Arnica is a large, hairy plant that has yellow-orange and daisy-like flowers. It is indigenous to the mountains of Europe but has since been farmed in North America. Arnica is most popular for its medicinal properties, especially for its ability to heal wounds and soothe bruises. Aside from ice, arnica is often the first remedy used to reduce the inflammation of a bruise. However, most research has shown very little evidence that arnica is effective.
Available Forms
Arnica is available in several forms. The most popular form is as a topical cream or ointment that is usually applied directly to the skin or on a bruise. Arnica can also be found as a whole or cut herb, tea, liquid, oil, powder, gel, tincture, spray, or salve. The American Cancer Society states that most arnica ointments and creams contain up to 15 percent of arnica oil or 25 percent of arnica tincture, which is created by diffusing the herb with alcohol to form a solution. In addition, arnica can be found in homeopathic forms such as pills, topical creams and injections; however, there is usually very little pure arnica in them.
Evidence
The evidence that arnica is effective for healing and soothing bruises is scant. Study after study have shown inconclusive results. For instance, in August of 2002, researchers from the University of Miami School of Medicine in Florida and published in "Dermatologic Surgery" showed that arnica did not prevent or expedite the healing of bruises any faster than a placebo with laser treatment for telangiectases or spidery red veins. It was irrelevant whether the person used arnica before or after the treatment. Another study done and published by C. Stevinson and colleagues in the February 2003 issue of the "Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine" also proved that homeopathic forms of arnica had no impact on bruising, swelling or pain. It appeared that yet again arnica had no impact pre- or post- surgery to prevent or reduce the amount of bruising. However, in September of 2010, S. Leu and associates from Northwestern University in Illinois and published in "The British Journal of Dermatology" found that using 20 percent of topical arnica ointment on bruises caused by a pulsed-dye laser more effective reduced bruises more than low concentrated vitamin K solution, white petroleum and retinol.
Other Uses
Because arnica contains chemicals such as lactones and sesquiterpene and is anti-inflammatory, arnica has been used to help soothe sunburn, sprains, sore muscles, arthritis, acne, eczema, sore throat, burns, ulcers and chapped lips. Arnica can help reduce swelling from fractures, relieve rheumatic pain, and help the inflammation of insect bites.
Precautions
Arnica seems to be safe when used externally. It may irritate the skin if you are extra sensitive, and cause itching, peeling and blistering if it is overused. It should never be used on broken skin or open wounds. Arnica should not be used internally without consulting a physician first because it can cause severe reactions such as heart irregularities, tremors, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle weakness, dizziness, nervousness, internal bleeding and even death. Arnica may interfere with certain medications such as high blood pressure medication and anticoagulants. Before using arnica, whether externally or internally, it is best to consult a doctor.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Arnica
- PubMed.gov: Effects of topical arnica gel on post-laser treatment bruises.
- PubMed.gov: Homeopathic arnica for prevention of pain and bruising: randomized placebo-controlled trial in hand surgery.
- PubMed.gov: Accelerated resolution of laser-induced bruising with topical 20% arnica: a rater-blinded randomized controlled trial.
- American Cancer Society: Arnica
