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Arnica (Arnica Montana) | PRODUCTS CONTAINING ARNICA MONTANA
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Sore
Muscles and Bruising Arnica is an alpine herb with a long history of
use in the folk medicine of Russia and the Swiss Alps. Today, many
plastic surgeons recommend that their patients use arnica creams to
reduce post surgical bruising, and athletes often carry a tube in their
gym bags to soothe sore muscles. Arnica oils and creams are one of the
best known herbal sports medicines, arnica has dramatic results if used
immediately after an injury. Arnica helps speed the healing process by
moving waste-bound fluids out and moving cleansing fluids and platelets
into the affected area.
Arnica montana is a traditional herbal remedy
for topical uses. The oil can be included as a base for creams, gels,
liniment and ointment, or applied in diluted form in a compress. In
herbal medicine, arnica is often the initial treatment for certain
injuries. People have been using arnica for medicinal purposes since the
1500s, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC).
Pain Relief
Topical
arnica is beneficial for relieving pain associated with muscle aches,
sprains and osteoarthritis, as noted by the UMMC. A study published in
"Advances in Therapy" in 2002 looked at patients with mild to moderate
osteoarthritis of the knee. Those who had an arnica gel applied
twice-daily experienced significant reductions in knee pain and
stiffness, along with increases in function, after three weeks. Research
published in the April 2007 issue of "Rheumatology International" found
the effects of an ibuprofen gel and an arnica gel were comparable in
patients with osteoarthritis of the hands.
Inflammation Reduction
Topical
arnica is beneficial for treating bruises and insect bites, and for
reducing inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis and other
conditions. People also use arnica oil to treat swelling of a vein
caused by a blood clot (phlebitis) and swelling due to sprains and
fractures, according to the UMMC. Research indicates benefits of arnica
for reducing postoperative swelling, as explained by the Memorial
Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. A component of arnica called helenalin is
the likely reason for the herb's anti-inflammatory and anti-swelling
effects.
Skin Ailment Treatment
Arnica has antibacterial
properties, making it useful for treating certain skin ailments. People
should not use the oil on open wounds because it can be absorbed into
the blood. Arnica may be beneficial for treating acne, boils, cuts,
scrapes and rashes, and also is included in some herbal dandruff
treatments.
Disclaimer:
The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes
only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not
intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual
results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always
advisable to consult with your own health care provider. |
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