It is thought to contain anti-inflammatory compounds that relieve muscle and joint pain.
Talk to your healthcare provider about using arnica safely.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Verywell / Getty Images
Verywell / Getty Images
Arnica Supplement Facts
What Is Arnica?
Arnica (Arnica montana) is an herb used in herbal medicine and homeopathy for hundreds of years.
The anti-inflammatory ingredient in arnica is calledhelenalin.This compound is toxic and can irritate the skin if not diluted.
Verywell / Anastasiia Tretiak
Arnica can be applied topically to the skin as a gel, balm, cream, or ointment.
Oral forms are also available as teas, tinctures, and tablets.
Arnica is poisonous in large amounts.
Avoid taking it by mouth.
It has been researched for use in:
The plant can be toxic.
Because of this, it is most often used in ahomeopathicform.
Homeopathic products contain very small amounts of the active ingredient.
Research on the potential health benefits of arnica is limited.
More research is needed.
Very few well-designed, placebo-controlled, peer-reviewed human studies have been published.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is often referred to as “wear-and-tear” arthritis.
In this condition, the cartilage that protects the joints wears down over time.
It is often treated withnonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)or other pain relievers.
Benefits included reduced and improved joint function in people withhand osteoarthritis.
This is compared to 8% of Advil users.
Some even reported an increase in joint stiffness and pain.
More research is needed.
Discuss with your healthcare provider about taking arnica for your osteoarthritis before starting this supplement.
Bruises seemed less intense and to heal faster.
However, the study was very small.
Further study is needed.
The product purportedly increased the recovery rate and reduced muscle soreness following intense exercise.
However, this was a combination product, so arnicas effect alone cant be validated.
Also, the study was in males only, and the findings cant be generalized to females.
What Are the Side Effects of Arnica?
Arnica is known to cause side effects.
This is true even when used in very diluted topical ointments or creams.
More serious side effects can occur with oral forms.
These plants include:
Arnica can also trigger increases in blood pressure and heart rate.
On broken skin, arnica may also cause stinging.
Oral Use
Most homeopathic arnica remedies are very diluted.
These are generally considered safe.
Some forms, though, may contain detectable amounts of helenalin.
These forms have health risks.
Precautions
Pregnant or lactating individuals and children should not take arnica in any form.
There is not enough scientific evidence to determine a standard or appropriate dose of arnica.
More research is needed on dosages for specific health needs and populations.
What Happens if I Take Too Much Arnica?
Arnica can be toxic and potentially fatal if taken internally.
As a rule of thumb, follow the manufacturer’s recommended dosage.
If you experience side effects of any kind, stop taking arnica and seek immediate medical attention.
Interactions
Avoid arnica if you are taking blood-thinning medication.
The combination could increase your risk of bleeding and bruising.
It may also interact with blood-thinning drugs.
Always speak with your healthcare provider before taking arnica or any other supplement.
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