Arnica

The flower of arnica is used to make medicine

Contents

• Uses
• Benefits
• Cautions
• Interactions
• Other names
• References

Uses

• Arnica is applied to the skin for pain and swelling associated with bruises, aches, sprains, and arthritis. It is also applied to the skin for insect bites, muscle and cartilage pain, chapped lips, and acne.
• It is also taken by mouth for sore mouth and throat, insect bites, painful and swollen veins near the surface of the skin (superficial phlebitis), sore gums after removal of wisdom teeth, and for causing abortions.
• In foods, arnica is a flavor ingredient in beverages, frozen dairy desserts, candy, baked goods, gelatins, and puddings.
• In manufacturing, arnica is used in hair tonics and anti-dandruff preparations. The oil is used in perfumes and cosmetics.

Benefits

• It is believed that arnica helps increase circulation and helps reduce both pain and swelling from minor injuries. You can apply it to your skin, add it to water for external use or use it internally. Arnica is a natural anti inflammatory readily available with out prescription from health food and organic products retailers as well as on the Internet. It is available in convenient forms including liquid, lotion, cream, gel and ointment.
• As with any herbal remedy, contact your health care provider prior to using arnica. She can determine whether it is safe for you.

Cautions

 

Homeopathic doses of arnica are unlikely to exert any adverse reactions because of the minimal amount ingested. Arnica irritates mucous membranes and causes stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. Allergy and contact dermatitis have been reported.

Interactions

Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with ARNICA

Arnica might slow blood clotting. Taking arnica along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.

Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

Other names

Arnica flos, Leopard’s bane, mountain snuff, mountain tobacco, sneezewort

References

Source:

WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-721-arnica.aspx?activeingredientid=721&activeingredientname=arnica

Drugs.com, http://www.drugs.com/npc/arnica.html

Live Strong, http://www.livestrong.com/article/244766-what-are-the-benefits-of-arnica/