Overview

Arnica is an herb that grows mainly in Siberia and central Europe, as well as temperate climates in North America. The flowers of the plant are used in medicine.

Arnica is most commonly used for pain caused by osteoarthritis, sore throat, surgery, and other conditions. Arnica is also used for bleeding, bruising, swelling after surgery, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Arnica can also be unsafe when taken by mouth.

In foods, arnica is a flavor ingredient in beverages, frozen dairy desserts, candy, baked goods, gelatins, and puddings.

In manufacturing, arnica is used in hair tonics and anti-dandruff preparations. The oil is used in perfumes and cosmetics.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Herb

Primary Functions:

Osteoarthritis, sore throat, surgery

Also Known As:

American Arnica, Arctic Arnica, Arnica angustifolia, Arnica chamissonis

How Does It Work?

The active chemicals in arnica may reduce swelling, decrease pain, and act as antibiotics.

Uses

• Osteoarthritis. Early research shows that using an arnica gel product (A. Vogel Arnica Gel, Bioforce AG) twice daily for 3 weeks reduces pain and stiffness and improves function in people with osteoarthritis in the hand or knee. Other research shows that using the same gel works as well as the painkiller ibuprofen in reducing pain and improving function in the hands.

Recommended Dosing

The following dose has been studied in scientific research:

APPLIED TO THE SKIN:

• For osteoarthritis: An arnica gel product with a 50 gram/100 gram ratio (A. Vogel Arnica Gel, Bioforce AG) has been rubbed into the affected joints two to three times daily for 3 weeks.

Arnica Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

What is arnica pills good for?

Arnica is most commonly used for pain caused by osteoarthritis, sore throat, surgery, and other conditions. Arnica is also used for bleeding, bruising, swelling after surgery, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Arnica can also be unsafe when taken by mouth.

Does Arnica really work?

Arnica is often used for pain management, but research on its effectiveness is mixed. It found that, when compared to a placebo, arnica lotion actually increased leg pain 24 hours after atypical muscle use. However, a 2016 review of studies found that arnica is both safe and effective at easing pain after surgery.

Are arnica tablets safe?

Arnica is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth in the amounts commonly found in food or when applied to unbroken skin short-term. Amounts that are larger than the amount found in food are LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth. In fact, arnica is considered poisonous and has caused death.

Is Arnica an anti inflammatory?

It is believed that the arnica plant has anti-inflammatory properties. Arnica has also been used for wound healing, superficial phlebitis , inflammation caused by insect bites, and swelling caused by broken bones.

What are the side effects of Arnica?

In fact, arnica is considered poisonous and has caused death. When taken by mouth it can also cause irritation of the mouth and throat, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, shortness of breath, a fast heartbeat, an increase in blood pressure, heart damage, organ failure, increased bleeding, coma, and death.

Is it safe to take Arnica everyday?

Side effects.

Pure arnica herb is poisonous. Homeopathic doses are generally considered safe to use. Homeopathic arnica creams or gels can cause burning and skin irritation.

How long does it take for arnica to work?

Day 2: A Fresh Black and Blue Bruise

The body can take up to 14 days or longer to complete this process without some help. You can boost the healing time by reapplying an Arnica bruise treatment directly on the damaged area two to three times throughout the day.

Is Arnica FDA approved?

Arnica Uses

Early studies of topical homeopathic arnica gels and ointments for arthritis symptoms of the hand and knee -- like pain and swelling -- have been positive. Because of the risks of pure arnica, the FDA classifies it as an unsafe herb.

Why can't I touch arnica tablets?

Should I not touch homeopathic pellets/tablets with my fingers or hands? Introducing any moisture to the pellets/tablets will begin the dispensing of the medicine, and any oils on your skin may coat the pellets/tablets and hinder absorption once the medicine is in your mouth.

How many arnica tablets should you take?

Directions. Adults and children 6 years of age and older: At the onset of symptoms, dissolve 2 tablets under the tongue and repeat every hour for 2 more hours. Then, dissolve 2 tablets under the tongue every 6 hours until symptoms are relieved.

Does Arnica raise blood pressure?

Large amounts of undiluted Arnica can cause irritation or damage to the skin, mouth, throat, and stomach, as well as vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, high blood pressure, damage to the heart and other organs, increased bleeding, coma, and death.

How often can I take Arnica 30c?

Dissolve 5 pellets under the tongue 3 times a day until relieved, or as directed by a doctor.

Is Arnica good for joint pain?

The Claim: It relieves pain. The Science: Arnica Montana, a plant native to mountainous areas of Europe and North America, has been used for centuries to treat a variety of pain. Athletes rub it on muscles to soothe soreness and strains, and arthritis sufferers rub it on joints to reduce pain and swelling.

Can you take too much arnica?

Arnica is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth in the amounts commonly found in food or when applied to unbroken skin short-term. Amounts that are larger than the amount found in food are LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth. In fact, arnica is considered poisonous and has caused death.

Can you overdose on arnica?

Large amounts of undiluted Arnica can cause irritation or damage to the skin, mouth, throat, and stomach, as well as vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, high blood pressure, damage to the heart and other organs, increased bleeding, coma, and death.

Is Arnica montana the same as arnica?

Arnica montana is the Latin name for a perennial that grows 1 to 2 feet tall with bright, yellow daisy-like flowers that appear in July and August. More common names for Arnica are mountain daisy, leopard's bane, and mountain tobacco.

Does Arnica interact with any medications?

Which drugs or supplements interact with arnica (Arnica montana)-topical? There are no significant drug interactions, when using topical forms of arnica. Arnica may increase the effect of anticoagulants and other drugs that increase the risk of bleeding when taken orally.

Is Arnica safe for kidneys?

Arnica Warnings

Homeopathic doses are generally considered safe to use. Homeopathic arnica creams or gels can cause burning and skin irritation. Risks. When swallowed, pure arnica can cause rapid heartbeat, gastrointestinal problems, kidney and liver damage, coma, and death.

Does Arnica thin your blood?

There is some medical evidence showing that these Arnica chemicals might help with inflammation and pain, but they can also limit a person's ability to form blood clots, increasing their risk for serious bleeding.

What is homeopathic Arnica used for?

Arnica is one of the most popular homeopathic medicines worldwide to relieve minor injuries, overexertion, or pain, and swelling and bruising from surgery. Many athletes use it to recover from sore and stiff muscles after strenuous workouts or competitions, and value its non-doping quality.

Is Arnica good for your face?

It rejuvenates the skin

Inside Arnica montana are a number of compounds that are great for the skin, namely, flavonoids, volatile oils, sesquiterpene lactones, carbonic acid and coumarins. They are thought to soothe & cleanse the skin, when used as part of a skincare regimen Arnica montana.

Which is better arnica cream or gel?

Arnicare Gel is non-sticky, non-greasy and is quickly absorbed by the skin. Arnicare Cream's soothing effect makes it ideal for massaging sore muscles. Arnicare Ointment has a thick petroleum jelly base that adheres longer to skin, maintaining contact between the affected area and the healing agent.

Does Arnica reduce swelling?

The active chemicals in arnica may reduce swelling, decrease pain, and act as antibiotics.

Clinical Studies