LGR Holistic Wellness

Pain management is complicated. Sometimes, the tools available for managing pain aren’t immediately obvious. For instance, you might know to pop a couple of aspirin if you have a headache, but what do you do if you have a particularly problematic bruise or achy joints?

Arnica could be the answer. A natural herb occasionally used to flavor foods, and frequently used for pain management, arnica has a lot of unique benefits. This special plant is brimming with natural substances which can decrease pain, reduce swelling,
and even eliminate bacteria – without the threat of addiction or unwanted side effects common in other over-the-counter medications.

Here’s your guide to arnica and the potential benefits it has to offer.

What Is Arnica?

Arnica is a yellow-orange flower common in the mountains of Siberia and Europe. It’s known to some as the mountain daisy. As a pain management solution, arnica is usually given in the form of a gel or cream which you can apply directly to your skin, joints, and muscles.

Though arnica can be dangerous in large amounts, it’s extremely beneficial for a range of different pain problems. For instance, many people recommend the use of arnica for treating regular muscle soreness, aches, bruising, and inflammation.

It can also be helpful for dealing with swelling and joint pain, which is why many people use arnica for osteoarthritis. Though additional research is needed, some studies
indicate arnica gel may be just as effective for treating swelling in the hand and knee as ibuprofen.

Although it’s possible to take arnica by mouth, most medical professionals recommend against it, as this substance can be poisonous in large doses.

What Are The Benefits Of Arnica Gel?

Studies into arnica are still ongoing, but most people generally respond well when it’s applied to unbroken skin.

While increasing numbers of people are beginning to show interest in arnica for the
treatment of joint and muscle problems, its most common use is as a treatment for bruises.

Arnica gels and creams are typically recommended for people who have recently undergone surgery or experienced an injury. It can be particularly useful for treating the swelling and bruising caused by plastic or cosmetic surgery.

According to one study, homeopathic arnica can significantly increase the speed of healing following a rhytidectomy – a form of surgery to reduce wrinkles.

However, as a natural treatment for bruising and swelling, arnica hasn’t received as much research and investigation, so it may not be recommended for every case.

How To Use Arnica

The most important thing to remember if you’re planning on using arnica is you should always speak to your doctor first. Although arnica is a natural substance in the form of an herb, it should never be taken orally.

Generally, arnica is intended to be used topically, which means you apply it to your skin in the form of a cream or gel. Typically, you’ll only need to apply a very small amount to your skin to get results. The gel or cream you choose should provide instructions on how to apply the substance correctly.

Remember, medications of all kinds, including herbal medications, can have negative interactions with other substances you’re already using. It’s best to check with your doctor if it’s safe to take arnica alongside other drugs.

It’s also worth noting that some people are allergic to arnica, or may have hypersensitivity to the substance. If you have never used arnica before, it’s best to try a very small amount on your skin to gauge your reaction before you apply the substance in full.

If you have an allergy to ragweed or similar plants, you’re likely to be allergic to arnica too. You should not apply arnica to the skin if you’re breastfeeding or pregnant, as it’s uncertain whether the use of this substance is safe for pregnant women and children.

In Summary

As with most natural alternatives to pain relief medications, there’s not a great deal of information available to prove whether arnica can successfully speed up recovery from an injury or surgery.

However, some studies do suggest this substance could be an effective treatment for bruising, swelling, and even arthritis. If you think arnica might be helpful for you, it’s worth speaking to your doctor about your options. If your doctor considers it safe for you to use arnica, you should be able to apply it without any negative side effects. Most people can use the substance safely.