Arnica

Scientific Name(S): Arnica montana L. In addition, other related species have been used medicinally including A. sororia Greene, A. fulgens Pursh., A. cordifolia Hook., A. chamissonis Less. subsp. foliosa (Nutt.) Family: Compositae or Asteraceae

Common Name(S): Leopard's bane, mountain tobacco, mountain snuff, wolf's bane

Arnica ( Arnica montana) is very popular-Germany alone has manufactured more than 100 drug preparations containing this herb. Applied topically as a cream, ointment, liniment, salve, or tincture, arnica has been used by both Europeans and Native Americans to soothe muscle aches, reduce inflammation, and heal wounds. While arnica has also been used internally as an herbal remedy for certain heart disorders, it should only be used in this way under the supervision of a healthcare provider. In fact, arnica in herbal form is primarily restricted to topical (external) use because it can cause serious side effects when it is used internally.

Botany: Arnica is a perennial that grows from 1 to 2 feet. Its oval, opposite leaves form a basal rosette close to the soil surface. It has bright yellow, daisy-like flowers. The dried flower heads are the primary parts used from the plant. The rhizome is also used. Arnica is native to the mountainous regions of Europe to southern Russia. The unrelated plant, monkshood (Aconitum spp) is sometimes referred to as wolf's bane.

History: Internal and external preparations made from the flowering heads of arnica have been used medicinally for hundreds of years. Alcoholic tinctures were used by early settlers to treat sore throats, as a febrifuge, and to improve circulation. Homeopathic uses included the treatment of surgical or accidental trauma, as an analgesic, and in the treatment of postoperative thrombophlebitis and pulmonary emboli. It has been used externally for acne, bruises, sprains and muscle aches, and as a general topical counterirritant. Arnica has been used extensively in European folk medicine. German philosopher Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) was said to have drunk arnica tea to "ease" his angina. Arnica's bactericidal properties were employed for abrasions and gunshot wounds.

Uses of Arnica

Arnica and its extracts have been widely used in folk medicine. It is used externally as a treatment for acne, boils, bruises, rashes, sprains, pains, and other wounds. It has also been used for heart and circulation problems, to reduce cholesterol, and to stimulate the CNS.

Side Effects of Arnica

The plant is poisonous and ingestion can cause stomach pain, diarrhea and vomiting, dyspnea, cardiac arrest, and death. Contact dermatitis also has occurred.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

No recommended dose.

Arnica is available in homeopathic preparations, herbal tinctures and topical ointments, gels and creams. Arnica is listed in the Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the United States (HPUS).

Summary: Although arnica and its extracts have a long history of use, few studies suggest its extracts are clinically useful. Its use as a topical counterirritant and wound-healing stimulant continues. Internal consumption of arnica is not recommended, because it is considered poisonous. Numerous cases of contact dermatitis have been reported from the plant.