What is arnica?
Arnica (Arnica montana) is a plant that belongs to the sunflower family. It is also called arnica da serra, arnica flower, arnica, arniflora and European arnica to name a few. It is native to Europe and the United States and it is known as a natural treatment for skin bruises, body aches and pains. The natural ability of arnica to reduce aches and pains make it a common ingredient in ointments and creams that are used for joint pain, muscle discomfort and even arthritis symptoms.
Why arnica for muscle discomfort?
There are countless studies in the amazing ability of the arnica to reduce muscle discomfort. A latest study from The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center show that clinical trials using topical arnica for osteoporosis have significantly reduced bruising as compared to the use of other treatments and with the use of placebo. The reason for the plant’s ability to reduce muscle discomfort and all kinds of aches and pains may have been due to its homeopathic abilities; highly diluted preparations are considered safe for regular use. However there are studies that show that full doses of the plant may be toxic especially when taken by mouth. It can lead to high blood pressure and applying highly concentrated solutions on the skin may cause burning and irritation.
How to use arnica?
Arnica as well as other natural ingredients that are known to relieve pain is usually a part of ointments, creams and gels that are topically applied on the painful area. The ointment is massaged on the affected area using deep strokes or in a massaging motion accordingly. Ointments that contain arnica may be used as often as needed.
Are there risks in using arnica?
Arnica is an effective natural treatment for muscle discomfort however taking pure or undiluted arnica could be dangerous. If taken orally, the plant could cause palpitations, high blood pressure, gastrointestinal problems, kidney and live failure and even death. If undiluted arnica is applied on the skin, the person could suffer from burns, itching, irritation and can even aggravate skin allergies.
If you have allergies to ragweed, marigold, daisies and chrysanthemums then you should avoid using topical and oral arnica plant for muscle pain.
Special precautions
Although arnica has been known to be used as a treatment for muscle pain and discomfort, there are some risks to using it. Therefore you should first consult your doctor if you wish to use arnica for any medical condition. If you have allergies to the mentioned plants then you should never use arnica at all. Read muscle pain ointment labels and literatures to find out if it contains arnica before using.
Arnica may affect the effectiveness of medications and treatments. The plant could interact with medications for pain, corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory ointments. Oral arnica could reduce the effect of anti-hypertensives and can reduce the therapeutic effects of blood thinners. If you take these medications then you should consult your doctor before using arnica preparations.
REFERENCES
What is Arnica? Dosing, Side Effects & More. Retrieved from http://www.healthline.com
Arnica in Homeopathy. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com
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