Arnica has been used for centuries to help relieve some symptoms. Today it is found in some herbal and homeotic preparations in the form of cream, gel, tablets and herbal teas.
Arnica is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Composite or Asteraceae family that can reach up to 70 centimeters in height. It grows spontaneously in the mountains. For therapeutic purposes only the flowers are used, which are yellow or orange and have the shape of daisies.
Flowers have several properties. The most used in herbal preparations are:
- anti-inflammatory,
- antineuralgic,
- analgesica,
- antitraumatica,
- antimicrobial.
What does arnica contain?
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This is thanks to the presence of an excellent amount of flavonoids, which are natural compounds with strong antioxidant activity. This means that they fight free radicals that lead to cellular aging. Among the most important flavonoids we find:
What is arnica used for?
Arnica is usually used to relieve symptoms of traumatic events, bruises and muscle strains. However, it can also be used to combat hematomas, edema, skin rashes, skin inflammations and insect bites.
Its compounds are able not only to disinfect the painful part and soothe the pain, but also to reduce swelling and prevent skin infections.
It can also be used in those suffering from osteoarthritis, because it is capable of reducing both pain and muscle stiffness. In this way it is able to make the joint movements of people suffering from arthrosis more fluid.
Thanks to the presence of coumarins, arnica can effectively relieve bruises and hematomas. Its action allows the treated area to return to normal.
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Are there any side effects?
Arnica is usually well tolerated and safe even in oral therapy. Of course you must follow the directions.
- Only when taken in excessive quantities in tablet form can it give rise to stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash and hypertension.
- It should not be used if you are taking anticoagulant drugs. The interaction could result in injury and bleeding.
- Pregnant or nursing women should avoid using arnica for tablets.
- If you have significant digestive problems, it is best to use arnica only for external use. This plant can worsen the symptoms of gastritis, ulcer, Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome.
- Like all plants it can give rise to allergic reactions. Before using it, it is good to spread a small amount on a small area of the body, wait a couple of hours and see if there is an allergic reaction. Generally, those who are allergic to certain plants such as sunflowers, daisies and chrysanthemums have a higher risk of being sensitive to arnica too.
- If used for a long time and with large doses, even arnica in ointment, cream or gel can cause contact dermatitis. Of course it should not be used on open wounds or particularly sensitive skin.
- As with all phytotherapeutic preparations, before being used you must speak to your doctor.
How is arnica used?
In ointment or gel
The advice is to apply the arnica ointment up to three times a day, for at least a week, with a light circular massage. This movement, however, must not be prolonged or particularly intense, because it could favor the further flow of blood from the vessels. Attention, however: it should not be used on dermatitis, lesions, wounds, abrasions and during pregnancy and lactation.
After applying the ointment, if possible, you should lie down on the bed or sofa, placing a pillow under the bruised part of the body: in this way the blood leaking from the vessels and the liquids avoid accumulating too much.
Tablets
When taken orally it should be taken with the help of a glass of water. One tablet is taken three times a day. If after a few days no improvement is seen, you should contact your doctor.
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