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Before ibuprofen, there was arnica. This humble herb has been used for generations to soothe bumps, bruises and muscle soreness – but does it live up to the hype?
Summary
1What is arnica and what does it do?
Arnica is a herb in the Asteraceae flowering plant family, which commonly grows in the mountains of Europe and America…
2Potential benefits of arnica
Arnica contains several ingredients that may offer antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits…
3Possible side effects of arnica
The possible side effects of arnica can depend on the type of arnica…
Arnica is a herb often used topically (on the skin) to help with a range of wellness needs.1,2
Curious about what arnica is, how it works and whether it’s safe to use? We’re breaking down the benefits, uses and potential side effects, so you know exactly what to expect.
What is arnica and what does it do?
Arnica is a herb in the Asteraceae flowering plant family, which commonly grows in the mountains of Europe and America.3
Multiple species of the arnica plant have been documented and studied for their potential wellness benefits over the years.3 Notably, the substance we know as arnica originates from Arnica montana which is a species native to Europe.3,4,5
Arnica has been used in traditional herbal medicines and homoeopathy for centuries to help treat many conditions including joint and muscle pain, as well as inflammation.3,6
Potential benefits of arnica
Arnica contains several ingredients that may offer antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.5
The products that are most commonly available will either contain homoeopathic arnica (which is produced by diluting arnica with water) or herbal arnica (which is commonly extracted from the plant itself).3 Homeopathic Arnica is currently recommended by homoeopathic practitioners to help reduce bruising, reduce swelling and promote recovery.1,7
In addition, arnica has a long history of being used for pain relief – for example, people have used it for pain after an operation, arthritis pain and lower back pain as well as other muscle, joint and bone pain.3,8,9 Herbal arnica is more often used topically for the treatment of muscular aches and pains.
Arnica can also often be found as an ingredient in some cosmetic products. Arnica cream in particular can be found in most pharmacies and has become increasingly popular amongst many physicians in recent years for post-procedure bruising.1,9
Possible side effects of arnica
The possible side effects of arnica can depend on the type of arnica.
Oral arnica side effects might include:3
Side effects of topical arnica, which is applied to the skin in the form of creams, lotions or ointments, are generally localised (affecting the area where the product has been applied) and can include skin irritation, such as a rash, itching and dry skin.3,10
Oral arnica side effects might include:3
- gastrointestinal effects
- dry mouth
- headache
- drowsiness
- lethargy
Is arnica safe to use?
Commercially produced diluted arnica in both oral and topical products (like creams) from trusted retailers is generally considered to be safe and well tolerated.3
If you’re pregnant, it’s best to avoid using arnica, as there’s not enough information to confirm if it’s safe to use during pregnancy.3
However, it’s generally considered fine to use topical arnica during breastfeeding.11
If you’re considering using arnica products, check with your GP before you begin using them so they can provide you with personalised advice.
The final say
Arnica creams and oils have a long history of traditional use for the relief of bruises, sprains, and localised muscular pain.12
Arnica is generally considered safe but it’s important to be cautious, especially with higher doses.3 If you’re using arnica supplements and notice any side effects, it’s best to stop and check in with your doctor or pharmacist.
If you’re thinking about giving arnica a try, why not explore our range of arnica-based products and supplements?
And remember, for the best advice, always chat with a healthcare professional first.
This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Curated by experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.
While we strive for accuracy and balance, please be aware that this article may discuss products available for purchase through Holland & Barrett. Consult a healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
- Stevinson C, et al. Homeopathic arnica for prevention of pain and bruising: Randomized placebo-controlled trial in hand surgery. J R Soc Med. 2003;96(2):60–5. https://doi.org/10.1177/014107680309600203
- NHS. Homeopathy [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jun 23]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Homeopathy/
- Smith AG, et al. Clinical trials, potential mechanisms, and adverse effects of arnica as an adjunct medication for pain management. Medicines (Basel). 2021;8(10):58. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines8100058
- Schmidt TJ. Arnica montana L.: Doesn’t origin matter? Plants (Basel). 2023;12(20):3532. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12203532
- Sugier D, et al. Essential oil from Arnica montana L. achenes: Chemical characteristics and anticancer activity. Molecules. 2019;24(22):4158. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24224158
- Robledo SM, et al. Therapeutic efficacy of arnica in hamsters with cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania braziliensis and L. tropica. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2022;15(7):776. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph15070776
- Sherban, Alexander, et al. Growing Role for Arnica in Cosmetic Dermatology: Lose the Bruise.Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, vol. 20, no. 7, 2021, pp. 2062-2068, https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.14191 .
- Gaertner K, et al. Is homeopathic arnica effective for postoperative recovery? A meta-analysis of placebo-controlled and active comparator trials. Front Surg. 2021;8:680930. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsurg.2021.680930
- NHS. Clinical evidence for homeopathy [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jun 23]. Available from: https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/sps-homeopathy.pdf
- Iannitti T, et al. Effectiveness and Safety of Arnica montana in Post-Surgical Setting, Pain and Inflammation. American Journal of Therapeutics. 2016;23(1):e184–97. https://doi.org/10.1097/mjt.0000000000000036
- Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; 2006-. Arnica. [Updated 2021 May 17]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501828/
- Community herbal monograph on Arnica montana L., flos Final Discussion in Working Party on Community monographs and Community list (MLWP) [Internet]. 2014. Available from: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-arnica-montana-l-flos_en.pdf
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