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Arnica - Benefits And Uses of Arnica

Arnica is a yellow to orange-yellow flowering plant from which various compounds are harvested. The heads of the plant are dried to extract the active compounds, and parts of the rhizome at the base of the plant may also be used.

The plant contains many chemical compounds, including oils and fatty acids. Its sesquiterpene lactones have mild analgesic and antiinflammatory effects. Helenalin and dihydrohelenalin, additional sesquiterpenes, may also have antibacterial and additional antiinflammatory effects. Some components may reduce bleeding times and inhibit platelet function. It may also have antifungal effects. Arnica has some immunostimulatory activity and contains a group of polysaccharides that can modify the immune response.

Arnica is available for external use as an ointment, semisolid cream, and tincture for poultice preparation. For homeopathic preparations, it’s available in tablet form. Arnica products include Arnicalm, Arnica Ointment, Arnica-Si, and Weleda Massage Balm.

Benefits And Uses of Arnica

Arnica poultices and ointments have been used topically to treat skin inflammation, acne, bruises, sprains, blunt trauma injuries, and rheumatic muscle and joint problems. Arnica is also used in hair tonics as an antidandruff preparation.

Oral rinses have been used to treat inflammation of the mouth and pharynx; however, ingestion of arnica can cause severe toxic reaction, including death, so its use as an oral rinse should be avoided or carefully monitored.

Arnica has also been used to treat heart problems, improve circulation, stimulate the central nervous system, provide analgesia, and treat surgical or accidental trauma and postoperative throm bophlebitis and pulmonary emboli.

Administration

• Oral rinse: Tincture diluted 10 times with water .
• Poultice preparation: Tincture diluted 3 to 10 times with water.

Side Effects of Arnica

Other adverse effects associated with arnica include drowsiness, stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, gastroenteritis, dyspnea, contact dermatitis, irritation of mucous membranes, and eczema (with prolonged use of topical preparation).

Use of arnica concomitantly with aspirin, heparin, or warfarin may increase the risk of bleeding. Arnica is also associated with possible increased bleeding times or altered platelet function when taken with any of the following: angelica, anise, asafoetida, bogbean, boldo, capsicum, celery, chamomile, clove, danshen, fenugreek, feverfew, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, gmseng, horse chestnut, horseradish, licorice, meadowsweet, onion, papain, passion flower, poplar bark, prickly ash, quassia wood, red clover, turmeric, wild carrot, wild lettuce, or willow.

Pregnant and breast-feeding patients and those allergic to arnica, tansy, sunflowers, or chrysanthemums should avoid use. Any patient taking a drug that affects coagulation or platelet function should use arnica with caution.

Clinical considerations

• Arnica oil is usually made with 1 part herb extract to 5 parts vegetable-fixed oil.
• In tablet form, the active ingredient is extremely diluted.
• Warn patient that arnica should only be used externally.
• Frequent topical use of arnica increases the likelihood of contact dermatitis reactions. Eczema may also result from prolonged contact of arnica containing external dressings. Advise patient that prolonged or frequent use of arnica dressings can increase the risk of skin reactions.
• Signs and symptoms of overdose include vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, dyspnea, and cardiac arrest. If overdose occurs, perform gastric lavage or induce vomiting, and follow with supportive treatment.
• Advise patient with history of dermatologic reactions to perfumes, cosmetics, hair tonics, and antidandruff preparations to use arnica with caution because many of these products contain arnica, and the reactions may indicate an allergy.
• If patient is taking an anticoagulant or using long-term aspirin therapy, instruct him to use arnica with caution and to notify his health care provider of any unusual bleeding or bruising.
• Warn patient that only diluted tincture should be used as a dressing.
• Advise patient to store ointment and undiluted tincture out of children’s reach.
• Tell patient to remind prescriber and pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement that he’s taking when obtaining a new prescription.
• Advise patient to consult his health care provider before using an herbal preparation because a treatment with proven efficacy may be available.

Research summary

The concepts behind the use of arnica and the claims made regarding its effects have not yet been validated scientifically.

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