Arnica Cream

Arnica cream is an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving topical cream prepared of an extract of the arnica plant. Like sunflower plant, the arnica montana plant belongs to the same family Asteraceae, and produces similar large yellow flowers that are known for their medicinal value.This European flowering plant, also known as mountaintop tobacco and leopard's bane, grows 2 feet tall on thick, hairy-looking stems. During early 1500's, Europeans used arnica cream to treat stomach problems and skin rashes, however, nowadays it is commonly used to relieve pain due to muscle sprains, bruises and strains.

Arnica Cream Ingredients

Arnica cream's anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties usually come from an active component in the blossoms of the plant called sesquiterpene lactone. Generally, arinca preparations like creams, gels, etc. are done using dried blossoms, but sometimes fresh flowers are also used. The plant also comprises many other therapeutic components like thymol (an essential oil), inulin, carotenoids, flavonoids, and tannins which are effective in repairing, soothing and reducing swelling or inflammation due to damaged muscle tissues. Moreover, these compounds have major antioxidant properties, that provide an excellent defense against free radicals in the body and also help prevent certain types of cancers. Hence, the plant forms one of the main component of many arnica eye creams, arnica bruise creams, etc.

Uses of Arnica Cream

• Arnica cream is a homeopathy cream mainly used for injuries that do not result in open wounds or broken skin as it can irritate the wound. Hence, it is commonly used to relieve pain or inflammation due to damage to soft tissue such as bruising after a fall or impact, sprains, swelling as a result of fractures, strain or overuse.
• Arnica cream works by regulating the immune system's response to an injury. Basically, when body is injured the immune system sends blood to the affected area to combat the injury. The cream helps in moving the blood both, rapidly towards and away from the affected area so that toxins, excess blood and tissue buildup get carried away. This speeds up the healing process and slow down the bruising and swelling that occur due to soft tissue injuries.
• According to the reviews by many people, the cream is considered to be useful in relieving pain and inflammation in the joints due to arthritis.
• Its anti-inflammatory and numbing properties makes it one of the best herbal medicine for persistent skin disorders like psoriasis and eczema. Also, it is believed to reduce the swelling and pain due to insect bites.

Precautions to Be Taken

Although arnica cream is considered to be safe for regular topical use, its prolonged use may cause some allergic reactions like skin redness, itching, blisters, etc. In some people, it can exacerbate eczema at the site where the cream is applied. Likewise, people having allergies to arnica or other members (plant) of the Asteraceae family are also likely to suffer adverse reactions in the form of arnica side effects. Also, one should avoid applying it on open would or broken skin and should never ingest it due to its toxic nature. Hence, its use must be done with some caution.

Applying a thin layer of arnica cream on the affected area 2 - 3 times a day is not only effective in relieving pain and inflammation but is safe too. So next time, when you have muscle pains or any other similar complications instead of pills and antibiotics try this age-old natural way of healing. However, if no improvement is seen in the condition even after its prolonged use, consult your doctor, to ensure you don't have a serious injury that needs immediate medical attention.