Arnica is a herb used to make a tincture that is applied topically to treat sore muscles and bruises. It can also help with arthritis, joint pain, and acne. Arnica should not be ingested and is available in gel form. Homeopathic remedies also use arnica.
Arnica, or leopard’s bane, is a perennial herb native to North America and Eurasia. It is used to make a tincture that is used topically to treat sore muscles and bruises. Many conventional pharmacies carry arnica preparations, and the herb is also available at health food stores and other companies that sell natural health care products. The herbal remedy is quite effective, especially for bruises, and is often recommended by both conventional medical professionals and herbalists.
The genus Arnica has several member species, all of which can be used to create tinctures. The plants have bright yellow flowers that grow in radial heads and opposite simple leaves that grow on branching stems. The entire plant is used in the preparation of tinctures of arnica, which are usually sold in gel form that can be easily applied to the skin. One species, A. montana, was historically used as a tobacco substitute in northern Eurasia, leading some people to call it mountain tobacco.
Various chemical compounds have been isolated in arnica. It appears that the herb stimulates the production of white blood cells, which can help eliminate breakouts. Arnica also promotes fluid drainage and toxin release, reducing muscle soreness and pain. People taking it for muscle pain should stay well hydrated to help flush out toxins from the body. The herb can also help with arthritis, joint pain, and acne when used externally.
As a topical anti-inflammatory, arnica seems to be quite useful. Gel applications often reduce swelling from bruises very quickly, and repeated applications can resolve areas of tenderness fairly quickly. In some cases, it can also be mixed with other botanicals to speed healing and promote healthy skin. These preparations should never be consumed internally, as arnica can be quite harmful when ingested, and patients should wash their hands after applying a gel or paste made from the plant.
Some homeopathic remedies also use arnica. Homeopathy relies on the use of very small concentrations of herbs and other substances, so these preparations are safe to consume when used as directed. When tested, tinctures used in homeopathy are often so dilute that chemists cannot detect even a trace of the substance used in the tincture. Arnica intended for ingestion will be clearly labeled as a homeopathic tincture; If a patient has doubts, they should not consume it.
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