Though, these studies used much smaller doses of arnica, suggesting that highly diluted arnica - the goal of homeopathy - is ineffective ( 16, 17, 18, 19). However, numerous older studies have shown no benefit to using arnica in the treatment of bruises. Yet, the other treatment (mucopolysaccharide polysulfate cream) was equally effective ( 15). After 14 days, the arnica group had significantly less bruising compared with the placebo and combined group ( 14).Īnother 10-day study found significant improvements in bruising and swelling post-rhinoplasty when arnica cream (D1 homeopathic solution) was applied topically, compared with the placebo group. In one study, participants with small bruises were treated with either 20% arnica gel, 5% vitamin K, a combination of 1% vitamin K and 0.3% retinol, or a placebo. Historically, homeopathic arnica has been used to treat bruises, although research is mixed. Skin bruisingīruises occur when tiny blood vessels burst due to some form of trauma, such as surgery or hitting your skin against an object. Nonetheless, the large inconsistencies in dosages and flaws in study design warrant up-to-date, higher quality research ( 11, 12, 13). Interestingly, a 2010 study found that topical arnica with a potency of 7% of D1 gel led to a significant increase in calf pain 24 hours after performing calf exercises, further putting into question the effectiveness of homeopathic arnica ( 10).īeyond this, the majority of studies and reviews have concluded that arnica is not effective for pain management, especially when delivered in tablet form. However, multiple studies showed no improvements when using C30 doses, though some of the research is on the older side ( 8, 9). In a 2014 review study, applying topical arnica gel was found to be as effective as topical ibuprofen, a common pain reliever, at reducing osteoarthritis pain and improving physical function ( 6).Īnother 2003 study found that taking 5 pills of arnica D30 twice daily significantly improved muscle soreness ( 7). As such, it’s believed to help with pain management ( 1). It contains a wide array of inflammation-fighting plant compounds, such as sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Pain managementĪrnica is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Due to the high level of skepticism from the medical community and fact that most initial studies showed limited efficacy, few modern studies exist in the literature. There are many arnica-related health claims. Many proponents of homeopathy recommend highly diluted arnica to treat pain and inflammation. Unlike the toxic arnica plant, homeopathic arnica contains trace amounts of arnica and is likely safe when consumed in small amounts. Despite being a poisonous herb, homeopathic arnica is believed to be safe due to its high dilution ( 3). Ultimately, the amount of arnica in most homeopathic solutions is almost nonexistent. For example, a C10 and D10 dilution would indicate arnica was diluted 10 times at a dilution of 1-to-100 and 1-to-10, respectively ( 5). Homeopathic arnica is usually diluted 10–30 times and uses the labels “C” for centesimal (more diluted) or “D” for decimal dilutions (less diluted). It’s also found in capsule and tablet forms that are taken orally ( 1, 4). Typically applied to the skin as a gel, ointment, salve, poultice, tincture, or oil, it’s believed to reduce pain and inflammation. Given the high prevalence of addiction to painkillers, many people turn to arnica as an alternative form of treatment. Typically, homeopathic remedies are provided in pill, capsule, or tincture form ( 2). In fact, the solutions can be so diluted that there’s very little compound remaining, although it’s still believed to be effective. The more diluted a substance is, the more potent it is. The smallest dose yields the biggest benefits. If something causes side effects in a healthy person, it will treat an unhealthy person. It’s based around several main principles, including ( 2, 3): Homeopathy involves administering highly diluted herbs and substances to promote healing ( 2). Discovered in the 1700s by Samuel Hahnemann, homeopathic medicine is a controversial form of alternative medicine.
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