild in the United States.
NSAID or Arnica?
Arnica may be as effective as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs like ibuprofen commonly found in your medicine cabinet. According to a randomized, double-blind study conducted by the Rheumatology Clinic in Switzerland and published in the medical journal "Rheumatology International," a "preparation of arnica is not inferior to ibuprofen when treating osteoarthritis of hands." Participants suffering from hand osteoarthritis received topical treatments of ibuprofen or arnica for 21 days. The results reported at the end of the study showed arnica to be equally effective as ibuprofen "in pain reduction and hand function improvement."
Postpartum Blood Loss
Although topical Arnica montana is a popular alternative and complementary treatment for bruises, sprains and swelling, scientific trials find inconclusive results. Conclusive results have been found in studies examining the effects of Arnica montana on postpartum blood loss. In a study conducted by the Center for Integrative Complementary Medicine at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem and reported in the medical journal "Complementary Therapies in Medicine," topical preparations of arnica may have reduced postpartum blood loss in comparison to a placebo group.
Topical Cautions
Follow the directions given on the label of your topical arnica preparation to avoid side effects. According to information gathered by the UMMC, arnica is safe for topical use. However, extended use can cause skin conditions like eczema, blisters, peeling and general irritation. Do not apply to open wounds or broken skin.
Ingestion
Oral homeopathic remedies containing arnica use minute amounts and are considered safe. However, the UMMC wants you to know that arnica is rarely taken internally. Ingestion can cause tremors, heart irregularities, vomiting and dizziness. Taking arnica internally without medical supervision can be fatal.
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