Arnica in Homeopathy

I’ve been growing up on Arnica at home. We always had all sorts of arnica remedies at home, most of them came from WELEDA. In Austria you can only get it at the pharmacy and for many arnica remedies you need a doctors prescription o it’s not something you can buy over the counter like here. We realise that the NHS is kind of behind in everything, there is lots of scientific evidence that Arnica has healing remedies.

Arnica is used topically for a wide range of conditions, including bruises, sprains, muscle aches, wound healing, superficial phlebitis, joint pain, inflammation from insect bites, and swelling from broken bones. More recent studies suggest it may also be helpful in the treatment of burns.

Is arnica as strong as ibuprofen?

Arnica gel appeared to work nearly as well as Advil (ibuprofen). Benefits included reduced and improved joint function in people with hand osteoarthritis. More research is needed.

How does arnica work so fast?

The reason arnica works is because, like many plants, it has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, says Anderson. When arnica cream or arnica gel is applied, it stimulates circulation, helping the body’s own healing system react—which encourages some speedy relief.

Medicinal Uses and Indications

• Arnica is used topically for a wide range of conditions, including bruises, sprains, muscle aches, wound healing, superficial phlebitis, joint pain, inflammation from insect bites, and swelling from broken bones. More recent studies suggest it may also be helpful in the treatment of burns.
• Homeopathic preparations are also used to treat sore muscles, bruises, and other conditions caused by overexertion or injury. Homeopathic doses are extremely diluted. They have no detectable amount of the plant in them and are generally considered safe for internal use when taken according to the directions on the label.

Available Forms

Arnica is available in topical creams and ointments. It is most commonly found as a tincture, which can also be used as the base for compresses and poultices. Arnica oil may also be used in topical preparations.

A number of homeopathic remedies are available in pill, topical, or injectable forms.

How to Take It

You should not take arnica by mouth without direct medical supervision, except in an extremely diluted form as a homeopathic remedy, because side effects may be severe (see “Precautions”).

Use homeopathic products according to directions on the label or the advice of your homeopathic practitioner. Health care providers may give homeopathic preparations by injection.

When using arnica topically, never apply it to an open wound without a doctor’s supervision.

Pediatric

You may also use homeopathic preparations to treat bruising, swelling, and trauma to soft tissues. Follow the dosage instructions on the product label or consult a licensed homeopath. Use only in homeopathic formulations. DO NOT use the herb itself.

Adult

Commercial preparations of creams, ointments, and lotions are available through some specialty stores and natural health providers. Homeopathic preparations are widely available at health food stores and many pharmacies.

Precautions

Arnica is generally safe when used on the skin. However, using it for a long time may irritate the skin, causing eczema, peeling, blisters, or other skin conditions. Arnica should not be used on broken skin, such as leg ulcers. In one study, researchers found that arnica used topically increased leg pain 24 hours after participants performed calf exercises. Also, people who are hypersensitive or allergic to the herb should avoid it.

Arnica is rarely used as an internal herbal remedy because it can cause dizziness, tremors, and heart irregularities. It may also irritate mucous membranes and cause vomiting. Large doses can even be fatal. DO NOT take arnica by mouth except under close supervision of your doctor. You can generally take homeopathic remedies, which use extremely small amounts of arnica, safely.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid taking arnica, and ask your doctor before using it on your skin. Talk to your doctor before taking any medication, including herbs.

Possible Interactions

When used topically or in a homeopathic remedy, there are no known interactions with arnica and conventional medications.

Supporting Research

The world renowned Mount Sinai Hospital in New York is conducting clinically research in Arnica for over a decade and below is some of their supporting documents. Adkison JD. The effect of topical arnica on muscle pain. Ann Pharmacother. 2010;44(10):1579-84.

Auerbach. Wilderness Medicine. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2011.

Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000.

Bolognia. Dermatology. 3rd ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders; 2012.

Brinkhaus B, Wilkens JM, Ludtke R, Hunger J, Witt CM, Willich SN. Homeopathic arnica therapy in patients receiving knee surgery: Results of three randomised double-blind trials. Complement Ther Med. 2006 Dec;14(4):237-46.

Huber R. Bross F, Schempp C, Grundermann C. Arnica and stinging nettle for treating burns – a self-experiment. Complement Ther Med. 2011;19(5):276-80.

Kotlus BS, Heringer DM, Dryden RM. Evaluation of Homeopathic Arnica montana for Ecchymosis After Upper Blepharoplasty: A Placebo-Controlled, Randomized, Double-Blind Study. Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg. 2010 Jul 29. [Epub ahead of print]

Seeley BM, Denton AB, Ahn MS, Maas CS. Effect of homeopathic Arnica montana on bruising in face-lifts: results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2006 Jan-Feb;8(1):54-9.

Sutovska M, Capek P, Kocmalova M, et al. Characterization and pharmacodynamic properties of Arnica montana complex. Int J Biol Macromol. 2014;69:214-21.