Arnica is a perennial herb that has a long history of use for injuries wherever it grows. It has long downy leaves and the classic ‘sunflower look’ with yellow ray and disc flowers. Many of its species, particularly A. montana, possess anti-inflammatory properties that were believe to help with muscle soreness an aches, brushing, joint pain and swelling an inflammation (1).

According to a study, the plant’s anti-inflammatory effect was due to an ingredient called Helenalin, which is extremely toxic when consumed and irritating to the skin unless diluted (2). There were also other compounds in it that may help with pain-management. Some of its other inflammation-fighting components are sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, and phenolic acids (3).

In a review, it was found that arnica gel appeared to work nearly as well as Advil (ibuprofen) when it comes to lowering down pain levels and improving joint function in people with hand osteoarthritis (4).

In a 2006 study on people who underwent a rhytidectomy (a plastic surgery to reduce wrinkles), results revealed that Arnica was effective during the healing of several postoperative conditions like swelling, bruising, and pain (5).

How To Use Arnica?

Fresh or dried flower heads of Arnica are used in medicinal preparations. It must be topically applied after an injury, such as sprains and fall. It may work best when used as soon as possible after an accident (6).

Liniment

This is only used externally. Prepare it with fresh Arnica flowers at approximately a 1:3 ratio in 99% isopropyl alcohol.

Tincture

Prepare it with fresh Arnica inflorescences at a 1:2 ratio in 80% ethanol. Use it topically as they are absorbed rapidly into the local tissue.

Infused Oil

Arnica infused oil is more slowly absorbed into the surrounding tissue. Prepare this by tightly packing dried arnica flowers in a jar. Cover them with 4 inches of extra virgin olive oil on top of the oil-saturated flowers. Put a lid on the jar and turn it over or shake it each day to let the oil seep through all the plant material.

Sources:

1. https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-arnica-89542#citation-5
2. https://www.jbc.org/article/S0021-9258(20)34508-7/fulltext
3. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/arnica-homeopathic#risks
4. https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD010538/full
5. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1001/archfaci.8.1.54
6. https://7song.com/arnica-as-a-first-aid-medicine/

Disclaimer

The watching, interacting, and participation of any kind with anything on this page does not constitute or initiate a doctor-patient relationship with Dr. Farrah®. None of the statements here have been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The products of Dr. Farrah® are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information being provided should only be considered for education and entertainment purposes only. If you feel that anything you see or hear may be of value to you on this page or on any other medium of any kind associated with, showing, or quoting anything relating to Dr. Farrah® in any way at any time, you are encouraged to and agree to consult with a licensed healthcare professional in your area to discuss it. If you feel that you’re having a healthcare emergency, seek medical attention immediately. The views expressed here are simply either the views and opinions of Dr. Farrah® or others appearing and are protected under the first amendment.

Dr. Farrah® is a highly experienced Licensed Medical Doctor certified in evidence-based clinical nutrition, not some enthusiast, formulator, or medium promoting the wild and unrestrained use of nutrition products for health issues without clinical experience and scientific evidence of therapeutic benefit. Dr. Farrah® has personally and keenly studied everything she recommends, and more importantly, she’s closely observed the reactions and results in a clinical setting countless times over the course of her career involving the treatment of over 150,000 patients.

Dr. Farrah® promotes evidence-based natural approaches to health, which means integrating her individual scientific and clinical expertise with the best available external clinical evidence from systematic research. By individual clinical expertise, I refer to the proficiency and judgment that individual clinicians acquire through clinical experience and clinical practice.

Dr. Farrah® does not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of any multimedia content provided. Dr. Farrah® does not warrant the performance, effectiveness, or applicability of any sites listed, linked, or referenced to, in, or by any multimedia content.

To be clear, the multimedia content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen in any website, video, image, or media of any kind. Dr. Farrah® hereby disclaims any and all liability to any party for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental, or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of the content, which is provided as is, and without warranties.