The flowers of the arnica plant were used by early Native Americans to treat muscle aches and inflammation, though its first documented medical reference occurred in 16th century Europe. A member of the sunflower family, the herb forms the foundation of a beneficial topical cream utilized for its essential oils, antioxidants and analgesic properties that aid in the relief of the pain and inflammation often associated with trauma and musculoskeletal disorders. Arnica should not be used on open wounds or taken internally without direct medical supervision.
Bruise Treatment
The active ingredient in arnica cream responsible for the correction of bruise discoloration and swelling is arnica's essential oil, thymol. Found in the roots of the arnica plant, thymol has been found to correct blocked circulatory channels caused by inflammation. In an article published by "Life Extension" magazine, Dr. Gary Goldfaden says this is attained through the oil's knack at "spontaneous contraction of the smooth muscles in blood vessel walls." This facilitates the break-up and distribution of congested blood and trapped fluids from joints, muscles and tissues.
Anti-Inflammatory
A study published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine has found arnica cream to be beneficial in relieving pain, often a byproduct of inflammation. Researchers believe this is in part due to the free radical-scavenging capabilities of quercetin, the main antioxidant of arnica. Dr. Goldfaden adds the anti-inflammatory helenanin to the list of arnica's antioxidants and pain relievers due to its ability to immobilize the "switch" that turns on genes connected to inflammatory and immune responses.
Muscle Pain Relief
The University of Maine Medical Center lists arnica as a good compress and poultice base, and proven topical cream for muscle aches and sprains. This is due to analgesic properties of essential oils in arnica that interfere with nerve receptors, according to Dr. Goldfaden. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists arnica as an alternative topical cream used by Americans in treating fibromyalgia pain and the discomfort associated with other musculoskeletal conditions.
References
- University of Maine Medical Center: Arnica
- "Life Extension" Magazine: Heal Traumatic and Degenerative Skin Lesions Naturally
- National Institutes of Health: Antioxidant Activity of Heterotheca Inuloides Extracts and of Some of its Metabolites.
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Use of Complimentary and Alternative Medicines Among Patients With Arthritis
