Arnica Montana Side Effects

Arnica montana, a flowering plant, is a perennial herb. It is mostly found in Europe. Arnica montana finds its usage as a herbal remedy for pain, bruises, swelling and even in comforting labor. The homeopathy dosages of arnica montana come in the form of little tablets. It is available as arnica montana 6x or arnica montana 30x or 30c. Arnica montana is also available in medical stores in the form of topical creams or gels. You can derive a number of medicinal benefits from arnica montana. However, it is also accompanied with a number of ill-effects.

Arnica Montana Uses

• The usage of arnica montana is quite popular among athletes. It is used to relieve or fasten the recovery process of sports injuries and sprains.
• Arnica montana relieves discomfort caused by strained muscles and physical exertion.
• It is very helpful in managing pain and bruises.
• Arnica montana reduces swelling and skin irritation.
• It is often recommended by homeopaths for alleviating muscle or joint pain.
• It will be of great help, if you keep arnica montana tablets, creams or gels as a part of your first aid kit, as it is a wonderful remedy for insect bites.
• Arnica montana can relieve pain, bruises or hematoma after surgery. It also fastens the process of post-operative recovery.
• Small doses of arnica montana is given to a pregnant woman at the beginning of labor. It helps her body to withstand the rigors and labors of childbirth. It is also believed to relieve pains after childbirth.
• Another benefit of arnica montana is during maternity where it reduces and relieves the hemorrhoidal problems which might occur after childbirth.

Though the medicinal benefits of arnica montana is numerous, yet it is recommended only for a brief period of time and in small, limited doses. The safe time period of usage generally does not exceed two weeks. Also, it is not advisable to use arnica montana creams or gels on open wounds and anywhere near mouth and eyes. It is observed that when arnica montana is taken either in high doses or taken for a longer period of time, say more than three weeks or so, it causes skin irritation and various other possible side-effects. There have been many cases reported where even deaths have occurred due to improper usage of arnica montana. Therefore, in case of arnica montana, an expert supervision is a must. Some common side effects occurring from the unconventional usage of arnica montana are as follows.

Side Effects of Arnica Montana

• Using mouthwash containing arnica montana as an ingredient can cause mouth ulcer. This is one of the major arnica montana side effects.
• When taken in higher doses, it leads to various stomach discomfort such as stomachache, nausea, vomiting and loose motions.
• The long term usage of arnica montana has adverse effects on the body organs such as liver, kidney, and heart. In severe cases, it has resulted even in organ damage. Thus, the side effects of arnica montana can even lead to death in some.
• Arnica montana side effects on heart are quite life-threatening. It leads to irregular rhythm, increase the blood pressure, and if not stopped on time, can even result in heart failure.
• When arnica montana is applied in thick layers on the skin for over a period of three weeks, it can cause skin rashes and eczema. Never use it near the mouth, as it may trigger the occurrence of lesion there.
• It is believed to increase the possibility of bleeding. Therefore, it is very necessary for patients suffering from diabetes or those who have been taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs to inform the doctor if he is prescribing arnica montana for any kind of treatment.
• The use of arnica montana during pregnancy is restricted. Though it is beneficial for minimizing some discomfort of pregnancy, its large doses have the ability to stimulate the uterus. Over stimulation of uterus can spontaneously cause miscarriage or increase the possibility of premature delivery.

Looking at the numerous side effects of arnica montana, it is best to consult a homeopathic practitioner and your physician before taking it as a remedy for any ailment. However, the medicinal benefits of arnica montana for relieving pain, traumas, bruises and pregnancy discomfort cannot be ignored. Everyone reacts to arnica montana differently. A good number of people have appreciated the usage of arnica montana in treating themselves from a particular type of disorder. It is worth quoting here that side effects only stem from improper dosage or long term usage. It is relatively safe to use arnica montana, if done under the caution and guidance of a medical professional.