Q: Have you heard of arnica montana? It helps muscle injuries, overexertion, falls and blows. It reduces pain, swelling and discoloration from bruises. My mom who is in her 80s loves it.
A: Frankly, no, I hadn’t until I did some research in an attempt to answer your question. Arnica a/k/a leopard’s bane, wolf’s bane, mountain tobacco and still a few other names is a flowering plant native to the mountainous regions of southern Russia and Europe. It has tall stems that can grow up to 24 inches tall and supports a single flower head that blooms from the months of May through August.
It is sometimes grown in herb gardens and has been used medicinally for a very long time. It contains a toxin known as helenalin which can be poisonous if large amounts of the plant are eaten and can produce severe gastroenteritis and internal bleeding in the digestive tract if large amounts are ingested. Contact with the plant itself can cause irritation to the skin.
The root of the plant contains derivatives of thymol which are used as preservatives and fungicides and the plant is believed to have some anti-inflammatory properties; however, a topical gel at 50% concentration has been tested and has been found to have the same effect than that of a 5% ibuprofen gel solution provides for symptoms of osteoarthritis of the hands. And, when it comes to bruising, a scientific study finds the byproducts of the plant to have no better effect than a placebo in the treatment of laser-induced bruising.
The flower of the plant has been used to reduce swelling and pain sustained from bruises, sprains, insect bites, joint and muscle issues. It has also been used as a mouthwash to treat mouth ulcers and swollen gums. There are supplements available on the market that have been found to possibly contain harmful additives and impurities and the FDA has not reviewed arnica for either effectiveness or safety. Therefore, a physician should be consulted before beginning its use – even when therapy is only as a topical treatment.
Side effects may include skin irritation on the body or in the mouth when the product is used as a mouthwash. Itching, swelling, dizziness and difficulties breathing may occur. It is recommended the product be applied to the skin as directed – but not to any scrapes or open lesions. The oral product should not be swallowed and whether as a topical or mouthwash, it should not be used for long periods of time. There appears to be a correlation with plants that include ragweed, marigolds, daisies and chrysanthemums, so individuals with known allergies to these plants should not use arnika. There may also be a reaction to some anticoagulants.
Having stated what appears to be a plethora of negative effects, arnica is one of the most popular homeopathic medicines used throughout the world for centuries. It is purported to soothe sore muscles, relieve pain and stiffness, and to reduce the discoloration of bruises. Play it safe. Check with your physician prior to making a purchase and most importantly, check the ingredient panel since much of the negative hype could be from additives that make the produce appealing on the open market.
