Uses, Benefits, and Side Effects of Arnica

Our nature consists of a wide variety of medicinal plants, trees, and shrubs. The medicinal plants get traditionally used for treating varying health conditions. Arnica is one among the herbs containing medicinal value. Arnica grows in Central Europe and Siberia including parts of North America with a temperate climatic condition.

Arnica is from the sunflower family and genus of perennial herbaceous plants. The flower also is called ‘Mountain Daisy.’ The flowers possess medicinal value and are a major component of certain medicines. The use of Arnica was extensive in alcoholic tinctures and European Folk Medicine from traditional days.

The manufacturers use Arnica as one of the vital ingredients for producing supplements in different forms. The tablets and pills with Arnica contain the ingredient’s extract in meager amount. For external applications, Arnica is available in forms for topical solutions. For using the medicinal herb topically, you can use Arnica Gel, Arnica Oil or Arnica Cream.

The extracts of the Arnica flower and the flower get widely used in folk as well as homeopathic medicine. Arnica and its extracts treat acne, bruises, boils, rashes, sprains, wounds, and pains. People also consume Arnica orally for treating sore throat and mouth. The medicinal component of Arnica also treats pain including after surgery, tooth removal, swollen veins, insect bites, muscle pain, stroke, and vision problems and after abortion.

The manufacturers process the flower’s head to produce creams and ointments. The ointments and creams get applied as a topical cream on the skin. The topical arnica cream treats pain and swelling associated with sprains, bruises, aches, insect bites, muscle and cartilage, arthritis, chapped lips, and acne.

Arnica gets also used as a flavor ingredient in frozen dairy desserts, beverages, candy, gelatins, baked goods, and puddings.

Arnica also is a component used for preparing hair tonics, anti-dandruff products, perfumes as well as cosmetic products.

Arnica gets used as an active ingredient in manufacturing different skin care products. The balanced ingredient used in the product improves skin health and also helps to get rid of certain skin problems. It treats a skin infection, eczema, frost bites, chilblains, stretch marks, and acts as skin nourishment.

Arnica possesses anti-inflammatory properties which make it perfect for preparing hair care products. The manufacturers use the extracts of Arnica for manufacturing conditioner and shampoos. The Arnica extracts rejuvenate the scalp and stimulate the hair follicles which strengthen the hair and prevents from falling. Arnica is beneficial in cleaning excess oil and sebum from the scalp that gives a natural shine. It removes dirt, oil, and debris from the scalp and also combats dandruff and itchiness. Arnica acts as an antibiotic and effectively cures scalp infection. It treats the split ends strengthening each strand of hair.

Arnica gets used for treating a wide range of internal as well as external disorders. The anti-inflammatory properties of Arnica help to heal joint pains, muscle swelling, and aches. It also effectively treats arthritis conditions. Arnica’s healing qualities make it an effective ingredient for healing bruises, burns, wounds, insect bites, and post-surgery pain. It improves the blood circulation and decreases the healing time. Arnica is also beneficial for decreasing depression and emotional stress. It restores emotional balance and treats conditions like influenza, headache, migraine, backache, fibromyalgia, and hemorrhoids.

FDA classifies Arnica herb and its flower as unsafe for its toxic component. Consuming Arnica or the medicines orally could be fatal. Using Arnica as internal medicine is not safe as larger dosage will affect health critically.

Arnica, when consumed directly and orally, proves to be poisonous. It also irritates mouth and throat. The person may also experience stomach pain, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, and increase in blood pressure. Consuming undiluted Arnica also will cause vomiting, skin rashes, heart damage, and increased bleeding. Organ failure, coma, and death are the extreme cases caused for consuming undiluted Arnica orally.

• Women must avoid consuming or applying Arnica while pregnant or breastfeeding.
• People with sensitive skin may develop an allergic reaction for using Arnica.
• People must avoid applying Arnica cream, gel or ointments on damaged or broken skin as the toxic element will get absorbed and affect the internal organs.
• People complaining of having ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease or any other stomach or intestinal related conditions must avoid consuming Arnica.
• If you have heart-related issues like high blood pressure or fast heart rate, Arnica will increase the heart rate causing heart damage.
• If you use medicines containing Arnica, stop using it at least two weeks before and after surgery as it may cause extra bleeding.

It is essential to consult a doctor before using Arnica in any form for any purpose to get the best benefits. It is pivotal to use the products with a safe quantity of Arnica and its extracts. If you are not sure about the constituent, consult the doctor for seeking advice on using diluted Arnica. Make sure to consume the exact dosage of Arnica as per the prescription as overdose will lead to worse health conditions including coma and death!