Arnica Cures

Arnica Montana is a perennial plant with a bright-yellow flower. Preparations made from the flowering heads and rootstocks have been used in homeopathic medicine for centuries. The primary active ingredient is sesquiterpene lactones. Other active components are thymol (an essential oil), flavonoids and carotenoids.

Many alternative-health practitioners believe that Arnica can cure various ailments. Arnica is especially popular in Germany, where its topical use has been approved for the treatment of inflammation, pain and bacterial infections. Arnica has not been approved by the U.S. FDA.

Arnica is also known as leopard's bane, mountain daisy, sneezewort and wolfsbane.

Mechanism of Action

• Arnica stimulates the activity of white blood cells. Its antibacterial and antiinflammatory qualities can reduce pain and swelling, thus expediting wound healing. Arnica is known to increase blood pressure, so it must be used with caution by people who have hypertension, heart disease or circulatory disorders.

Arnica Preparations

• Arnica comes in a variety of formulations, including sprays, tablets, teas, gels, oils, tinctures, creams, ointments, mouthwash and sublingual preparations. Creams and salves generally contain between 15 percent and 25 percent Arnica oil.

  The "appropriate" dose is a common issue of debate among experts. However, homeopathic doses (trace amounts) seem to be the most popular. Dosing suggestions usually are provided in the package labeling. Multidose tubes contain approximately 60 pellets, with a typical single dose four or five pellets.

External Uses

• There are reports of Arnica curing many ailments--from eczema and cellulitis to bleeding cysts and hair loss.

  Topical Arnica is commonly used to treat these conditions:

  • abdominal pain (as hot compress)
  • acne
  • arthritis
  • bruises
  • eczema
  • irritation from trauma
  • mild burns (such as sunburn)
  • mouth ulcers
  • muscle or cartilage pain, strain and soreness
  • rheumatism
  • sore or painful joints
  • sprains
  • swelling
  • "tender" feet (as foot bath)
  • to grow hair more rapidly

Internal Uses

• Arnica has been used internally to minimize bruising associated with surgery and as an herbal remedy for certain heart disorders (including angina and coronary artery disease).

  Less commonly, it has been used treat constipation, and to help smokers and alcoholics quit their habits. Apparently it can help reduce cravings for nicotine and alcohol.

  Arnica should not be used internally unless recommended by a health care provider.

Possible Side Effects

• Consult your health care practitioner if you experience any of these common side effects:

  • allergic skin inflammation (with topical use)
  • irregular heartbeat
  • increased blood pressure
  • gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, diarrhea and loss of appetite

  Other side effects of Arnica, which are less common, include the following:

  • liver failure
  • nausea and vomiting
  • organ damage (including kidney dysfunction)
  • shortness of breath
  • coma
  • nervous disorders
  • muscle weakness, collapse and possibly death

Possible Drug Interactions

• Arnica should not be used with certain medications, as it can decrease their effectiveness and increase the likelihood of toxicity. Use of Arnica with other pain-relieving medication may increase the analgesic effects.

  Arnica may potentiate the negative effects of some drugs. These include quinidine, procainamide, sotalol, amiodarone, chlorpromazine, disopyramide, amitryptyline, prochlorperazine, pentamidine, haloperidol, desipramine and doxepim.

  If you take any prescription medicine, consult your doctor before using Arnica products.

Additional Warnings

• Please note these additional precautions:

  • Arnica should not be used during pregnancy. It may cause uterine contractions, and its effects on the fetus are not known.
  • Do not use Arnica on large, deep open wounds.
  • Avoid prolonged topical use because allergic reaction can occur.