Arnica gel is a common homeopathic remedy for the treatment of skin conditions and minor injuries. You can purchase the gel in many drug stores, and on-line homeopathic retailers also carry a wide variety of arnica-based products. Although arnica is available in a wide range of forms, including teas, oils and solid herbs, the gel is popular due to its ease of use.
Identification
Arnica gel is neither sticky nor greasy, making it pleasant for use. The active ingredient is arnica, a herb found in the northern parts of Europe, North America and Asia. The roots of the plant, which is also called leopard’s bane, are the parts used for medical purposes. The scientific name for arnica is Arnica montana.
History
People have used arnica in many forms over the centuries. Renowned historical figures such as Goethe were known to have drunk arnica in teas for the relief of chest pains. Others ingested arnica through smoke, treating the plant’s leaves like tobacco. Arnica has become a mainly topical treatment in recent decades, due to concerns over its toxicity when consumed.
Function
The effects of arnica gel relate to the presence of two types of chemicals in the herb: sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoid glycosides. Natural medicine practitioners consider these chemicals to be effective in swelling, discoloration and pain reduction in cases of inflammation and bacterial infections.
Benefits
Proponents of arnica gel claim that arnica relieves a wide variety of both external and internal ailments. You may find relief from bruises, strained joints and muscles, concussion, stroke, burns and pain. The gel can also be applied after surgery for infection and bleeding reduction. Although rarely an accepted medical treatment, arnica gel is usually safe for use when complementing medical treatment.
Warning
You should never take arnica gel internally. While there are some who advocate the ingestion of arnica herb, doctors caution that this can result in stomach ailments, allergic reactions and even death. Carefully check the concentration of arnica oil in your gel, as high concentrations of arnica can result in skin irritation, swelling and discoloration after repeated use. You should always consult a medical doctor in cases of serious injury.
Expert Insight
Although extremely popular among homeopathic practitioners, mainstream medicine has not been able to prove the effectiveness of arnica gel for treatment. Instead, multiple studies indicate that arnica fails to provide the benefits traditionally ascribed to it. A 1998 study determined that many earlier arnica studies, which showed positive results, were flawed and that use of arnica could actually increase pain and swelling. In 2002, a plastic surgery study showed no increase in bruise healing over placebos. A carpal tunnel syndrome study in 2003 indicated some possible pain relief from arnica gel but the results were inconclusive.
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