What is Arnica?

Many people, from my sister to nurses and physical therapists in the hospital, recommended I add arnica to the list of meds I was taking after surgery.  I had tried it before and was unimpressed, but I decided to try again.  It couldn't hurt.

Arnica is an oval-shaped leaf with a bright yellow, daisy-like flower, that when dried, is primarily used to reduce bruising and pain from wounds.  Arnica is classified as an unsafe herb by the US Food and Drug Adminstration.  (why am I even thinking of taking it?).

The flowering heads of arnica have been used medicinally for hundreds of years.  Aarnica was used extensively in European folk medicine and alcoholic tinctures were produced by early North American settlers to treat sore throats, as a fever reducer, and to improve circulation.  Homeopathic uses include the treatment of surgical or accidental trauma, as a painkiller, and in the treatment of postoperative inflammation of the vein caused by a blood clot.  It has been used externally for bruises, acne, sprains, and muscle aches.

Overall, there does not appear to be sufficient evidence to support the use of arnica as an anti-inflammatory or pain relief agent, or to prevent bruising.  However, differences in doses and delivery forms in clinical studies make generalizations difficult.

My personal experience with arnica is that it does absolutely nothing.  It has not reduced inflammation or pain, nor has reduced bruising.  It is listed by the FDA as toxic because it unsafe to ingest orally.  Many people seem to believe in the this homeopathic treatment, but for me, no.  As with so many homeopathic medications, the testing is spotty.  Fortunately there are no serious side effects, so there is little harm in trying it.  I have a tube of it if anyone wants to try it.