Arnica is a perennial plant with bright yellow, daisylike flowers. Commonly names include leopard''s bane, and mountain tobacco. Arnica in topical formulations as creams, gels, and ointments is extremely popular.
The active components in arnica are sesquiterpene lactones, which reduce inflammation and decrease pain.
Arnica works by stimulating the activity of white blood cells and by dispersing trapped, disorganized fluids from bumped and bruised tissue, joints and muscles.
Arnica stimulates blood circulation and can raise blood pressure, especially in the coronary arteries. The plant is used externally for arthritis, burns, ulcers, eczema and acne. It has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities that can reduce pain and swelling, improving wound healing.
Arnica is generally safe when used topically (externally). However, prolonged use may irritate the skin, causing eczema, peeling, blisters, or other skin conditions. Arnica should not be used on broken skin, such as leg ulcers. Also, people who are hypersensitive or allergic to the herb should avoid it.


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This message has been edited. Last edited by: DorianGreyed,

please consult your doctor before using.

From PDRHealth (Thompson Healthcare), which publishes the Physicians' Desk Reference (PDR) and a wide range of other references:

quote:

In the United States, arnica is listed by the FDA as an unsafe herb and is only allowed for food use in alcoholic beverages, where it serves as a flavoring agent. Arnica contains some highly poisonous compounds, such as helenalin, and is considered unsafe for oral use...

Arnica is available in homeopathic preparations, in herbal tinctures and in topical products. Externally applied tinctures of arnica are commonly used in countries such as Germany to treat contusions, sprains, hematomas, rheumatic disorders and superficial inflammations of the skin...

Claims that oral arnica is helpful in relieving pain and stiffness of muscle soreness and useful, generally, in tissue trauma are not supported by credible research...A recent review of all placebo-controlled studies related to the clinical efficacy of oral arnica found that the homeopathic remedy is no more efficacious than placebo.

The article backs its claims with references to peer-reviewed medical publications.

Thanks, Professor.

Please note that my next remarks are NOT intended as refuting what Professor posted and are strictly anectdotal, based on my personal experience with various forms of Arnica Montana-

As a topical ointment, I've found it really does speed the healing of bruises and sprains and rubbed on before vigorous or repetitive activity, my knees and wrists did ache less, I refer here to joint pain, I noted no particular relief of muscle aches.

Taken orally- my own experience mirrors that of the research quoted above- no notable effect... that was $10 bucks down the drain

If you decide to give it a try, talk to your health care provider first, do not use if pregnant or nursing and do an allergy test by applying a small amount to your inner arm and waiting 24 to 48 hours... if you note any redness, swelling, itching or other signs of irritation, do not use the ointment.

Note also that any so-called homeopathic preparations have been diluted so greatly that a typical dose will not contain even a single molecule of the active ingredient!