Products
Preparations of arnica flowers are available as an ointment, a gel, a tincture, and body care products (e.g., body oil, bath), among others. The medicinal drug is available in pharmacies and drugstores. Arnica must not be collected by yourself! It is included in the red list of endangered species.
Stem plant
Arnica, from the daisy family (Asteraceae), is a herbaceous perennial plant up to 60 cm high, native to Europe and the Alps.
Medicinal drug
Arnica flowers (Arnicae flos), the whole or partially disintegrated dried inflorescences of L. The pharmacopoeia requires a minimum content of total sesquiterpene lactones, are used as a medicinal raw material. Arnica root (Arnicae radix) is less commonly used. Extracts and the tincture of arnica are prepared from the dried or fresh flowers, mainly with ethanol.
Ingredients
The ingredients of arnica flowers include:
- Sesquiterpene lactones, e.g. helenalin, dihydrohelenalin.
- Flavonoids
- Essential oil
- Phenolic carboxylic acids: chlorogenic acid
- Coumarins
Effects
Preparations of arnica flowers have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antimicrobial properties.
Indications for use
- For the external treatment of blunt injuries, strains, sprains, bruises and haematomas.
- Pain and inflammation of joints and muscles, such as muscle tension, sore muscles, neck tension, back pain, lumbago, arthritis, osteoarthritis and gout.
- Insect bites, mosquito bites
Dosage
According to the instructions for use. The gel or ointment is applied one to several times a day. Arnica tincture should be diluted three to ten times for poultices. Do not use undiluted!
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to arnica, asteraceae or any other ingredient.
- Internal use (exception: homeopathics without active ingredients).
- Injured or irritated skin, open wounds, on mucous membranes, on the eye.
Full precautions can be found in the leaflet.
Interactions
There are no known drug-drug interactions.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include allergic skin reactions (contact allergies) and skin irritation.
