Arnica is an herb derived from the Arnica montana plant (also known as wolf's bane) that has long been in use as a remedy for bruising, swelling and muscle soreness.
Availability
Arnica is available as an extract, tablet, gel, ointment, tincture,
cream, oil, tea, and homeopathic arnica.
Benefit Arnica Montana herb
Arnica For Bruising
This herbal remedy seems to help lessen the bruising
that often comes with plastic surgery. The study, of 29 face-lift
patients, tested the effects of an oral preparation of arnica.
Arnica is toxic if taken in a strong enough dose, but proponents say that in
homeopathic doses, the plant has a range of uses -- one of the most popular
being as a banisher of bruises.
Arnica is often sold in health food stores as a topical ointment, but can also
be taken in pill form. Many surgeons have started giving oral arnica to their
patients as a way to minimize post-operative bruising.
The research evidence on arnica, however, has been mixed. Some studies have
found the herb to be no better than a placebo in helping bruises to heal. In
this study, researchers assessed an arnica product, sold as SinEcch, that is marketed specifically for reducing bruising and swelling
following plastic surgery. Alpine Pharmaceuticals, the maker of SinEcch,
partially funded the study.
The 29 face-lift patients were randomly assigned to take 12 doses of either
arnica pills or placebo pills, starting on the morning of their surgery. During
their recovery, photographs were taken to chart the changes in facial bruising.
The patients also rated their own impressions of their healing.
Overall, there were no clear differences between the groups in terms of how well
they thought their bruises were healing. In both groups, it took about 11 days,
on average, for patients to "feel comfortable going out to dinner."Arnica patients' bruises tended to be smaller, particularly on the
first day after surgery and one week later. They also showed a different pattern
in bruise healing - steadily improving after the first post-operative day,
whereas placebo patients tended to get worse before improving.
As for people who use arnica cream for everyday bruises, the current findings
may have little relevance. It's not clear that common
topical arnica preparations penetrate the skin enough to have much impact on
bruises.
Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery, 2006.
Research
New sesquiterpene lactones from Arnica tincture prepared from fresh
flowerheads of Arnica montana.
Planta Med. 2005.
Investigation of an ethanolic extract prepared from fresh Arnica
montana flowers afforded three new 1,5- trans-guaianolides, of which
11alpha,13-dihydro-2-O-tigloylflorilenalin and the respective
2-O-isovaleryl derivative are reported for the first time. Additionally,
three new and one known 2beta-ethoxy-2,3-dihydrohelenalin esters were
isolated.
The effect of the homeopathic remedies Arnica
montana and Bellis perennis on mild postpartum bleeding--a randomized,
double-blind, placebo-controlled study--preliminary results.
Complement Ther Med. The Center for Integrative
Complementary Medicine, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem Israel.
To evaluate the effect of Arnica Montana and Bellis perennis on
postpartum blood loss. Double blind, placebo-controlled,
randomized, clinical trial. Department of Gynecology, Shaare
Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem. Forty parturients were
randomized to one of three groups: Arnica montana C6 and Bellis perennis
C6 (n=14), Arnica montana C30 and Bellis perennis C30, or double
placebo. After 48 h the Arnica/placebo was halted, and patients
continued the Bellis/placebo until cessation of lochia. Treatment with homeopathic Arnica montana and Bellis perennis may reduce
postpartum blood loss, as compared with placebo.
Efficacy of Arnica in varicose vein surgery: results
of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study
Forsch Komplementarmed Klass Naturheilkd. 2003.
In homeopathy ARNICA is widely used as a woundhealing medication and
for the treatment of hematomas. In this pilot study the
efficacy and safety of ARNICA D12 in patients following varicose vein
surgery were investigated. Prospective, randomized, double-blind,
placebo-controlled pilot trial according to ICH GCP guidelines.
The study was conducted by a surgeon at the Angiosurgical Clinic, Berlin-
Buch. After randomized allocation, 60 patients received
either ARNICA D12 or placebo. Start of medication occurred the evening
before operation with 5 globules. On the operation day one preoperative
and hourly postoperative dosages after awakening were given. On days 2-14
of the study 5 globules 3 times a day were given. The results
of this pilot study showed a trend towards a beneficial effect of ARNICA
D12 with regard to reduction of hematoma and pain during the postoperative
course. For a statistically significant proof of efficacy of ARNICA D12 in
patients following varicose vein surgery a larger sample size is
necessary.
Arnica tablet, gel, oil and
topical use questions
Q. I have a cream for feet and legs with arnica as the second ingredient.
I have read that used topically in concentrated amounts it can cause the
uterus to contract. I have also read that used topically during pregnancy
or while breastfeeding it is not recommended as some can absorb into the
skin and it is not know how it may affect a developing baby. The cream is
supposed to be healthy soothing/ good for the relief of varicose veins,
and also contains aloe vera, jojoba, eucalyptus, peppermint and vitamin E.
Does what research you see agree with what I found, or is it different? I
don't want to try it if it'll affect my baby (I'm 34 wks pregnant).
A. We are not familiar with the influence of arnica in cream form
on the human body.
arnica montana treatment tuberculosis
arnica scar tissue
How safe s
arnica during pregnancy?
I am not sure but I would avoid oral use until studies are
published.
dried arnica seed flower