Arnica - First Aid Superstar

Arnica - Herbal First Aid superstar

Amber Belt, ND

When I think of an herb that is truly a first aid superstar, arnica is at the top of the list!

Arnica is an herb that can be used for trauma and acute injuries, but you have to be careful about how you use this plant. But first, a little arnica background…

Arnica montana is a plant with cute and vibrant yellow flowers. If you think the flowers look a little like chamomile flowers, you’re right! The two plants do have similar flowers. The flowers of arnica are generally used as medicine. Arnica montana is native to the western US and central Europe.

Internal use

If you want to use arnica internally, it MUST be the homeopathic form because arnica in a non-homeopathic form can be toxic. Not many places will sell arnica flowers or tincture anyway, but be careful if you do have it on hand.

Homeopathic remedies are generally found in pellet or dissolvable tablet forms and arnica can be used as a stand-alone homeopathic remedy or you can find it in combination homeopathic remedies, like T-Relief Tablets (formerly known as Traumeel).

In its homeopathic form, arnica is fantastic for physical, mental, and emotional trauma. It’s also indicated for bruising, head injuries, post-surgical pain, and just about any pain resulting from trauma. Arnica pellets can be taken frequently without toxicity and, for my patients, I will often prescribe arnica homeopathically every 15 minutes if it is needed for pain.

I even put arnica homeopathic pellets in my dogs’ water if they’ve had physical or emotional trauma! 

Topical use

Arnica is a wonderful addition to topical formulas for pain. A word of caution, though. If your topical formula contains whole herb arnica rather than homeopathic arnica, take care and don’t apply it to broken skin.

In its whole herb form, I love using arnica topically and I use it often. It combines very well with other pain relieving herbs like cayenne and wintergreen to make salves or liniments that relieve pain. It’s particularly effective for sprains or strains, tight muscles, or bruises. Arnica Liniment is one of my favorites and it even helped my pain when I separated my shoulder many years ago!

Homeopathic arnica is found topically as a stand-alone or in combination with other homeopathics, as we find it in T-Relief Gel. Many, many patients get relief from arthritic joints, sprains and strains, bruises, and other pain with topical arnica.

I hope you have found this information about arnica to be helpful. If you have, be sure to share this article with others! And, if you want info from Sage Sirona delivered to your inbox, get on our email list!

This article is not medical advice and shouldn’t substitute for medical advice from your provider. Dr. Belt is a doctor, but she is not YOUR doctor.