A picture of the Arnica plant, showcasing its vibrant color
Screenshot of Arnica

        Arnica is a perennial herb of the family Compositae.it grows about one foot tall and is found in the higher elevations of Europe and northern Asia and in some parts of the northwestern united states.it is also known as mountain daisy, mountain arnica, wolfs bane and leopard’s bane. Its pain relief qualities have long been appreciated by mountain climbers in the Alps, who would chew arnica to relieve muscle aches and pain after long hikes.

The entire plant, including its yellow flowers, is used to make the homeopathic remedy, which is available as a tincture and a tropical cream.


Types of Pain: That Can Be treated with Arnica 

  • Trauma
  • Toothache
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Gout
  • Headache
  • Postsurgical
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Muscle pain
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Childbirth

How Does Arnica Work

In the early 1980s, investigators in Germany identified two substances in arnica. The identified substances were Helanalin and Dihydrohelanalin. These substances were responsible for reducing inflammation and pain. These substances appear to be present at sufficient levels in ointment to be effective against pain.

Some reports claim that arnica ointment can stimulate reabsorption of blood and significantly reduce bruising and also counteract shock and emotional trauma that may be related to the injury.


Indications and Dosing of Arnica


Over-the-counter remedies tend to come in 6c and 30c potencies. 6c potency is typically used for long standing conditions, such as rheumatic pain. 30c (or higher) potency is typically used for first aid or acute situations, such as the onset of a cold or bruising after a knock or fall.

A small bottle of arnica pills on a table.

A pill bottle of arnica Montana on a table.



Post-Surgery (Including Dental Surgery): Take 30c before and 200c immediately upon awakening after the procedure to reduce pain and promote healing.

Repeat the 200c dose two to three times until the pain subsides.  

Osteoarthritis: Arnica is helpful for flare-ups but for chronic pain and in cases where joint pain is the consequence of or made worse by an injury. Take 30c four times daily for up to two weeks and apply the ointment as needed.

Muscles Pain: Treat with Arnica immediately after the injury. Apply ointment to affected area (caution “do not apply to broken skin”). This can be addition to oral dosing. If the muscles have been pulled or strained, take 30c immediately after the injury every hour for up to six doses. Thereafter, take 30c four times daily for up to three days.

Headache: For cases in which the head feels bruised and aching and the pain is worse when stooping. Take 30c every 10 to 15 minutes for up to 10 doses.

Gout: Arnica is indicated when joints are painful and feel bruised. Take 30c every f15 minutes, up to 10 doses.

Fractures: Take one to two 200c dosages immediately after injury, then 30c two to three times daily for several days.

Fibromyalagia: Arnica is indicated when the muscles feel as if you slept on a bed that’s too hard and the pain is worse when you move. Take 30c every three hours for up to two days.

Childbirth: Take 30c right before delivery to reduce pain and speed up recovery. Consult with your obstetrician before using arnica for this purpose.

Bruises: Take 30c two to three times daily for several days. Arnica works best if taken before the skin begins to turn black and blue.

Lower Back Pain: Use arnica when there is severe back pain after an injury. The affected area can feel bruised and may be swollen. Take 30c every hour for up to 10 doses.  



Side Effects of Arnica


When applied to skin: Arnica is possibly safe when applied to unbroken skin, short-term. But it is likely unsafe to apply arnica to broken skin because it can be absorbed into the body.

When taken by mouth: Homeopathic arnica is possibly safe. Homeopathic products often contain no active ingredient, so side effects are unlikely. It is also possibly safe to take arnica in the amounts found in food. But the Canadian government is concerned enough about its safety to prohibit its use in food.

Taking arnica in amounts more than what is found in food is likely unsafe. In fact, arnica is considered poisonous. When taken by mouth it can cause vomiting, heart damage, organ failure, increased bleeding, coma, and death.