{"id":25052,"date":"2025-02-01T16:19:42","date_gmt":"2025-02-01T16:19:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/?post_type=herb&p=25052"},"modified":"2025-06-16T08:42:23","modified_gmt":"2025-06-16T07:42:23","slug":"arnica","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/arnica\/","title":{"rendered":"Arnica"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":25081,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"d280a834-ba0b-4a9a-b50a-d1fde991c800","beyondwords_preview_token":"5f55f02d-6f42-40d6-8570-7a9c5b419b83","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[1887,1682],"conditions":[701,699,700],"sustainability":[1575],"sense":[18],"western_action":[990,992,993,996,1015,1826,1025],"chinese_action":[],"ayurvedic_action":[],"energetics_action":[1487,1380],"region":[1893],"class_list":["post-25052","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-counter-irritant","tag-rubefacient","conditions-immune-system","conditions-musculoskeletal-system","conditions-skin","sustainability-amber-sustainability-status","sense-bitter","western_action-analgesic","western_action-anti-inflammatory","western_action-antimicrobial","western_action-antirheumatic","western_action-immunomodulant","western_action-lymphatic","western_action-vulnerary","energetics_action-dry","energetics_action-warm","region-western-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20250201","herb_author":1910,"banner_text":"Arnica is for external use only on bruises and strains","latin_name":"Arnica montana<\/span><\/i>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Asteraceae","herb_summary":"Arnica has a long history of use as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic for bruises as well as rheumatic, muscle, and joint conditions.","key_benefits":"Anti-inflammatory\r\nAnalgesic\r\nBruises\r\nSprains\r\nRheumatic joint pain\r\nMuscle pain","how_does_it_feel":"When the oil is applied externally the sensation is slightly cooling and mildly tingly, with an analgesic sensation on the skin.<\/span>\r\n\r\nPlease note: Arnica is not suitable for internal use.<\/span><\/em>","hdif_image_1":25080,"hdif_image_2":25083,"hdif_image_3":25081,"hdif_video":"https:\/\/youtu.be\/zIN5Onsy7XY","sense":[18],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"[caption id=\"attachment_25077\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"415\"]\"Arnica Arnica (Arnica montana<\/em>\u00a0L.)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThere are over thirty species in the Arnica genus, however it is <\/span>Arnica montana<\/span><\/i> (mountain arnica), which is used in herbal medicine (1). Despite its traditional indications as both an internal and external medicine, arnica is restricted to external use only, and at a limited concentration. Although fairly common in homeopathic and folk medicine, arnica is toxic and can cause fatal poisoning if taken internally (1). Even with external use there is a risk of skin irritation and allergic reaction, so caution is warranted with use.<\/span>\r\n\r\nArnica is one of the first remedies to turn to for any muscle, joint and connective tissue injuries which are causing local inflammation, swelling and pain (2,3). It is recommended for inclusion in any first aid kit, and is largely used to treat bruises, sprains, oedema from fractures, rheumatic pain, joint aches, varicose veins, haemorrhoids, and inflamed insect bites (2,4). It works well as a cream, oil, salve, liniment or a tincture added to a bath or soak (3,5). <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe German Commission E monograph approves the external use of arnica for haematoma (bleeding outside the blood vessels), dislocation, contusions (unbroken skin bruises), oedema due to a fracture, rheumatoid pains, myalgia (muscle pain), joint pain, oral and throat inflammations, boils, superficial phlebitis (inflamed veins), and inflamed insect bites (6).<\/span>","into_the_heart_of":"[caption id=\"attachment_25082\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Arnica Arnica (Arnica montana<\/em>\u00a0L.)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nArnica has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activity when applied topically (7).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe antimicrobial activity is due to the sesquiterpenes, primarily helenalin which is both antibacterial against <\/span>Listeria, Salmonella<\/span><\/i> and <\/span>Staphylococcus aureus<\/span><\/i>, and fungicidal against several fungal strains (7). Helenalin has activity against malarial organisms and periodontal microbes (8).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe anti-inflammatory action is also attributed to the sesquiterpene lactones, particularly helenalin (7). Helenalin is a potent inhibitor of inflammation, by inhibiting prostaglandins and other pro-inflammatory activity (7,8). As part of a normal healing process these pro-inflammatory markers recruit white blood cells, and cause the capillary membranes to become leaky in order to migrate the immune cells to the area of injury (9). As a result, plasma builds up in the tissues around the blood vessels, causing heat, swelling, redness and pain (9). Arnica helps to reduce this inflammatory cascade which causes swelling and pain.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nVolatile oils stimulate the tissue they come into contact with, creating a slight irritation (10). When arnica is applied to the skin the volatile oils create a mild irritation which causes local vasodilation of the blood vessels, drawing blood to the area. Arnica is largely used to treat bruises and sprains for this rubefacient (counter-irritant) action, bringing warmth to an area via the increased blood flow (1,10).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nArnica is considered to be both warming and drying, as it brings blood flow to the area applied, and helps to reduce inflammation and fluid stagnation (5).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn homeopathy, arnica is used to treat swelling, bruises, injuries, and after unaccustomed exertion to reduce pain and malaise (2,5). Homeopathic arnica is also supportive after a concussion, stroke, loss of consciousness, altered consciousness or serious infection (2).\u00a0 It is also used to treat epilepsy and seasickness (11).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nAs a flower essence, arnica is known as \u201cthe flower of recovery\u201d (2). It is used to support healing from an injury or trauma by connecting the parts of the self that have been fragmented by the shock or trauma (2).\u00a0<\/span>","tradtional_uses":"[caption id=\"attachment_25080\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Arnica Arnica (Arnica montana<\/em>\u00a0L.)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nDuring the medieval era arnica was used for haematomas, varicosities, phlebitis, gout, rheumatism, indigestion, wound healing and cardiovascular diseases (12). Arnica was included in the writings of St Hildegard of Bingen (1099\u20131179) as a healing herb for injuries, falls, accidents and trauma of all kinds (2). Native Americans used arnica for trauma, fever, meningitis, exhaustion and to support the nervous system <\/span>(<\/span>13). Arnica appeared in 17<\/span>th<\/span> Century European pharmacopoeias as a remedy for angina, heart disease, fevers, paralytic affections, slow healing wounds, leg ulcers, and as a gargle for sore throats and pharyngitis (8).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe <\/span>King<\/span><\/i>\u2019<\/span>s American dispensatory<\/span><\/i> (1898) stated that the whole plant was used as medicine, in preparations as: an \u201cextract of arnica root; a fluid extract of arnica root; tincture of arnica flowers; tincture of arnica root; or an arnica plaster\u201d (14). Externally it was used\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u201cin the form of an infusion, a fomentation, or diluted tincture of the flowers, for local inflammations, to remove\u00a0ecchymosis [bruise]\u2026 for the\u00a0bites\u00a0of mosquitoes and other insects.. and as a dressing for\u00a0cuts, lacerations, and contusions<\/span>\u201d<\/span><\/i> (14).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt was noted that the local application of arnica is an irritant, with the preparations of the flowers being most powerful (14). It was recommended that preparations should not be applied full strength, and an infusion was preferable for this purpose (14). Caution was suggested on tender skin, with a risk of bruising, dangerous inflammation and vesication (blistering) (14). External uses listed were:\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u201cmuscular soreness and pain from strains or over-exertion; impaired spinal innervation; muscular pain and soreness when the limbs are moved; tensive backache, as if bruised or strained; hematuria, with dull, aching lumbar pain, or from over-exertion\u201d (14).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nArnica was recommended internally, in small doses, and two fluid ounces (~50 ml) of the tincture was sufficient to cause death (14). Overdose was reported to cause an accelerated pulse, increased perspiration, increased urination, headache, giddiness as well as\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u201cheat in the throat, nausea, vomiting, purging, spasmodic contractions of the limbs, difficulty of respiration, inflammation of the alimentary canal, and coma\u2026with no known antidote to its poisonous influences<\/span>\u201d<\/span><\/i> (14).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt was used in\u00a0typhoid fever\u00a0and other\u00a0febrile diseases such as intermittent fever, chronic palsy, as a tonic in\u00a0chronic rheumatism, and as a tonic and diuretic for dropsy (oedema) (14). It was considered highly efficacious in\u00a0constitutional derangements\u00a0caused by powerful shocks to the brain, from thumps or kicks, and for internal pains,\u00a0and\u00a0congestions from bruises (14). As a stimulant to the spinal nerves, arnica was used in conditions calling for spinal innervation such as\u00a0 advanced stages of diseases with feeble respiratory power, sleeplessness from poor respiration, and a neural lack of control over the bowel and bladder (14). As well as the external application for rheumatism,\u00a0it was used internally to \u201carouse nervous action and stimulates excretion\u201d, as well use for all forms of myalgia, muscular soreness, and pain from strains, over-exertion, or injuries (14).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nMore recently, Grieve (1932) recommended against the use internally due to the irritant effect on the stomach, and cautioned repeated applications externally due to the risk of severe inflammation (11). She suggested external application on unbroken skin for sprains, bruises, wounds, chilblains, to stimulate hair growth on the scalp, and as a foot bath for \u201ctender feet\u201d (11).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt should be noted that arnica is no longer recommended for internal use.<\/span>","what_practioners_say":"[caption id=\"attachment_25076\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Arnica Arnica (Arnica montana<\/em>\u00a0L.)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe topical application of arnica, often combined with other herbs into a balm or cream, is an effective treatment for arthritic pain, soft tissue injuries, bruises, sore muscles after exercise, oedema due to fractures and post-surgery to support oedema, pain and inflammation. Topical applications are often given alongside other internal remedies to support the presenting condition.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Musculoskeletal\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\r\nArnica is applied locally to reduce inflammation and swelling, and works well in the treatment of rheumatic pain, sprains, myalgia and fractures (2). Including arnica in a cream or balm for osteoarthritis is particularly effective, due to the specific anti-inflammatory pathways arnica inhibits (4). Arnica gel has been demonstrated in clinical research to be comparable to ibuprofen when treating osteoarthritis in the hands, improving both pain and joint function (15). Another similar clinical study found topical application of arnica gel to effectively treat osteoarthritis of the knee (16).<\/span>\r\n\r\nWhen making a cream or ointment for muscle pain, arnica combines well with <\/span>comfrey<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Symphytum officinale<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>St John\u2019s wort<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Hypericum perforatum<\/span><\/i>), wintergreen (<\/span>Gaultheria procumbens<\/span><\/i>), and <\/span>chilli<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Capsicum spp.<\/span><\/i>).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Pain\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\r\nArnica helps to reduce pain that is caused by inflammation and swelling. The constituents in arnica inhibit the proinflammatory cascades that cause inflammation, and help to clear the congestion causing the pain (9). Following a concussion, applying a compress around the head and neck can relieve headaches and visual disturbances <\/span>(<\/span>13). Following dental surgery, topical application of arnica to the jaw line has been shown to decreased pain and trismus (restricted mouth opening), compared with standard therapy alone\u00a0(17).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Skin\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\r\nArnica is one of the best remedies for local healing, used on unbroken skin to reduce local inflammation, swelling and pain caused\u00a0 by bruises (2,10). This can reduce the risk of complications from these injuries (2). Clinical evidence supports the use of topical arnica to effectively reduce bruising (18). Arnica can be used to reduce the pain and i<\/span>nflammation of the lymphatic vessels (lymphedema) and superficial veins (phlebitis, varicose veins and haemorrhoids), as long as the skin is not broken (4,10,<\/span>13).<\/span>\r\n

Immune system<\/h3>\r\nArnica has immune system suppressive actions as an anti-inflammatory, yett it is also an immunostimulant, by stimulating phagocytosis (10). Phagocytosis is an important part of the immune system response to infections, where white blood cells (phagocytes) engulf particles such as bacteria or debris to break down and remove them from the body. Fischer-Rizzi recommends gargling with diluted arnica tincture for soothing and supporting recovery from tonsillitis and laryngitis (13). The therapeutic action of this will be the local anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and analgesic action on the tissues, as well as the immune stimulation needed to clear the infection.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nArnica can also be used as a mouth rinse for periodontal diseases, due to the antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens and periodontopathic bacteria (19). For gingivitis, tooth infections and periodontitis, tinctures of arnica, <\/span>calendula<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Calendula officinalis<\/span><\/i>), myrrh<\/a> (<\/span>Commiphora myrrha\/ molmol<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>propolis<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>clove<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Syzygium aromaticum<\/span><\/i>) combine well as a mouth rinse. When using arnica as a gargle or mouth wash, care must be taken not to swallow the tincture after gargling. High alcohol tinctures also need to be diluted in water to prevent damage to the oral mucosa. In individuals with sensitive skin or who have an allergic reaction to arnica, comfrey and calendula offer many of the same benefits and make suitable alternative herbs.<\/span>","research":"[caption id=\"attachment_25079\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"400\"]\"Arnica Arnica (Arnica montana<\/em>\u00a0L.)[\/caption]\r\n

Osteoarthritis<\/h3>\r\nA randomised, double-blind study was conducted with 204 patients with active osteoarthritis of the interphalangeal joints of hands. The study compared ibuprofen gel (5%) and arnica gel (50\u00a0g per 100\u00a0g, of a 1:20 fresh extract tincture). After 21\u00a0days treatment there were no differences between the two groups in pain and hand function improvements. This confirmed that arnica gel has comparable effects to ibuprofen when treating osteoarthritis of hands. Adverse events were reported by six patients (6.1%) taking ibuprofen and by five patients (4.8%) taking arnica (15). A Cochrane review of topical herbal therapies for treating osteoarthritis concluded that this study provides moderate evidence that arnica improves pain and function to the same degree as non<\/span>\u2010<\/span>steroidal anti<\/span>\u2010<\/span>inflammatory drugs (20).<\/span>\r\n\r\nA pre-test, post-test multicentre trial, investigated the safety and efficacy of an <\/span>Arnica montana<\/span><\/i>\u00a0gel, containing 50\u00a0g per 100\u00a0g, of a 1:20 fresh extract tincture. The gel was applied twice daily to 26 men and 53 women with mild to moderate osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. After three and six weeks there was a significant decrease in pain, stiffness, and function, assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scale. The overall adverse-event rate of 7.6% included only one allergic reaction. It was concluded that six weeks topical application of arnica gel was a safe, well-tolerated, and effective treatment of mild to moderate OA of the knee (16).<\/span>\r\n

Bruising<\/h3>\r\nA double blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted on healthy volunteers, aged 21\u201365 years. Each participant had laser-induced bruises of 7 mm diameter, treated topically with either: 20% arnica; 5% vitamin K; 1% vitamin K and 0<\/span>\u00b7<\/span>3% retinol; or white petrolatum. Treatment was twice a day for two weeks, and the bruises were rated with a visual analogue scale immediately after bruise creation and at week two. The improvement with the arnica was greater than the petrolatum (<\/span>P\u00a0<\/span><\/i>=0\u00b7003), and the vitamin K and retinol (<\/span>P\u00a0<\/span><\/i>=0\u00b701), and was comparable to the vitamin K cream. It was concluded that topical 20% arnica ointment is effective at reducing bruising (18).<\/span>\r\n

Ankle sprain<\/h3>\r\nA randomized, double-blind study involved 570 patients with acute ankle joint distortion (ankle sprain), divided the into four groups: arnica tincture (10 g per 100 ml); hydroxyethyl salicylate (HES); combination arnica and HES; and placebo. The sprays were applied four times per day for ten days. Pain improvement in the group receiving a combination spray of arnica and HES was significantly greater than the other groups, with no difference in ankle swelling between interventions (22).<\/span>\r\n

Exercise recovery<\/h3>\r\nA randomized counterbalanced crossover study of ten resistance-trained men, compare the effects of a mud pack, containing menthol (5%) and\u00a0arnica (3%), on recovery following high-volume resistance training. Following the mud pack application, the athletes had an enhanced recovery rate and reduced muscle soreness after high-volume exercise (22).<\/span>\r\n\r\nA double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial explored the effect of topical arnica on pain, inflammation, muscle damage, and performance in 20 males experiencing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Immediately after intense eccentric exercise and every four hours for 96 hours arnica or a placebo was applied to the upper and lower legs (quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles). At 4, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours, arnica did not have an effect on performance, inflammation, or blood markers of muscle damage, however pain was reduced at 72 hours compared to the control (23).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Dentistry<\/h3>\r\nA randomised controlled clinical trial of 60 patients underwent dental surgery to remove impacted mandibular third molars and received standard therapy consisting of antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for five days. The patients were divided into three groups to determine the effect of arnica in addition to the standard therapy: control (standard therapy), arnica (445 mg\/100 g), and Mucopolysaccharide polysulfate (MPSP). The arnica and MPSP cream was applied to the skin along the jawline on the face, every eight hours for 10 days. Topical application of arnica significantly decreased pain and trismus (restricted mouth opening), but not oedema, on days 1\u20135 post-surgery, compared with standard therapy alone (17).<\/span>","did_you_know":"The name \u201carnica\u201d is derived from the Greek word \u201c<\/span>ptarmikos<\/span><\/i>\u201d meaning sneezing, as one sniff of arnica can make you sneeze (24). Wolfsbane, one of the common names, refers to the wild and dangerous nature of arnica, and the flowers are like wolf\u2019s eyes (13). <\/span>","additional_information_right":{"illustration":26246},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"Arnica is a plant genus of over 30 species in the Asteraceae family, which are all perennial plants growing to 10\u201370 cm (4\u201328 inches) tall (1). Of the many species in the Arnica genus, it is <\/span>Arnica montana<\/span><\/i> (mountain arnica), which is used in herbal medicine (1). <\/span>Arnica montana<\/span><\/i>\u00a0is a perennial plant that flowers from June to July and prefers acid and poor soils. It is mainly found in grassland and shrubland and alpine mountain environments (30<\/span>)<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nArnica is a clump-forming perennial, with broadly oval leaves up to 15 cm long in a flat rosette in spring and summer (11,31). From the centre of the leaf rosette rises a flower stalk, which in summer produces deep yellow or orange-yellow flowers, 5\u20138 cm across (11,31). The flower consists of 50\u201390 tubular disk florets in the centre, framed by a ring of ray floret petals (13). The plant spreads by seed dispersal and by the creeping rhizomes (8).<\/span>","common_names":"