- Surprising Reasons You're in Pain Slideshow
- Take the Pain Quiz
- Joint-Friendly Exercises to Reduce RA Pain Slideshow
- What is arnica (Arnica montana)-topical, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
- What brand names are available for arnica (Arnica montana)-topical?
- Is arnica (Arnica montana)-topical available as a generic drug?
- Do I need a prescription for arnica (Arnica montana)-topical?
- What are the side effects of arnica (Arnica montana)-topical?
- What is the dosage for arnica (Arnica montana)-topical?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with arnica (Arnica montana)-topical?
- Is arnica (Arnica montana)-topical safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about arnica (Arnica montana)-topical?
What is arnica (Arnica montana)-topical, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Arnica montana is a homeopathic topical pain relief agent. Its mechanism of action is not well known. Arnica preparations have shown wound healing, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and pain relieving properties. Arnica's actions may be due to two chemicals called helenalin and dihyrdohelenalin. These chemicals may modify the action of immune cells, kill bacteria, reduce the activity of chemicals and blood cells that cause inflammation, and kill cancer cells.
What are the side effects of arnica (Arnica montana)-topical?
Arnica should not be applied to open wounds or mucous membranes. Arnica also may give mild odor when applied. Undiluted oral forms are considered unsafe and have been reported to cause the following side effects:
- cardiac arrest,
- fast heart beat,
- shortness of breath,
- stomach pain,
- diarrhea, and
- vomiting.
Pure arnica is considered an unsafe herb by the FDA.
Quick GuideChronic Pain Syndrome: Treatment and Management for CPS
What is the dosage for arnica (Arnica montana)-topical?
Topical Cream or Gel
- Adults and children 2 years of age and older: Apply a thin layer to affected area(s) as soon as possible after injury. Repeat 3 to 4 times a day or as needed. Avoid contact with eyes and open wounds.
- Children under 2 years of age: Consult a doctor.
Tablets
Adults and children 2 years of age and older: at the onset of symptoms, dissolve 2 tablets in the mouth or in 1 tablespoon of water and repeat every hour for 2 more hrs. Then dissolve 2 tablets in the mouth every 6 hrs.
Which drugs or supplements interact with arnica (Arnica montana)-topical?
There are no significant drug interactions, when using topical forms of arnica. Arnica may increase the effect of anticoagulants and other drugs that increase the risk of bleeding when taken orally.
Is arnica (Arnica montana)-topical safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
There are no adequate studies done on arnica to determine safe and effective use in pregnant women. It is considered unsafe during pregnancy. Arnica has been used to cause abortions.
It is not known whether arnica enters breast milk; therefore, it is best to be cautious before using it in nursing mothers.
What else should I know about arnica (Arnica montana)-topical?
What preparations of arnica (Arnica montana)-topical are available?
Quick dissolving tablets; Ointment: 4%; Cream: 7%; Gel 7%, 8%
How should I keep arnica (Arnica montana)-topical stored?
Store Arnica Montana at room temperature between 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F).
Summary
Arnica montana (Arnicare, Arniflora) is a homeopathic topical pain relief product used to treat temporary pain from bruising, muscle aches and stiffness, and swelling. Side effects, drug interactions, dosage, and pregnancy safety information should be reviewed prior to taking this supplement.
Related Disease Conditions
-
Strain
Second Source article from Government...
-
Lower Back Pain
There are many causes of back pain. Pain in the low back can relate to the bony lumbar spine, discs between the vertebrae,...
-
Knee Pain
Acute injuries, medical conditions, and chronic use conditions are causes of knee pain. Symptoms and signs that accompany knee...
-
Ankle Pain
Ankle pain is commonly due to a sprain or tendinitis. The severity of ankle sprains ranges from mild (which can resolve within...
-
Peptic Ulcer (Stomach Ulcer)
Peptic or stomach ulcers are ulcers are an ulcer in the lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus. Ulcer formation is related...
-
Bruises
A bruise, or contusion, is caused when blood vessels are damaged or broken as the result of a blow to the skin. The raised area...
-
Elbow Pain
Elbow pain is most often the result of tendinitis, which can affect the inner or outer elbow. Treatment includes ice, rest, and...
-
Pain Management
Pain management and treatment can be simple or complex, according to its cause. There are two basic types of pain, nociceptive...
Treatment & Diagnosis
Prevention & Wellness
From 
Pain Management Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Top arnica (Arnica montana)-topical Related Articles
Ankle Pain and Tendinitis
Ankle pain is commonly due to a sprain or tendinitis. The severity of ankle sprains ranges from mild (which can resolve within 24 hours) to severe (which can require surgical repair). Tendinitis of the ankle can be caused by trauma or inflammation.Bruises
A bruise, or contusion, is caused when blood vessels are damaged or broken as the result of a blow to the skin. The raised area of a bump or bruise results from blood leaking from these injured blood vessels into the tissues as well as from the body's response to the injury. Treatments include applying an ice pack and pressure to the area by hand.Elbow Pain
Elbow pain is most often the result of tendinitis, which can affect the inner or outer elbow. Treatment includes ice, rest, and medication for inflammation. Inflammation, redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, and decreased range of motion are other symptoms associated with elbow pain. Treatment for elbow pain depends upon the nature of the patient's underlying disease or condition.Knee Pain Facts
Acute injuries, medical conditions, and chronic use conditions are causes of knee pain. Symptoms and signs that accompany knee pain include redness, swelling, difficulty walking, and locking of the knee. To diagnose knee pain, a physician will perform a physical exam and also may order X-rays, arthrocentesis, blood tests, or a CT scan or MRI. Treatment of knee pain depends upon the cause of the pain.Low Back Pain
There are many causes of back pain. Pain in the low back can relate to the bony lumbar spine, discs between the vertebrae, ligaments around the spine and discs, spinal cord and nerves, muscles of the low back, internal organs of the pelvis and abdomen, and the skin covering the lumbar area.Pain Management
Pain management and treatment can be simple or complex, according to its cause. There are two basic types of pain, nociceptive pain and neuropathic pain. Some causes of neuropathic pain include:- complex regional pain syndrome,
- interstitial cystitis,
- and irritable bowel syndrome.
Peptic Ulcer
Peptic or stomach ulcers are ulcers are an ulcer in the lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus. Ulcer formation is related to H. pylori bacteria in the stomach, use of anti-inflammatory medications, and cigarette smoking. Symptoms of peptic or stomach ulcers include abdominal burning or hunger pain, indigestion, and abdominal discomfort after meals.
Treatment for stomach ulcers depends upon the cause.
