For more than 500 years, people have used the herb Arnica montana to treat wounds, sprains, bruises and muscle aches. Arnica is typically used in topical preparations and made into salves, creams, ointments and liniment, but the herb is also popular in homeopathic remedies. You can use Arnica for a wide range of ailments, but be sure to consult your doctor before using the herb to discuss any potential side effects or drug interactions.
Heals Wounds & Bruises
If you apply Arnica montana to bruises or wounds, the topical herbal remedy can promote healing, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Arnica may also have antimicrobial activities that can prevent infections in cuts or scrapes and speed wound healing, notes the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Treats Sports Injuries
Topical and homeopathic preparations of Arnica montana may help to heal any sports-related injuries you might have, such as fracture-related swelling, sprains and muscle aches. Three double-blind clinical trials published in 2006 found that patients who had knee surgery experienced less postoperative swelling after taking Arnica, says the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Another study published in 2007 found that homeopathic preparations of Arnica montana helped to reduce pain after tonsillectomies.
Reduces Inflammation
Arnica montana may also help to reduce inflammation. Arnica contains constituents called terpenoids, one of which is helenalin, notes the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Helenalin has antiedemic actions that produce anti-inflammatory effects in the body. These effects can help to reduce inflammation related to insect bites and pain from rheumatoid arthritis, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. If you have fibromyalgia, you may also benefit from homeopathic preparations of Arnica montana. Specifically, Arnica can help to relieve your fibromyalgia pain if you have specific symptoms such as feeling physically restless but at the same time fatigued, as well as feeling "bruised," explains the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Provides Childbirth Support
Homeopathic practitioners often use Arnica montana to treat physical trauma and overexertion, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Therefore, Arnica may help you during the physical exertion of childbirth. A double-blind clinical trial of 93 pregnant women found that a homeopathic remedy combining Arnica, Caulophyllum, Pulsatilla, Gelsemium and Actea racemosa helped to decrease the duration of labor and the difficulty of childbirth, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The women who received the homeopathic remedy containing Arnica experienced labor that was on average 3½ hours shorter than those who took the placebo. Also, 40 percent of the women who took the placebo reported experiencing a "difficult labor," but only 11.3 percent of those taking the Arnica-containing remedy said the same. Arnica alone may not help in childbirth support, however. The University of Pittsburgh cites a double-blind study of 161 women that found Arnica alone provided no benefit in childbirth when compared with the placebo.
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