Information On Arniflora Arnica Gel

The Arnica montana plant, also called wolf's bane, is the source of arnica gel, a topical product for treating pain and inflammation. Arniflora is a specific brand of arnica gel produced by Boericke and Tafel, and is promoted as an all-natural homeopathic preparation. Arniflora Arnica Gel contains 8 percent arnica tincture as the active ingredient in a witch hazel base. The company also offers an oral homeopathic arnica remedy; you should not take the gel internally.

Please consult your physician before attempting homeopathic remedies at home.

Safety

Arnica montana has been used medicinally for several hundred years, as noted by the University of Maryland Medical Center. In herbal form, it is almost entirely restricted to topical uses because arnica can cause severe side effects. As an oral homeopathic remedy, arnica is safe, according to the UMMC, because the substance is extremely diluted.

Manufacturer

Arniflora manufacturer Boericke and Tafel has been in business since the 1800s, according to Celletech. The company is known not only for its homeopathic preparations, but for publishing a large number of books on homeopathy. The Pocket Manual of Homeopathic Materia Medica by W. Boericke, M.D., first published in 1901, is still updated and in print today, along with other books by Boericke.

Benefits

In homeopathy, arnica often is the first remedy applied to acute injuries, according to the UMMC. Arnica gel may be helpful for relieving pain, inflammation and swelling caused by bruises, sprains, joint and muscle pain, arthritis, insect bites and even fractures.

Expert Insight

Some research supports the use of arnica gel for relieving symptoms of arthritis. A study published in the September-October 2002 issue of "Advances in Therapy," for instance, investigated the effects of arnica fresh plant gel on mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee. Participants applied the gel twice daily, and reported significant decreases in pain and stiffness as well as increases in function after three and six weeks. Additionally, a study appearing in "Rheumatology International" in April 2007 found that the beneficial effects of an ibuprofen topical gel and an arnica topical gel were similar for participants with osteoarthritis in hand joints.

Usage

Arniflora Arnica Gel can be applied to affected areas up to four times daily, explains Enzymatic Therapy. This usage is appropriate for adults and for children at least 2 years of age. You should not apply the gel to broken skin--to prevent arnica from entering the blood--nor should you take it internally. Prolonged use of arnica can cause skin irritation, peeling, blisters or eczema, according to the UMMC. In the "Advances in Therapy" study, one person experienced an allergic reaction to arnica gel, and 87 percent of the participants rated the gel tolerability as good or fairly good.