The Benefits & Uses Of Arnica

Arnica is a perennial flower that looks similar to a daisy. The flower heads of arnica have been used in medicinal preparations since as far back as the 16th century. Arnica is typically used in topical medicinal preparations, but when it is diluted it can also be taken orally.

Native to the mountains of Europe and Siberia, arnica is now cultivated in the United States too. The benefits of arnica can be tremendous, but before using this herb it is important to know more about it because certain preparations may cause severe side effects in some individuals.

Arnica has many benefits when used medicinally. It can be used as a pain reliever for pain caused by muscle aches, bruises, sprains, wounds and insect bites. It can also be used as an anti-flammatory for swelling and arthritis. Arnica may also help clear up acne and it may prevent bruising.

Oral Uses for Arnica

Arnica comes in pill form and can be taken orally to treat certain conditions. However, only trace amounts of diluted arnica should be taken by mouth because severe side effects are possible in certain individuals. Some of the possible side effects of taking arnica orally may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, tremors and heart irregularities. In some people large doses can even be fatal. For this reason, it should never be given to someone under the age of 18, someone who is chronically ill, or the elderly.

The Food and Drug Administration has classified arnica as an unsafe herb because of the side effects associated with its use. That being said, many people take diluted preparations of arnica for pain relief after surgery, an injury, or strenuous activity. Common dosing for arnica tablets, or pellets would be either 5C or 30C potency tablets sublingually (under the tongue) three times a day.

Arnica Topical Uses

Commercially, topical arnica is available in creams, ointments and tinctures. It can also be used to make compresses and poultices. Arnica should never be applied to broken skin because it increases the rate at which it is absorbed into the body. It can be applied to skin that is intact, but because of the side effects it should be used sparingly. Look for tinctures that have a 1:10 ratio with 70 percent alcohol. Creams and ointments should be no more than 15% arnica. Although you should always follow the package directions when using arnica, generally diluted preparations can be applied two to three times daily.

Arnica is a fantastic herb that has a number of positive benefits and uses. It can be taken in a number of different forms, each with their own individual benefits. Each form can be purchased on Amazon and can be found by clicking the links below.

Arnica Gel – Boiron Arnicare Gel for Pain Relief 2.5oz

Arnica Cream – Boiron Arnicare Cream 1.33oz

Arnica Oil – Weleda Arnica Massage Oil 3.4oz

Arnica Tablets – Arnica Montana 30x, 250 Tablets

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