According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, arnica has been used for centuries to cure ailments such as sprains, sore muscles, bruises and inflammation. It is still popular today, however, if taken orally in high doses, arnica can cause serious side effects. For this reason, says the University of Maryland Medical Center, arnica cream applied as a topical treatment is the recommended way to use this particular plant extract.
About Arnica
The arnica plant grows in Central Europe and its yellow flowers are used to make arnica cream. According to the Natural Supplements Health Guide, it is effective as an anti-inflammatory and in minimizing bruises because it stimulates your white blood cells. These cells fight infections and help to eliminate foreign bodies from your system, including the congested blood and fluid that cause swelling, bruises and sore muscles and joints.
Using Arnica Cream
Very small amounts of arnica are used to make arnica cream and gel, which is also called homeopathic arnica, says Arnica.com. It is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and, in cream or gel form, applied externally, arnica is safe to use, has very few side effects and doesn’t react badly with other medications. Alternative medicine website, altMD.com, recommends only ever using arnica cream as described on the product packaging, and never applying it to open cuts or over broken skin, such as eczema or a pimple.
Arnica Cream for Sore Muscles and Bruises
Arnica.com recommends having a tube of arnica cream on hand for bruising or soreness caused by everything from wounds and sprains to overworked muscles. If you have a bruise from an injection or bump--even a black eye--Health911.com suggests applying arnica cream to the area every three hours to help reduce the discoloration and swelling, and ease any tenderness. Sore muscles are usually caused by a buildup of lactic acid. According to the Natural Supplements Health Guide, applying arnica cream to the affected muscles shortly after a workout can reduce pain and stiffness by stimulating your white blood cells to flush out built-up fluids.
Possible Side Effects of Arnica Cream
Using arnica cream produces very few side effects, however, altMD.com says it can cause red and/or irritated skin in some people. If these symptoms do occur, you should seek medical advice immediately. AltMD also advises talking to your doctor or pharmacist before using an arnica cream if you are pregnant or if you are taking any other medications--especially other topical skin treatments.
The Dangers of Herbal Arnica
Herbal arnica products have a much higher concentration of arnica and can cause severe side effects, says Arnica.com. These include dizziness, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat and skin reactions if the tincture is applied externally. The most common herbal arnica preparations are tinctures--which are usually taken as a mouthwash or gargle--and teas. The University of Maryland Medical Center advises never taking herbal arnica--especially ingesting it--unless supervised by a doctor.
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