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Arnica has been used by many to soothe muscle aches, reduce
inflammation, and heal wounds. While arnica is primarily for
external use, it has also been used internally as an herbal remedy
for certain heart disorders. Arnica should only be used in this way
under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Arnica is
also commonly called leopard's bane. The arnica plant has a bright
yellow, daisy-like flower that blooms around July. Preparations made
from the flowering heads have been used in homeopathic medicine for
hundreds of years. It is popular in Germany and over 100 drug
preparations are made from the plant. Arnica is a perennial that is
protected in parts of Europe.
The active components in
arnica are sesquiterpene lactones, which are known to reduce
inflammation and decrease pain. Other active principals are thymol
(an essential oil), flavonoids, inulin, carotenoids, and tannins.
Arnica works by stimulating the activity of white blood
cells that perform much of the digestion of congested blood, and by
dispersing trapped, disorganized fluids from bumped and bruised
tissue, joints, and muscles.
Arnica is known to stimulate
blood circulation and can raise blood pressure, especially in the
coronary arteries. The plant is used externally for arthritis,
burns, ulcers, eczema, and acne. It has anti-bacterial and
anti-inflammatory qualities that can reduce pain and swelling,
improving wound healing. Arnica is best known as a homeopathic
remedy for muscle strain and soreness.
Arnica is recommended
for external use:
- as a footbath for tender feet
- for abdominal pain (hot compress)
- for arthritis
- for bruises
- for chill blains (if skin is unbroken)
- for irritation from trauma
- for muscle or cartilage pain
- for rheumatism
- for sore or painful joints
- for sprains
- for swellings
in the form of an oil or tincture arnica
works by:
- dispersing trapped, disorganized fluids from bumped and
bruised tissue, joints and muscles
- stimulating the activity of white blood cells that relieve
congested blood cells
- washing and cleansing wounds (very diluted)
Interactions and
Precautions
Arnica may potentiate the negative
effects of certain drugs known to cause a prolonged QT interval.
These drugs include quinidine, procainamide, disopyramide, sotalol,
amiodarone, chlorpromazine, amitryptyline, prochlorperazine,
pentamidine, haloperidol, desipramine and doxepim.
Overdosage
of arnica can cause cardiac arrhythmias, coma and
death.
Supporting
Literature
Ernst E, Pittler MH. Efficacy of
homeopathic arnica: a systematic review of placebo-controlled
clinical trials. Arch Surg. 1998; 133:1185-1190.
Lyss G, Schmidt
TJ, Merfort I, Pahl HL. Helenalin, an anti-inflammatory
sesquiterpene lactone from arnica, selectively inhibits
transcription factor NF-kappa B. Biol Chem. 1997;
378:950-961
Hart O, Mullee MA, Lewith G, Miller J. Double-blind,
placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial of homeopathic arnica
C30 for pain and infection after total abdominal hysterectomy. J R
Soc Med. 1997; 90:73-77.
Hausen BM. [Arnica allergy.] [Article in
German.] Hautartz. 1980; 31:10-15.
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