Arnica
Arnica montana
Alpine mountain flower for topical bruise, sprain, and muscle recovery — topical use only
About Arnica
Arnica is a cheerful yellow-orange daisy that grows in the mountain meadows of Europe and North America. Its dried flowers have been used topically since the 16th century for bruises, sprains, muscle soreness, and swelling. Active compounds called sesquiterpene lactones — particularly helenalin — reduce local inflammation. A 2007 double-blind trial found arnica gel comparable to ibuprofen gel for reducing pain and stiffness from osteoarthritis of the hand. Widely used by athletes for post-training recovery. STRICTLY topical — arnica is toxic if swallowed except in highly diluted homeopathic form.
Key benefits
- Well-established topical for bruises, sprains, and muscle soreness
- Trial evidence comparable to ibuprofen gel for osteoarthritis
- Popular with athletes for post-workout muscle recovery
- Quick-absorbing gel or salve for targeted application
How to use
Apply arnica gel, cream, or salve to unbroken skin 2–4 times daily on sore, bruised, or stiff areas. Avoid open wounds and do not use for more than 2–3 weeks continuously. NEVER take arnica internally in herbal form — it is toxic. Homeopathic arnica pellets (highly diluted) are a separate preparation.
Did you know?
Arnica has earned nicknames like 'mountain daisy,' 'leopard's bane,' and 'wolfsbane' (though it's unrelated to true wolfsbane / aconite). Goethe, the German poet, drank arnica tea daily in his later years to ease his angina — a practice now considered dangerous. Modern arnica is strictly topical.