Tuesday
Aug182009
Tue, August 18, 2009 | Lisa Barger Arnica for Pain
“Does arnica gel actually work for pain and if it does, is it true you shouldn’t use it on raw skin?”
Gels and creams made with arnica, which is known botanically as Arnica montana, may actually help reduce some types of pain, especially if the pain is associated with (or caused by) inflammation. This is why it’s often used in “natural” remedies for sprains, muscle strains and bruises.
While not all studies have found it effective a few have. Arnica is a source of a chemical compound known as thymol—and you know thymol as the chemical that gives medicinal rubs and muscle liniments their distinctive “medicinal” smell.
Arnica should never be taken internally in any form unless you’re talking about true homeopathic arnica which is extremely dilute. Remember, the term “homeopathic” is used very loosely sometimes but the only safe arnica is that which is honestly and truly part of an authentic homeopathic remedy.
And, yes, it is true that arnica should not be applied to broken skin, wounds or burns because it is poisonous. Even when applied to healthy skin, arnica can be very irritating.
Sources:
Paris, A., et al. (2008). Effect of homeopathy on analgesic intake following knee ligament reconstruction: a phase III monocentre randomized placebo controlled study. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
Karow, J., et al. (2008). Efficacy of Arnica montana D4 for healing of wounds after Hallux valgus surgery compared to diclofenac. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
Gels and creams made with arnica, which is known botanically as Arnica montana, may actually help reduce some types of pain, especially if the pain is associated with (or caused by) inflammation. This is why it’s often used in “natural” remedies for sprains, muscle strains and bruises.
While not all studies have found it effective a few have. Arnica is a source of a chemical compound known as thymol—and you know thymol as the chemical that gives medicinal rubs and muscle liniments their distinctive “medicinal” smell.
Arnica should never be taken internally in any form unless you’re talking about true homeopathic arnica which is extremely dilute. Remember, the term “homeopathic” is used very loosely sometimes but the only safe arnica is that which is honestly and truly part of an authentic homeopathic remedy.
And, yes, it is true that arnica should not be applied to broken skin, wounds or burns because it is poisonous. Even when applied to healthy skin, arnica can be very irritating.
Sources:
Paris, A., et al. (2008). Effect of homeopathy on analgesic intake following knee ligament reconstruction: a phase III monocentre randomized placebo controlled study. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
Karow, J., et al. (2008). Efficacy of Arnica montana D4 for healing of wounds after Hallux valgus surgery compared to diclofenac. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
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Reader Comments (1)
I've undergo or experienced many bruises and skin inflammation. I haven't yet use any alternative medicine that could heal it. I'm afraid to try because maybe it could cause infection or it can heavy the situation but now I'm willing to try and test the alternative medicines that are newly made for bruises and skin inflammation