Arnica: uses and properties

What is Arnica used for?

If you're into sports, you've probably heard of arnica: an indispensable ally for managing minor injuries, bruises, and muscle pain. Arnica is a natural remedy used to combat inflammation, swelling, muscle stiffness, and joint pain. When applied to the skin, it can also help reduce bruises and swelling.

The properties of Arnica

Arnica offers numerous benefits, and the main ones are:

Anti-inflammatory properties: its most well-known property is related to reducing inflammation. It is often used to relieve pain and swelling caused by bruises, muscle, or joint injuries.
Analgesic properties: arnica has a pain-relieving effect useful against localized pain, especially that caused by trauma or physical exertion. Therefore, it is ideal for treating bruises, muscle strains, or fatigue.
Antiseptic properties: although arnica is recommended for application only on intact skin and not on open wounds, it possesses antimicrobial effects that can prevent infections in cases of abrasions.
Decongestant properties: arnica is also used to reduce swelling, whether due to sprains and bruises or fluid retention after trauma or inflammation.

The various types of Arnica

Arnica is a plant belonging to the Asteraceae family and includes various species. One of the most well-known is certainly arnica montana, the species most widely used and recognized for medicinal purposes: it is used to treat bruises, muscle pain, and inflammation. Similar to Arnica montana is arnica chamissonis, with almost identical properties to the former. Arnica fulgens is less commonly used commercially and industrially, but is still valued for its anti-inflammatory properties. Arnica montana remains the most widespread in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic fields, as it is the most studied and used. Other species, such as Arnica chamissonis, can be employed as alternatives, especially for reasons related to availability and the sustainability of cultivation.

How to use Arnica

Arnica is commonly used in the form of cream, ointment or gel, applied directly to the skin in areas where pain, swelling, or inflammation is felt. After intense physical activity, it is advisable to use a soothing cream based on Arnica montana, such as Sixta K Plus, to relieve muscle pain and fatigue. Through localized massages and compresses, this type of cream helps soothe muscle pain due to trauma or fatigue after physical exertion. A cream based on arnica can also be applied after a race or physical effort to tone and relax sore body parts. In this case, a balm cream like Sport Relax Balsam can be helpful to provide necessary hydration to the skin. Usually, arnica is used after a workout as a treatment for pain or injury. However, thanks to the warmth effect it creates, various muscle-warming creams also contain this plant, along with capsaicin, which stimulates the characteristic sensation of heat. Arnica can also be taken in tablet form, used for internal homeopathic treatment, primarily aimed at reducing pain and inflammation on a broader scale.

Arnica: Side effects and contraindications

Prolonged use or high doses of arnica may cause side effects; in such cases, skin rashes, irritations, blisters, or actual small burns may occur where the cream was applied. Tablets, on the other hand, could cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, or dizziness. Furthermore, arnica supplements taken alongside anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications could interfere with their proper functioning, so it is advisable to consult your doctor. Lastly, it is not recommended to apply arnica to open wounds or use it during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Resources https://www.humanitas.it/enciclopedia/integratori-alimentari/arnica-montana https://www.my-personaltrainer.it/salute-benessere/arnica-a-cosa-serve-e-quando-usarla.html

Neutral Cream

Ice Spray

DREAM K

Activ5

Energy formula caffè