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Arnica speeds up the healing process, prompt- ing your body to send more white blood cells to clean up and repair the bruise. It is a natural pain reliever that doesn't just mask the pain; it stimulates your body's healing processes.
2 When it's applied on a fresh bruise, the swelling, pain, and discoloration are diminished within a few hours. For best results, apply an arnica gel 3–4 times a day on the affected area, or try taking it orally in pill form such as Hyland's Arnica Montana tablets ($6).
Arnica should not be used on broken skin, such as leg ulcers. In one study, researchers found that arnica used topically increased leg pain 24 hours after participants performed calf exercises. Also, people who are hypersensitive or allergic to the herb should avoid it.
Applying an arnica gel (A. Vogel Arnica Gel, Bioforce AG) twice daily for 3 weeks can reduce pain and stiffness and improve function in people with osteoarthritis in the hand or knee.
Large amounts of undiluted Arnica can cause irritation or damage to the skin, mouth, throat, and stomach, as well as vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, high blood pressure, damage to the heart and other organs, increased bleeding, coma, and death.
How often should I use an Arnicare topical? The recommended frequency of application for all Arnicare topicals is three times a day.
When it is undiluted, arnica may cause side effects like nausea, rapid heart rate, and bruising or bleeding. It may also interact with blood-thinning drugs. Always speak with your healthcare provider before taking arnica or any other supplement.
Risks and Side Effects
The most common side effect associated with arnica gel is minor skin irritation (26). The sesquiterpene lactones helenalin proteins, acetate, and methacrylate acids are the primary causes of irritation (26). Arnica gel may cause contact dermatitis, an itchy, red, skin rash (18, 26, 27).
In vitro studies show that arnica has antimicrobial (1) and anti-inflammatory (2) properties. A few clinical trials suggest that topical arnica is helpful for osteoarthritis (3) (4) (5), and significantly reduces bruising compared with placebo or low-concentration vitamin K ointments (6).
The recommended usage is to take 5 pellets of Boiron Arnica three times a day, beginning two days prior to your procedure. You can continue taking arnica until your symptoms improve up to a week after the procedure.
The beneficial impact of Arnica on pain relief may be the result of its anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities [10,47,48]. The anti-inflammatory properties of Arnica have been widely investigated in cell and animal models.
Arnica has many potential benefits, but should be used with caution. It can reduce the degree of swelling and bruising after plastic surgery, but should never be taken internally. For more information about Arnica, patients should consult a physician.
Arnica Uses
If eaten, the actual herb is toxic to the liver and can be fatal. However, some oral supplements contain highly diluted arnica. These are considered homeopathic treatments. These low-dose arnica tablets have been studied for muscle pain, diabetic eye damage, and swelling and pain after surgery.
Stop using this product and consult a doctor if symptoms persist for more than 3 days or worsen, if new symptoms occur, or if redness or swelling is present, because these could be signs of a serious illness. If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.
Directions. Adults and children 6 years of age and older: As soon as bruising occurs, dissolve 2 tablets under the tongue and repeat every hour for 2 more hours. Then, dissolve 2 tablets under the tongue every 6 hours until symptoms are relieved.
Arnica montana, or arnica, is an herb widely used for pain and bruising. This is because it contains compounds that are known to have an anti-inflammatory effect that can be absorbed through the skin. Some research has found that arnica may be an effective remedy for bruising.
Dosage: Adults or children over 2 years: Take 3 tablets 4-6 times a day. Allow to dissolve under tongue. Dosage: Adults or children over 2 years: Take 3 tablets 4-6 times a day.
We do not recommend touching the pellets and tablets with your fingers or hands. Introducing any moisture to the pellets or tablets will begin the dispensing of the medicine, and any oils on your skin may coat them and hinder absorption once the medicine is in your mouth.
Using the arnica cream two to three times a day for three weeks is suggested to get the desired results. With consistent use, people have found it to reduce pain, bruising, stiffness, and swelling.
The Absolüt Arnica Gel has a faster and bigger impact locally, but Arnica pellets can have a deeper and more general impact. So if you have bruises in several areas, you can apply Absolut Arnica gel on the worse parts and take Arnica pellets to promote healing in general.
Arnica was found to be as efficacious as ibuprofen in alleviating postextraction pain in 8–12-year-old children. This is in accordance with the previous study reported in literature where Arnica was found to be comparable to NSAIDs in adult patients.