Summary

Arnica grows wild in the mountains of Europe and has a long tradition in western herbalism. The flower extract is used topically as a vulnerary, analgesic and anti-inflammatory, to decrease musculoskeletal pain.

Arnica is the quintessential herb for blunt trauma, as well as muscle strain resulting in inflammation and bruising. Research supports its topical use for arthritic joint pain and to reduce muscle pain from exercise.

Caution: Arnica contains toxic sesquiterpene lactones (helenalin) and thus it is restricted to topical use and for closed wounds only.

Indications

Musculoskeletal (topical use)
• blunt injuries to soft tissue
• hematomas
• strains
• sprains
• tendonitis
• dislocations
• bursitis
• myalgia
• trauma to connective tissue
• closed fractures
• osteoarthritis
• rheumatoid arthritis
• post-surgical swelling
• plantar fasciitis
• carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)
• gout

Cardiovascular
• venous insufficiency
• chilblains

Other
• insect bites

Actions

• Vulnerary
• Antiinflammatory
• Analgesic
• Antiseptic
• Antimicrobial

Constituents

• Sesquiterpene Lactones (E.g. Helenalin)
• Mucilage
• Flavonoids
• Volatile Oils

Posology

Creams (5-25%): apply as needed
Oil infusion: tid

Safety

External use only.

Contraindications: Internal use; toxic and may result in severe gastroenteritis, muscle paralysis, cardiac failure and death.

Side effects: Allergic contact dermatitis; many members of the Asteraceae family contain sesquiterpene lactones that can cause skin rashes in sensitive individuals.

Long-term use: May cause skin rash in sensitive individuals.

References

"Show references"

"Hide references"

Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines, 3rd ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2007.

Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2000.

Bone K. A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs: Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient. St Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone, 2003.

Brinker F. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, 3rd ed. Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications, 2000.

Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King's American Dispensatory. 1898. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/main.html. Accessed: August 19, 2006.

Hoffman D. Medical Herbalism. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 2003.

Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1988.

Williamson EM, ed. Major Herbs of Ayurveda. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2002