Arnica

What is Arnica

Arnica, also called fall grass or mountain tobacco, is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant, belonging to the Composite family (Asteraceae)

The rhizome is a horizontal underground stem, often rich in reserve nutrients and equipped with roots at the bottom and stems at the top.

Arnica is widespread in central Europe (Vosges and Black Forest) and on the high grassland areas of the Alps and the Apennines (up to 2, 000 meters), which cheers with its aroma and magnificent yellow-orange flowers that open during the first summer months.

Just the rhizome, along with the flowers and roots, represents the part of the plant traditionally used in folk medicine and in the phytotherapy field.

Classically, Arnica is used as a topical anti-inflammatory and as a muscular anti-fatigue remedy in sports.

Indications

Why is Arnica used? What is it for?

The phytotherapeutic and traditional use of Arnica is mostly related to its potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.

This activity would be correlated to the presence, in the rhizome, in the flowers and in the roots, of sequiterpenes, capable, at least in vitro, of turning off the activation of genes involved in the onset of the inflammatory process.

Property and Effectiveness

What benefits has Arnica shown during the studies?

Clinical studies concerning the use of Arnica as a homeopathic remedy agree in considering this type of remedy ineffective.

Some evidence, however, would suggest the usefulness of the topical application of Arnica as an effective anti-inflammatory remedy against trauma and bruising.

Doses and method of use

How to use Arnica

Arnica is usually applied topically in the form of dyes, creams, ointments and gels.

This method of use involves the use of 1: 5 diluted dye in water or in alcohol, to be applied by compress.

The external application of the dye must only take place on intact skin.

Indeed, some substances contained in Arnica have toxic properties, which prevent their use on sores, abrasions, varicose ulcers and open wounds; during applications, contact with the eyes, mouth and genitals must also be avoided

Side effects

Arnica's accidental ingestion could lead to the onset of gastro-enteric side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and cramp-like abdominal pain, as well as severe neurological reactions such as coma.

Topical use, on the other hand, could sometimes be followed by the appearance of allergy-like manifestations, such as rhinitis, conjunctivitis, urticaria, bronchospasm, asthma and anaphylaxis.

Cases of erythema and contact dermatitis are also reported in the literature.

Contraindications

When should Arnica not be used?

The oral use of Arnica is strongly contraindicated.

Remember to avoid the topical use of Arnica extracts in case of hypersensitivity to the plant or to other plants belonging to the same family, such as chamomile.

Contraindications to the use of this plant and its extracts also extend to pregnancy and the subsequent breastfeeding period.

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