Overview
Arnica montana is a perennial herb with striking yellow flowers resembling a daisy that grows mainly on high-ground meadows and mountain slopes. A soothing gel made from arnica is used to treat bruises and inflammation, swelling, pain and discomfort from sore and aching muscles. According to Miranda Castro, author of “The Complete Homeopathy Handbook,” arnica is “valued by Swiss mountain climbers” who “chew it to relieve muscles aching after a day’s hard climbing.”
Herbal Folklore
Arnica, known as mountain tobacco, leopard’s bane and sneezewort, has been in use as a topical therapeutic treatment for healing for many years. Herbalist M. Grieve writes in “A Modern Herbal,” first published in 1931, that in countries “where arnica is indigenous, it has long been a popular remedy.” A tincture made from the flowers of arnica was used, writes Grieve, for “external application to sprains, bruises, and wounds, and as a paint for chilblains when the skin was unbroken.”
Benefits
“Arnica works quickly to repair damaged blood vessels, to reduce swelling at the site of the injury, and to eliminate pain,” writes Dr. Lyle Morgan in his book “Homeopathic Treatment of Sports Injuries.” Dr. Morgan says that arnica should be thought of as first-aid treatment of all physical injuries. Arnica is believed to lessen pain from sprains or sore muscles because of its ability to reduce swelling. The active ingredients in arnica stimulate the white blood cells and thereby reduce trapped and congested blood that occurs in bruised tissues.
Promising Results Using Arnica for Pain from Osteoarthritis
A study of people suffering with osteoarthritis of the knee, results of which were published in “Advances in Therapy,” revealed significant reduction in their pain, stiffness and mobility. A gel made from the fresh plant was applied twice daily for six weeks. The published report–the abstract of which is available online from the U.S. National Library of Medicine–says, “Topical application of Arnica montana gel for 6 weeks was a safe, well-tolerated, and effective treatment of mild to moderate OA of the knee.” OA is the medical abbreviation for osteoarthritis.
How to Use Arnica Gel
Arnica comes in a gel or cream, which is not greasy or sticky, and is used by rubbing on muscles to relieve soreness for aches and strains. It also can be applied onto sore or stiff joints that have been overworked from repetitive stress or excessive strain, or from pain associated with arthritis and rheumatism. It should be applied thinly to the affected area and may be repeated three times daily. Arnica gel is equally effective on bruises and should be gently applied.
Warning
Do not apply arnica gel or cream or tincture directly onto skin that is broken or open, as in a wound, because it can cause irritation. If discomfort or pain continues beyond a few days, consult a physician or licensed health-care practitioner.
About this Author
Christine Williams holds a B.A. and M.A. in literature, and is a licensed homeopath. The co-author of four nonfiction books published by Soho Press about Ireland, Williams has also written a travel book, “So Many Miles to Paradise.” She has been writing and editing for 25 years and is an editor at Allthingshealing.com.
