Category
Herbs & Supplements
Synonyms
6-methoxykaempferol, Aconitum napellus, alisma, American arnica, Arnica augustifolia, Arnica chamissonis, Arnica cordifolia, arnica da serra, Arnicae flos, arnica flower, Arnica fulgens, Arnica latifolia, Arnica lonchophylla, Arnica montana, arnica root, Arnica sororia, arnica spray, arnicaid, arniflora, arnika, Arnikablüten, Asteraceae (family), bergwohlverleih, bétoine des montagnes, betuletol, bilmes herb, Caltha alpina, common arnica, Compositae (family), donnerblume, engel trank, European arnica, fallherb, fallkraut, fleurs d'arnica, guldblomme, herbe aux chutes, hispidulin, jaceosidin, kraftwurz, leopard's bane, monkshood, mountain arnica, mountain daisy, mountain snuff, mountain tobacco, pectolinarigenin, polmonaria di montagna, prickherb, smokeherb, sneezewort, snuffplant, souci des alpes, St. John's strength flower, strengthwort, tabac des Vosges, tabaco de montana, thunderwort, waldblume, wellbestow, wolfesgelega, wolf's bane, wolf's eye, wolf's yellow, wolfsbane, wolfsblume, wolfstoterin, woundherb, wundkraut.
Note: This monograph does not include Heterotheca incloides (Mexican arnica).
Background
Arnica montana is commonly used in herbal ointments and oils applied on the skin as an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving agent for aches, bruises and sprains on unbroken skin. Highly diluted homeopathic preparations are considered safe and are widely used for the treatment of injuries. However, full doses of arnica may be toxic when taken by mouth. Arnica may also be damaging to the heart, resulting in high blood pressure.
Currently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has declared arnica an unsafe herb due to adverse effects associated when ingested orally. In contrast, the German market offers over 100 preparations of arnica to its consumers. In Canada, arnica is not allowed for use as a non-medicinal ingredient for oral (by mouth) use products.
Evidence
DISCLAIMER:
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Bruising:
Homeopathic and topical (on the skin) arnica is widely used to prevent or treat hemorrhages (heavy bleeding), hematomas (blood clots) and bruising. More study is needed in this area to draw a firm conclusion.
Grade: C
Coagulation (blood clotting):
Homeopathic arnica does not seem to affect bleeding time or platelet count. More studies are needed in this area.
Grade: C
Diabetic retinopathy:
Homeopathic arnica has been used for improving retinal microcirculation, thereby slowing the progression to damage to the retina of the eye in diabetics. Although early study is promising, additional study is needed before a firm conclusion can be reached.
Grade: C
Osteoarthritis:
Arnica gel has been used on the skin for osteoarthritis pain and stiffness, due to its anti-inflammatory constituents. Although early study is promising, additional study is needed.
Grade: C
Stroke:
Homeopathic arnica has been used in stroke recovery. More research is needed before a firm recommendation can be made.
Grade: C
Trauma (pain and wound healing):
Many patients use arnica to relieve pain postoperatively. Further study is needed to define the effectiveness of arnica in postoperative pain.
Grade: C
Exercise-induced delayed onset muscle soreness/bruising:
Homeopaths believe that arnica may be effective in relieving pain due to delayed onset muscle soreness, which is defined by exercise that subjects are unaccustomed to. Currently, it is not recommended to give arnica for this indication, although it does not appear to be unsafe for use.
Grade: D
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