Used medicinally for centuries, the arnica flower has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which make it helpful in treating several issues.
Arnica cream and balm are popular products that use arnica extract to help with bruising and muscle aches, among other things. In this blog post, we will discuss what Arnica is, how to use it and the health benefits!
What Is Arnica?
Arnica is a perennial herb that grows in the mountains of Europe and Siberia, and western North America. Arnica has been used medicinally for centuries, with evidence showing
Arnica being used in Russia since at least 1560. European colonists were first brought to the United States in 17th century New England (1607–1776). The arnica plant has yellow flowers resembling daisies which bloom from May through September depending on location.
How To Use Arnica?
The arnica flower contains active compounds like helenalin and arnicin, responsible for their anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, respectively. These ingredients make it helpful in treating bruising or muscle aches. Arnica can be taken orally as a tincture, but it is most commonly used as an ointment, cream, gel, or balm applied topically.
The Health Benefits of Arnica
Arnica has been used to treat a variety of issues over the years. Some of these include:
Bruising: arnica cream and balm are popular products for helping to reduce bruising. The anti-inflammatory properties of arnica help minimize swelling, while the analgesic properties help relieve pain.
Muscle aches: arnicin in Arnica helps reduce inflammation and muscle soreness. This makes it helpful in treating muscle aches after exercise or injury.
Heel numbness: arnica gel can be applied to the heel to help with plantar fasciitis, which is a condition that causes pain in your heels and arches of feet. Arnica cream also helps relieve symptoms associated with this foot pain by reducing inflammation around nerve endings.
Side Effects and Precautions of Arnica
As Arnica contains arnicin, it can cause skin irritation if applied directly to the skin. It is also toxic when taken orally or as a concentrated tincture for long periods.
You may want to consult with your doctor before using arnica cream or balm if you have allergies or are pregnant. Arnica products may not be safe for children younger than 12.
Arnica vs Calendula
Calendula is another flower that has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It is often an alternative to Arnica for treating bruising and muscle aches. Calendula cream is available without a prescription, while arnica cream or balm may require a prescription in some cases. While Arnica should not be used on open wounds, Calendula is an excellent wound healer and can be applied to open cuts and grazes to help avoid infection.
Which Is Better?
There isn’t a definitive answer as to whether Arnica or Calendula is better for treating bruises and muscle aches. Some people find that Arnica works better for them, while others prefer Calendula. You may want to try both products to see which one works better for you!
Can I buy Arnica over the counter in the UK?
Arnica is bought over the counter in the UK without a prescription. It is available in cream, gel, balm or tincture.
Final Words On Arnica
Arnica has been used medicinally for centuries, and it continues to be popular today thanks to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Arnica is best applied topically in a cream, balm, gel or ointment. It helps treat bruising, muscle aches and heel numbness. Arnica is a safe herb that most people with few side effects can use. So next time you have an issue that could benefit from Arnica’s properties, give it a try!
