Long before today's drugstores stocked modern pharmaceuticals, people throughout the world depended on natural remedies and herbal concoctions for pain relief. Arnica ointment is one plant-based remedy that has a long history in traditional herbal medicines, according to Drugs.com. The ointment or gel provides convenience for its users since no pounding with a mortar and pestle will be necessary.
Identification
Arnica flowers resemble daisies and they are native to Europe, North America and Asia. Their use in herbal preparations may date back hundreds of years, according to Drugs.com. Some common names for arnica flowers include arnica montana, mountain arnica and wolfsbane. Arnica ointments contain flower extract or tinctures.
Function
The primary function of arnica ointment is pain relief. Athletes and other active people use arnica to reduce swelling from muscle strains or injuries. The University of Maryland's Medical Center suggests that arnica ointment provides some short-term relief for people with bursitis, when applied to the skin. The UMMC also mentions that Native Americans used arnica flowers to heal wounds in addition to pain relief for muscle soreness.
Preparation Strengths
The manufacturers that sell arnica gels and ointment in the United States use differing ingredients as the base and different strengths for their preparations. The American Cancer Society says that manufacturers produce topical arnica ointments with up to 15 percent concentrations of arnica oil, extracted from the flowers or 25 percent concentration arnica tinctures, made by dissolving the plant in alcohol. In the United States, personal health-care retailers and health food stores stock arnica ointments made in the U.S. or imported from foreign countries. You must read the ingredients label to assess the amount of arnica in each brand.
Expert Insight
Anecdotal information makes up most of the evidence about the effectiveness of arnica ointment. The clinical studies on the effectiveness of arnica ointment show mixed results. A 2005 study reported by National Institutes of Health examined the application of high concentration arnica ointment on sore muscles. It concluded that effectiveness of arnica ointment is statistically no greater than a placebo. Studies that compare lower concentrations available to consumers are inconclusive. A 2010 study reported by NIH suggests that arnica ointment at 20-percent strength may be more effective than vitamin K and placebos for post-surgery bruising. The World Health Organization's monograph on Medicinal Plants cites several studies on mice and rats that suggest that arnica has anti-inflammatory effects, but no human studies support these findings.
Warning
Arnica flowers are poisonous and most countries only approve preparations for external use. Common side effects include skin irritation and redness. Reactions may include eczema and blisters, according to the University of Maryland. The World Health Organization also advises consumers against applying arnica products to broken skin. Pregnant and lactating women should avoid using arnica because its safety has not been established and some lab results in animals have shown it to be a uterine stimulant.
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