Arnica is a plant that is part of the sunflower family and is indigenous to the western parts of North America. Arnica montana, reports the website Flora of North America, has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes. Arnica gel can be found in a variety of homeopathic products indicated for relieving muscle aches, minor injuries, pain, stiffness and soreness.
About Arnica
The American Cancer Society (ACS) indicates that arnica is identified by these other common names: arnica root, common arnica, arnica flowers, mountain arnica, mountain tobacco, leopardsbane and wolfsbane. Products with these ingredients listed on the label should have similar uses and effects.
Uses
Arnica is used as an herbal remedy to treat a number of different problems ranging from skin injuries, infections, inflammation, sunburn, sprains, bruises and more. The ACS reports that arnica contains organic chemicals that are claimed to help reduce swelling, pain and even treat bacterial infections.
For Bruising
While only few studies have been done to prove the efficacy of arnica, not many have produced favorable results. In 2002, the journal "Dermatologic Surgery" published a study by lead researcher Delilah Alonso, M.D., indicating topical arnica had caused no significant improvement in the prevention or healing of laser-induced bruises.
For Swelling
In a review of three trials published in a 2006 issue of "Complimentary Therapies in Medicine" by lead researcher Benno Brinkhaus, M.D., patients who received arnica following artificial knee joint implantation and arthroscopy showed no significant improvement in postoperative swelling compared to patients who received a placebo. However, patients who received arnica following ligament reconstruction did show some improvement in swelling.
For Pain Relief
There is some belief that arnica has pain-relieving properties. In 2002, a study published in journal "Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine" found that patients who took arnica for treatment of pain after carpal tunnel surgery reported "somewhat less pain" than the patients who took a placebo. There were no differences in strength or swelling.
Warnings
Arnica should be used topically, according to the ACS. Some people have reported severe inflammation, itching, blisters, and allergic reactions. It is recommended to avoid using concentrated forms of arnica, especially on broken skin and mucous membranes (near the eyes, mouth and nose). Using arnica internally can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea as well as rapid heartbeat, muscle weakness and coma. Arnica can also reduce the effectiveness of other medications, especially those prescribed for high blood pressure and blood-thinning drugs. It is not known how arnica affects pregnant women.
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