Site icon RubMD

The Medicinal Uses and Benefits of Arnica

The Medicinal Uses and Benefits of Arnica

The Medicinal Uses and Benefits of Arnica

Arnica is a flowering mountain plant that has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. This yellow-orange flowered plant that resembles a daisy has powerful health and healing properties that modern science and medicine continue to explore.

What is Arnica?

Arnica refers to a genus of perennial, herbaceous plants that grow in the mountains of Europe and Siberia. There are around 30 species in the Arnica genus, with Arnica Montana being the most commonly used for medicinal purposes.

Some key facts about Arnica Montana:

The Arnica Montana plant grows 1-2 feet tall, with round shaped flowers that have orange-yellow petals and an orange center. The plant has stems with oppositely arranged green leaves and hairy rhizomes that grow horizontally under the soil.

Arnica can often be found growing in grassy meadows and mountain pastures up to 10,000 feet elevation. The arnica plant thrives in nutrient rich, well-drained and acidic soil located in alpine and subalpine climate regions.

Medicinal Uses of Arnica

All parts of the Arnica plant contain medicinal compounds, but the bright yellow flower heads are the most potent and widely used part of the plant. The flowers are harvested while in bloom, then carefully dried for medicinal preparations.

Arnica has a long history of medicinal use for treating a wide range of ailments and conditions. Some of it’s most common and well-researched uses include:

Modern Research on Arnica Benefits

While arnica has been used as a traditional folk medicine for hundreds of years, recent scientific research has also identified the specific plant nutrients responsible for arnica’s wide ranging health benefits.

Laboratory studies have successfully isolated powerful medicinal compounds in the flowers that give arnica it’s anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and pain relieving abilities.

Some of the key medical compounds found that support arnica’s ethnobotanical uses include:

So modern research validates that specific phytonutrients with nutritional and medicinal qualities give Arnica flowers their potent ability heal injuries, swelling and spasms of muscle tissue when applied externally.

Forms of Arnica Most Effective

Arnica is available in many forms including gels, creams, ointments, oils and herbal teas that can be applied externally or taken internally depending on the health concern.

Most clinical research has focused on topical skin application from well studied arnica extracts, finding measurable results for relief of muscle aches and post-operative healing. So using arnica liniments, ointments or salves directly on unbroken skin or on affected joints is considered safe and effective for arthritis, injuries, inflammation and localized pain.

Arnica herbal teas made from flowers or roots can also be ingested in small amounts as a botanical supplement. However arnica taken internally has potential liver toxicity so should only be used short term under medical supervision. Homeopathic arnica pellets which contain highly diluted concentrations are considered safe for internal use.

No matter which form is used medicinally, only the species Arnica Montana has been clinically evaluated for safety and potency. As more scientific confirmation substantiates traditional claims – standardized Arnica Montana extracts are now key ingredients in many over-the-counter muscle and joint treatments for sprains, swelling, bruises and post-operative recovery regiments.

Is Arnica Safe? Benefits Vs Side Effects

When used appropriately, arnica is generally considered safe with a low incidence of side effects. However, there are some precautions regarding it’s use, both topically and internally.

Potential side effects from improper use of arnica include:

Before using arnica topically, a skin test should be done applying a small amount to arm and watching for irritation or redness over 12-24 hours.

Safety precautions for arnica use:

People who should not use arnica at all include:

So when properly used topically at recommended doses, arnica is generally considered very safe. But side effects can occur if directions for preparations aren’t followed or people with contraindications use the remedy.

How To Use Arnica To Heal Bruises Fast

Using arnica to heal bruises doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a few simple steps you can make fast acting and effective arnica bruise remedies right at home.

Follow this basic bruise treatment regiment:

  1. Mix 20 drops of undiluted arnica essential oil with 2 ounces of a carrier oil like olive, sweet almond or coconut oil.
  2. Lightly massage arnica oil directly onto new bruises a few times per day until the discoloration fades keeping treatment localized to just the bruised area. The arnica quickly reduces swelling and speeds up healing by improving blood flow under skin.
  3. For old bruises that are nearly healed but still slightly discolored, prepare a compress by soaking a clean cloth in very strong arnica tea then apply to bruised skin for 10-15 minutes twice a day until fully resolved.
  4. Take arnica pellets orally 3 times per day as directed according to package instructions to resolve residual deep bruising not reachable by topical application alone. The homeopathic internal arnica works systematically speeding bruise recovery.

Using these simple yet effective home arnica remedies speeds the body’s natural healing ability to clear trapped blood from injured soft tissues and repair damaged capillaries caused by impacts that burst surface blood vessels resulting in painful bruising.

How Long Does it Take Arnica to Work on Bruises?

Arnica works very rapidly reducing the ugliness of bruises – usually showing noticeable improvement within the first 24 hours of treatment.

When applied promptly after getting a bad bruise, arnica quickly improves the bruise appearance, minimizing spread and associated aches.

Here’s a typical timeline you can expect using arnica to treat new or existing bruises:

So arnica works very quickly to jumpstart self-healing – stopping bruising in it’s tracks if applied immediately or fast-tracking recovery if treating older bruises. Just a few applications per day delivers a dramatic difference you can see and feel almost instantly!

Arnica Helps Reduce Pain, Swelling and Bruising After Surgery

Due to it’s superb anti-inflammatory and pain relieving abilities, arnica has become a popular homeopathic remedy to minimize post-surgical trauma. Using arnica before and after operations, helps improve recovery and comfort.

Here’s why adding arnica to your post-op treatment plan helps:

By incorporating safe topical arnica remedies into pre and post-operative care protocols, patients have less pain, swelling and scarring during convalescence and rehabilitation – getting back to normal faster!

How To Take Arnica Before and After Surgery

Using arnica montana both internally and externally before and after surgery is recommended to minimize trauma and cut recovery time. Follow these best practice guidelines:

Using arnica montana supplements before routine events like dental work, botox injections or blood draws also minimizes discomfort and recovery downtime.

Arnica Warnings – Using Safely to Avoid Side Effects

When used according to recommendations under proper medical supervision, arnica is very safe with little risk for side effects. However arnica does have a few warnings regarding it’s use that should be heeded carefully.

Here are the key precautions regarding using arnica medicinally:

When using any herbal medicinal product like arnica montana, always review directions and contraindications carefully to guarantee safe administration avoiding any negative reactions. Pay close attention to guidelines for proper dosing methods and duration of use. And consult your pharmacist or doctor with any concerns before starting an arnica treatment regimen.

FAQs

What is arnica used for?

Arnica is commonly used for bruising, swelling, pain relief, wound healing, post-surgery recovery, insect bites, hair health, skin conditions, aching joints and arthritis pain when applied topically. It has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and analgesic properties.

Is arnica safe?

When used appropriately, arnica is generally safe. However, it can cause side effects like digestive upset, rashes, increased bruising/bleeding, etc when used incorrectly. It should not be used by pregnant/nursing women, children under 12 years old or people with certain medical conditions.

How do you use arnica for bruises?

To treat bruises, apply arnica essential oil mixed with a carrier oil directly to the bruised skin a few times per day. You can also prepare a compress with arnica tea or take arnica pellets orally. Continue treatment until the bruise fades.

How fast does arnica work on bruises?

Arnica begins working very quickly, often showing noticeable improvement in bruises within the first 24 hours. With continued application, most traces of bruising fade within 3-5 days.

Should you take arnica before surgery?

Yes, taking homeopathic arnica pellets before and after surgery is recommended to minimize post-op swelling, bruising, pain and recovery time. Stop taking it at least 2 weeks prior to surgery though.

What are the side effects of arnica?

Possible side effects include rashes, hives, digestive upset, increased bruising/bleeding. Discontinue use if negative reactions occur. Also use caution with broken skin, open wounds and in children/pregnant women.

Does arnica really work?

Modern research shows arnica contains compounds like flavonoids, essential oils and carotenoids that reduce inflammation, ease pain, stimulate healing. So when used properly, arnica can be an effective natural treatment.

Conclusion

With centuries of traditional use complemented by extensive modern research confirming it’s mechanisms of action – Arnica Montana has definitely earned it’s medicinal merits. When applied topically, this alpine flower safely and effectively helps resolve some of the most common causes of pain, inflammation and injury endured daily.

So keep a jar of arnica salve or bottle of diluted essential oil handy to stop bruising fast. And consider adding arnica supplements to your postoperative recovery plan or next athletic event preparation routine. You’ll heal faster and get back on your feet quicker thanks to this natural alternative with time-tested restorative abilities. Just be sure to follow usage guidelines carefully to avoid potential side effects.

Exit mobile version