The Health Benefits of Arnica

Arnica, sometimes called mountain daisy (as well as mountain tobacco, leopard's bane, and wolf's bane) for its bright yellow and orange daisy-like flowers, is a mountain plant whose flowers and roots are used to make topical pain-relief remedies. Here are seven things that you need to know about the benefits of arnica.

1. Studies support the benefits of arnica for pain relief. According to a September 17, 2009 New York Times Well Blog, a Norwegian study made public in 2007 showed that arnica gel worked as well as ibuprofen for pain associated with osteoarthritis of the hands, and another study showed that regular use of arnica gel helped to relieve pain and stiffness from arthritis of the knee and contributed to improved knee function.

2. Arnica not only relieves pain, but is believed to provide anti-biotic and anti-inflammatory benefits as well.

3. Arnica comes in many forms. You can get arnica in tinctures, creams, salves, ointments, gels and oils. All are for topical use only.

4. Arnica is easy to use. Just rub it into the sore or painful area or use a compress prepared with arnica. To make a compress, mix a tablespoon of arnica tincture and one pint of purified water. Use this mixture to soak a gauze pad, a sanitary napkin or any other soft bandage. Place the saturated bandage on the painful area.

5. Arnica products are readily available. You can find arnica in health food stores, in some pharmacies and on the internet.

6. Arnica has many uses. You can use arnica on bruises, sprains, strains, sore muscles, swelling and inflammation. Many people use it to relieve chronic pain from arthritis and carpel tunnel syndrome.

7. Arnica generally has few harmful side effects, with the exception of the occasional mild rash experienced by some people who are allergic to a compound in arnica. If you develop a rash when using arnica, discontinue its use.

While arnica's benefits are numerous, and it appears to be relatively safe, you should be aware of the following before using it.

First, arnica should not be taken internally (except in homeopathic pills that contain a very small amount of arnica) because it can be toxic.

Second, it should only be applied to unbroken skin, not to open sores or cuts.

Third, arnica can stimulate blood circulation and may raise blood pressure. Therefore, it is a good idea to consult with your doctor before using it, especially if you have heart disease or high blood pressure.

Fourth, as already mentioned, a few people develop a rash when using arnica and, therefore, should avoid it.

Sources:

Anahad O,Connor, well.blogs.nytimes.com, The Alternative Medicine Cabinet:Arnica for Pain Relief - Well Blog - NYTimes

Andrew Weill, M.D., www.drweil.com, Arnica for Pain?

www.vitaminstuff.com, THE HERB ARNICA - BENEFITS, INFORMATION, ARTICLES, LINKS, NEWS, ADVICE