Holistic Health Herbal Medicine The Health Benefits of Arnica By Cathy Wong facebook twitter Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. Learn about our editorial process Cathy Wong Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Rochelle Collins, DO on November 13, 2019 linkedin Rochelle Collins, DO, is a board-certified family medicine doctor currently practicing in Bloomfield, Connecticut. Learn about our Medical Review Board Rochelle Collins, DO Updated on March 30, 2020 Print Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak Table of Contents View All Health Benefits Side Effects Select, Prep, Store Common Questions Arnica is a genus of perennial herbs belonging to the sunflower family (Asteraceae). Several species of Arnica, mostly notably A. montana, contain an anti-inflammatory compound believed to relieve pain, aches, and bruising when applied topically. Arnica is indigenous to sub-alpine regions of western North America but can also be found in arctic regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. Arnica plants have long downy leaves and bright yellow or orange daisy-like blossoms between two and three inches wide. The ingredient that gives arnica its anti-inflammatory effects, called helenalin, is extremely toxic when consumed and irritating to the skin unless diluted. Arnica is most commonly sold as an over-the-counter topical ointment, gel, or cream but is also available as an extract, tincture, oral supplement, sublingual (under the tongue) pellet, powder, aromatherapy oil, and dried "wild-crafted" herb. What to Know About Homeopathic Remedies Health Benefits Arnica is commonly used in alternative medicine for treating bruising, pain, myalgia (muscle soreness), and arthralgia (joint aches). Arnica is commonly marketed by homeopathic drug manufacturers as an effective treatment for: OsteoarthritisPost-shingles neuralgiaDiabetic neuropathyPost-surgical painWound healingCancer However, only limited scientific evidence supports its use in treating any medical condition. That's not to say arnica is without benefits; it's simply that clinical studies investigating arnica are almost invariably small, poorly designed, and often contradictory in their findings. It's important to speak with a doctor to determine if arnica is a reasonable and safe option to explore either on its own or along with other pain medications. What Is Homeopathy? Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis, often referred to as "wear-and-tear" arthritis, is generally treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Homeopaths have long suggested that arnica, with its anti-inflammatory properties, offers a reasonable and safe natural alternative to NSAIDs. In a review published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Australian researchers analyzed seven previously published trials on the benefits of topical herbal remedies for osteoarthritis. Of the remedies studied, arnica gel appeared to work nearly as well as Advil (ibuprofen) in reducing pain and improving joint function in people with hand osteoarthritis. However, people who used arnica gel had a higher incidence of side effects compared to Advil (13% versus 8%), and some even reported an increase in joint stiffness and pain. Natural Remedies for Osteoarthritis Pain Post-Surgical Pain and Bruising Proponents of arnica believe that it can reduce bruising and swelling following surgery when applied topically or taken as an oral supplement. A 2016 review of studies in the American Journal of Therapeutics suggested that A. montana was a "valid alternative" to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in treating: Post-operative painEdema (swelling)Ecchymosis (bruising) Reviewers did state, though, that the results varied substantially by the formulation, dosage, and study. By contrast, another review published in Dermatologic Surgery found insufficient evidence to support the use of oral or topical arnica in treating post-surgical swelling or bruising. How to Control Post-Surgical Pain Muscle Pain Myalgia (muscle pain) is associated with a wide range of medical conditions as well as the simple overuse of your muscles. Most studies investigating arnica have focused on its use in treating post-exertional myalgia. Arnica has long been used in sports supplements for just such purposes, even though there is little evidence to support such use. A highly subjective review of studies in the International Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine strongly endorsed the combined use of oral and topical arnica in treating muscle injuries even though four studies included in the review found no benefits compared to a placebo. Causes and Treatment of Muscle Pain Possible Side Effects Arnica is known to cause side effects even when used in highly diluted topical preparations. More serious side effects can occur when taken by mouth. Topical Use Arnica may cause a mild allergic reaction, most notably in people with a pre-existing allergy to plants of the Asteraceae family, including ragweed, marigolds, chrysanthemums, and daisies. Arnica can also trigger transient increases in blood pressure and heart rate, particularly if used excessively or on broken skin. Broken skin allows for greater absorption of the active ingredient and may also cause localized stinging. Oral Use Most homeopathic arnica remedies are extremely diluted and considered safe. However, some forms may contain detectable amounts of helenalin which may pose health risks. When taken by mouth, arnica can cause: Mouth and throat irritationStomach painDiarrheaVomitingShortness of breathEasy bruising and bleedingRapid heartbeatHigh blood pressure Oral preparations containing pure arnica should be avoided without exception. Not only are they more likely to cause symptoms, but they can also damage the heart and increase the risk of organ failure, coma, and death. Contraindications and Interactions Arnica can slow blood clotting and should be discontinued two weeks prior to surgery to reduce the risk of post-operative bleeding, undermining its purported benefit in reducing post-surgical pain and bruising. Because of its anti-clotting effects, arnica should be avoided if you are taking any anticoagulant (blood-thinning) drugs because the combination can increase your risk of bleeding and bruising. These drugs include: Coumadin (warfarin)Plavix (clopidogrel)HeparinNSAIDs (e.g., anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen and naproxen) Little is known about the safety of arnica during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using arnica in any form. Risks of Herbal Remedies Before Surgery Selection, Preparation, and Storage Arnica montana is the species most commonly used for medicinal purposes, although chamissonis, A. longifolia, and A. gracilis are also sometimes used. Most over-the-counter arnica preparations are repeatedly distilled, resulting in gels, ointments, and extracts with little to no helenalin. The same applies to arnica powders, capsules, and sublingual pellets that typically contain no helenalin (furthering questioning their anti-inflammatory benefits). When purchasing arnica, look for brands that have been tested by an independent certifying body like the: U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP)ConsumerLabNSF International This way, you can be sure the ingredients on the product label are correct and tell if any helenalin is included in the formulation. You should also check that the Latin name of the arnica species (such as Arnica montana) is included on the product label, and be wary of any product that claims to contain "pure arnica." Never buy dried wild-crafted arnica or grow fresh arnica to make teas or tonics. There is no way to dose preparations like these, and your exposure to helenalin is likely to be excessive, if not dangerous. Most arnica preparations can be stored at room temperature. As a general rule, store them in their original containers away from direct sunlight and never use more the dose listed on the product label. Discard any preparation that is past its expiration date. 11 Natural Remedies for Back Pain Common Questions How is arnica used in aromatherapy? Arnica oil is commonly used in aromatherapy as a carrier oil to which essential oils are added. It has a pleasant pineapple-and-sage-like scent that is said to be relaxing. Are there natural alternatives to arnica? Herbs like belladonna (Atropa belladonna), dulcamara (Solanum dulcamara), and pulsatilla (Pulsatilla nigricans) are often used in homeopathy to treat joint and muscle pain. The common daisy (Bellis perennis) and a type of rhododendron known as marsh Labrador tea (Rhododendron tomentosum) can be applied topically to help relieve bruising. Is arnica used in traditional Chinese medicine safe? Arnica, known as shan jin che in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is said to tonify the qi (life force) and balance the yin and yang. Although touted for their curative effects, TCM remedies containing arnica pose the same risks as any other form of pure arnica. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health warns that some Chinese herbal remedies have been found to be contaminated with undeclared products, including drugs, heavy metals, pesticides, and sulfites. A Word From Verywell Because herbal remedies are not subject to the same regulatory standards applied to pharmaceutical drugs, be cautious when using any such product and speak to your doctor first if you are thinking about trying one. Remember that even natural products can be dangerous, cause unwanted side effects, and have negative interactions with other drugs or supplements you're taking. Using Juan Bi Tang to Treat Arthritis Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Kriplani P, Guarve K, Baghael US. Arnica montana L. - a plant of healing: Review. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2017;69(8):925-45. doi:10.1111/jphp.12724 Jakobs A, Steinmann S, Henrich SM, Schmidt TJ, Klempnauer KH. Helenalin acetate, a natural sesquiterpene lactone with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity, disrupts the cooperation of CCAAT box/enhancer-binding protein β (C/EBPβ) and co-activator p300. J Biol Chem. 2016;291(50):26098-108. doi:10.1074/jbc.M116.748129 Cameron M, Chrubasik S. Topical herbal therapies for treating osteoarthritis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;(5):CD010538. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010538 Iannitti T, Morales-Medina JC, Bellavite P, Rottigni V, Palmieri B. Effectiveness and safety of Arnica montana in post-surgical setting. Pain and Inflammation. Am J Ther. 2016;23(1):e184-97. doi:10.1097/MJT.0000000000000036 Ho D, Jagdeo J, Waldorf HA. Is there a role for arnica and bromelain in prevention of post-procedure ecchymosis or edema? A systematic review of the literature. Dermatol Surg. 2016;42(4):445-63. doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000000701 Charlton F. Let's set the record straight! Traumatic tissue injury treated with homeopathic Arnica montana - A Injury therapists perspective. Int J Complement Alt Med. 2015;1(5):00032. doi:10.15406/ijcam.2015.01.00032 Denisow-Pietrzyk M, Pietrzyk Ł, Denisow B. Asteraceae species as potential environmental factors of allergy. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2019;26(7):6290-300. doi:10.1007/s11356-019-04146-w Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Arnica. Updated March 6, 2018. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Traditional Chinese medicine: What you need to know. Updated October 2013.