Arnica

Shop Arnica at Holland & Barrett

Arnica is a herb that comes from the Arnica Montana flower which is grown in North America, Siberia and central Europe and has been used as a herbal remedy for medicinal purposes since the 1500s.

Minor mishaps like bumps and bruises are part of everyday life and are often unavoidable and inevitable but there are some things we can do to make them more bearable.

Arnica is best known traditionally as a natural healer, as it has properties which can help to reduce muscular and rheumatic pain, swelling and provide relief for bruises, based on traditional use only.

What does the “C” mean in the names of arnica products?

The “C” denoted in the name of some arnica products is a centesimal, representing the number of serial dilutions which have been performed on the original substance.

A serial dilution means that the results of one dilution are used for the next dilution.

This means that one drop of arnica diluted in 99 drops of a solvent such as alcohol would be 1C dilution and then one drop of this diluted in 99 drops of a solvent would be 2C.

Homeopaths believe that it is this dilution that assures the therapeutic effect of the key ingredient.

How do I use arnica?

Arnica comes in different forms, including a gel which is applied directly to the skin or as tablets which can be taken orally.

The one you use will depend on what sort of relief you are looking for and which one you prefer.

Here are some of the most popular forms of arnica:

Arnica cream

Holland & Barrett Arnica Cream has a gentle, non-greasy formula and can be used for help to soothe bruises, muscle strain, wounds and swelling.

This arnica bruise cream is a traditional skincare product which can be applied liberally and directly to the skin.

Arnica gel

Nelsons Arnicare Arnica Soothing Gel contains natural arnica, grown in Scotland.

This arnica gel also contains natural grapefruit oil and menthol and all of these ingredients help to cool and soothe the skin.

Use on aching legs and ankles to revive and refresh them after spending a day on your feet.

Arnica massage balm

For a relaxing and aromatic use of arnica why not try Weleda Arnica Massage Balm?

This best-selling arnica massage balm is a favourite amongst sports professionals as it can help with the symptomatic relief of muscular and rheumatic pain, based on traditional use only.

Therapeutic plant extracts and oils add to the experience of using this massage balm for a lovely relaxing treatment, perfect for after you have been for a run, played sports or had a tough work out.

Weleda arnica is also available in tablet form.

Arnica tablets

As well as a product which can be rubbed directly into the skin, arnica is available in tablet form to be taken orally too.

Weleda Arnica 30c Tablets are a homeopathic medicinal product which may help with the symptomatic relief of muscular pain and stiffness, based on traditional use only.

This is a short course of tablets which are taken every couple of hours and can be used when there is an emotional or physical element to the condition such as occasional sleeplessness.

These arnica tablets can be sucked, chewed or just dissolved under the tongue. They are also suitable for vegetarians.

Nelsons Clikpak Arnica 6c Pillules are another arnica product which can be taken orally.

This homeopathic medicine comes in the form of pillules, which are smaller than tablets and are easier to take.

They can be sucked until dissolved or even dissolved in warm water, if you prefer to drink medicines.

They have a sucrose coating and a small lactose core.

This convenient pack is portable so you can pop it in your handbag or backpack to have your arnica dose on the go, whenever you feel that you need it.

Because of this, these pillules are particularly suitable for anyone with a busy lifestyle, who is always on the go.