Arnica - More Than a Muscle Healer

Introduction:

Arnica is the best homeopathic remedy to treat muscle soreness and bruises caused after an accident or any other physical trauma. However, Arnica can be useful to treat various other health issues as well. Arnica montana is a homeopathic remedy prepared from yellow daisy-like flowers that appear in the months of July and August. This flower is mainly found on the moist, grassy upland meadows in the hills and mountains of northern and central Europe and is rarely seen in the northwestern United States. Arnica montana is one of the oldest remedies and has been used since at least the 16th century. The mountain people in that area have used it to relieve muscle aches and bruises.

What Are the Uses of Arnica?

Ointments and creams made from Arnica can be used to treat the following health issues:

• Bruising.

• Muscle soreness and aches.

• Swelling and joint pain.

• Inflammation.

What Are the Benefits of Arnica?

• Anti-inflammatory Action - Arnica has an anti-inflammatory action, which makes it a well-known remedy for bruises or muscle soreness caused after physical trauma, an accident, or a heavy workout. It is also a good remedy for people who have arthritis.

• Hair Fall - Arnica acts well on the scalp and hair. Hence it is helpful to treat hair problems like hair fall and dandruff. Arnica treats hair loss by stimulating the hair follicles and thus rejuvenates the scalp. Consistent use of Arnica in the form of shampoo or oil even reduces the chances of premature greying of hair and stops further hair fall. All you need to do is massage your scalp and hair from root to the tip with Arnica hair oil. You can also add a few Calendula drops to the oil for better results.

• Stretch Marks or Scar Marks - Arnica is also useful in pregnancy stretch marks. Arnica gel or cream can be gently applied and rubbed at the site of the marks at least twice a day. The stretch marks will be reduced gradually.

What Are the Forms of Arnica Available?

Arnica is generally sold as an over-the-counter product in topical and oral forms.

• Topical Arnica - Arnica is available as creams, gel, ointment, and tincture. Arnica tincture may be used to make a compress.

• Oral Pellet - Arnica is available as a homeopathic oral pellet. Homeopathic remedies are considered safe as they are highly diluted.

• Arnica Tea - Arnica is also available in the form of tea. However, in large quantities, Arnica can be poisonous. Internal use of Arnica is generally not recommended unless it is too diluted and taken under the care of healthcare professionals.

• Other Forms - Other forms of Arnica are extracts, powders, oral supplements, aromatherapy oil, and dried wild-crafted herb.

How to Take Arnica?

Arnica can be taken orally either in the form of pills or liquid. It is also available in the form of cream or gel, which can be applied to the site of injury. Arnica is only to be applied on a closed wound and not on an open wound. If there is a cut or the wound is bleeding, do not use Arnica gel or cream locally. Arnica pills can be taken orally in such a situation. In case of acute injury or trauma, you can start taking Arnica 12C, four pills twice or thrice a day. If you see some improvement, then you can increase the dose to Arnica 30C and then 200C. Once you get a significant amount of improvement, you can stop taking further doses. It is often suggested to patients to keep a bottle of Arnica 30C handy wherever they go. People of all ages can safely take this medicine.

What Are the Contraindications and Interactions?

• Arnica should not be taken along with blood thinning medicines as it is believed to slow blood clotting. The combination can increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

• Arnica is contraindicated in pregnant and breastfeeding women.

• Arnica can interact negatively with the following medicine -

• Heparin.

• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like Naproxen and Ibuprofen.

• Plavix.

• Coumadin.

What Are the Side Effects of Arnica?

• Topical Use - In less diluted formulas, Arnica can cause mild allergic reactions.

• Oral Use - Some forms of Arnica may contain detectable amounts of helenalin. When taken by mouth, helenalin can cause:

1. Stomach pain.
2. Diarrhea.
3. Vomiting.
4. Shortness of breath.
5. Rapid heartbeat.
6. High blood pressure.
7. Mouth and throat irritation.
8. Easy bruising and bleeding.

What Are the Precautions to Be Taken?

• When Applied to the Skin - Arnica is considered safe when applied to unbroken skin, short-term. It is likely to be unsafe to apply Arnica to broken skin as it can be absorbed into the body.

• When Taken by Mouth - Homeopathic Arnica is considered safe. They contain no active ingredients and have no side effects. It is also safe to take arnica in the amounts found in food. But taking it in amounts more than what is found in food is unsafe. Arnica is considered poisonous, and it can cause vomiting, heart damage, increased bleeding, organ failure, coma, and death.

• For Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women - It is considered unsafe for pregnant and breastfeeding women, and they are advised not to take Arnica by mouth or apply it to the skin.

• Allergy to Ragweed and Related Plants - Arnica might cause allergic reactions in individuals who are sensitive to the Compositae family. This family includes ragweed marigolds, chrysanthemums, daisies, and many others. Such people should check with their doctor before applying Arnica to their skin and are advised not to take it by mouth.

• Surgery - Arnica is believed to cause extra bleeding during and after surgery. It is recommended to stop using Arnica at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Conclusion:

Arnica is a herb that is commonly used to treat pain. It is believed to help in relieving pain associated with muscle soreness and arthritis. In the undiluted form, it may cause side effects like rapid heart rate, nausea, and bleeding or bruising. Arnica may also interact with blood-thinning drugs. Always look for Arnica which is diluted and has been tested by a third party.