Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Arnica?UsesSide EffectsPrecautionsDosageToxicityInteractions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Arnica?
Uses
Side Effects
Precautions
Dosage
Toxicity
Interactions
Arnica montanais an herb in the sunflower family (Asteraceae), typically diluted for use in topical (on the skin)homeopathicremedies.Arnicais most often used to treat aches, pains, and bruises. It is thought to contain anti-inflammatory compounds that relieve muscle and joint pain.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
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Arnica Supplement Facts
Arnica (Arnica montana) is an herb used in herbal medicine and homeopathy for hundreds of years. The anti-inflammatory ingredient in arnica is calledhelenalin.This compound is toxic and can irritate the skin if not diluted.
Arnica (Arnica montana) is not to be confused with arnica tea (i.e.,Heterotheca inuloides, known as Mexican arnica) or Brazilian arnica (Solidago chilensisMeyen).
Purported Uses of Arnica
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease, and Arnica is most often used in complementary and alternative medicine. It has been researched for use in:
The plant can be toxic. Because of this, it is most often used in ahomeopathicform. Homeopathic products contain very small amounts of the active ingredient.
Research on the potential health benefits of arnica is limited. There is not enough evidence to support its use for any of these conditions due to a lack of human research. More research is needed. Very few well-designed, placebo-controlled, peer-reviewed human studies have been published.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is often referred to as “wear-and-tear” arthritis. In this condition, the cartilage that protects the joints wears down over time. It is often treated withnonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)or other pain relievers.
In one review of several studies, Australian researchers looked at seven trials of topical herbal remedies for osteoarthritis.Arnica gel appeared to work nearly as well as Advil (ibuprofen). Benefits included reduced and improved joint function in people withhand osteoarthritis.
However, in one of the seven trials, 13% of those who used arnica gel had side effects. This is compared to 8% of Advil users. Some even reported an increase in joint stiffness and pain.
More research is needed. Discuss with your healthcare provider about taking arnica for your osteoarthritis before starting this supplement.
Plastic Surgery Recovery
In a study published in 2016, topical (on the skin) Arnica montana appeared to speed up healing after rhinoplasty (plastic surgery of the nose). Bruises seemed less intense and to heal faster. However, the study was very small. Further study is needed.
How to Control Post-Surgical Pain
Exercise Recovery
A study published in 2022 used a topical combination product with menthol and arnica to accelerate lower body recovery after exercise in males. The product purportedly increased the recovery rate and reduced muscle soreness following intense exercise. However, this was a combination product, so arnica’s effect alone can’t be validated. Also, the study was in males only, and the findings can’t be generalized to females.
What Are the Side Effects of Arnica?
Arnica is known to cause side effects. This is true even when used in very diluted topical ointments or creams. More serious side effects can occur with oral forms.
Topical Use
In less-diluted formulas, arnica may cause a mild allergic reaction.This happens most often in people allergic to plants of theAsteraceaefamily. These plants include:
Arnica can also trigger increases in blood pressure and heart rate. This is more likely if used in excess or on broken skin.More of the active ingredient can be absorbed through broken skin. On broken skin, arnica may also cause stinging.
Oral Use
Most homeopathic arnica remedies are very diluted. These are generally considered safe. Some forms, though, may contain detectable amounts of helenalin. These forms have health risks.
Avoid taking arnica internally unless under the careful supervision of a healthcare provider.
Causes and Treatment of Muscle Pain
Pregnant or lactating individuals and children should not take arnica in any form. Individuals allergic to ragweed and related plants (e.g., chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies) who take arnica may have an allergic reaction.
It is also recommended to stop taking arnica two weeks before surgery, as it may cause extra bleeding before and after surgery.
How to Take Arnica
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.
There is not enough scientific evidence to determine a standard or appropriate dose of arnica. More research is needed on dosages for specific health needs and populations.
What Happens if I Take Too Much Arnica?
Arnica can be toxic and potentially fatal if taken internally. As a rule of thumb, follow the manufacturer’s recommended dosage.
If you experience side effects of any kind, stop taking arnica and seek immediate medical attention.
Avoid arnica if you are taking blood-thinning medication. The combination could increase your risk of bleeding and bruising.
Arnica may interact negatively with these medications:
Supplements that can slow blood clotting should also be avoided, such as garlic, ginger, ginkgo, and Panax ginseng.
It is essential to carefully read a supplement’s ingredient list and nutrition facts panel to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
Verywell / Anastasiia Tretiak
Summary
Arnica is an herb believed to help relieve pain associated with arthritis and muscle soreness.It is available in topical and oral forms.
When it is undiluted, arnica may cause side effects like nausea, rapid heart rate, and bruising or bleeding. It may also interact with blood-thinning drugs. Always speak with your healthcare provider before taking arnica or any other supplement.
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7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Kriplani P, Guarve K, Baghael US.Arnica montana L. - a plant of healing: review.J Pharm Pharmacol.2017;69(8):925-945. doi:10.1111/jphp.12724
Chaiet SR, Marcus BC.Perioperative Arnica montana for Reduction of Ecchymosis in Rhinoplasty Surgery.Ann Plast Surg. 2016;76(5):477-482. doi:10.1097/SAP.0000000000000312
MedlinePlus.Arnica.
Jakobs A, Steinmann S, Henrich SM, Schmidt TJ, Klempnauer KH.Helenalin acetate, a natural sesquiterpene lactone with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity, disrupts the cooperation of CCAAT box/enhancer-binding protein β (C/EBPβ) and co-activator p300.J Biol Chem.2016;291(50):26098-26108. doi:10.1074/jbc.M116.748129
Cameron M, Chrubasik S.Topical herbal therapies for treating osteoarthritis.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;(5):CD010538. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010538
Denisow-Pietrzyk M, Pietrzyk Ł, Denisow B.Asteraceae species as potential environmental factors of allergy.Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2019;26(7):6290-6300. doi:10.1007/s11356-019-04146-w
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