The Benefits of Arnica for Pain Relief

Arnica is a plant based topical treatment for pain or bruising. Arnica typically comes in the form of an ointment or cream and is used for insect bites, inflammation, bruises, arthritis, and even sprains or strains. Arnica is toxic in large amounts if it is ingested.

Arnica is a bright yellow flower about a foot off the ground and grows in North America and all over Europe. Also called mountain daisy, Dr. Andrew Weil suggests using an arnica compress for relieving muscle pain. Dr. Weil also suggests never taking arnica internally unless it is in homeopathic form and is in too dilute a form to cause any damage. Never use it on broken skin as arnica is toxic inside the body.

The New York Times recently ran a blog article that two studies showed that people who had arthritis and took ibuprofen had just as much pain relief from taking topical arnica without ibuprofen. One study had treatments done on the knee for up to six weeks and patients showed a significant reduction in pain. Allergic reactions are minimal.

Use as directed on the package. Arnica's allergic reactions, if there are any, are usually just mild redness on the skin that had the arnica used upon on it. If you are taking arnica for a condition that should get better over time, see your doctor if the pain doesn't go away or lessen.

Arnica's other common names are Leopard's bane, mountain tobacco, and wolf's bane. It is a perennial plant native to mountainous climates in Europe. Mix arnica with ethanol and you get a mouthwash that can be used to treat sore throat pain. Arnica's slight anti-inflammatory properties are used in treatments for swelling, arthritis, and strains.

Does arnica work for pain? Yes it does when used properly and for topical and external uses only. There have been no studies to show that arnica heals wounds any faster than without arnica. But it has been known to help with swelling and arthritis.

While it is not a miracle cure and doesn't cure pain instantly, arnica is a good treatment for overall effectiveness and pain relief. Arnica can be found in your local health food store in the pharmacy department, or even your local pharmacy. Do not take tablets unless you have been told to do so by your doctor.This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Consult with your doctor before using any new treatment option.