What Is Arnica Gel?
History of Arnica in Medicine
We’ve been using arnica as a medicinal treatment for centuries. Evidence of medicinal practices involving arnica have been observed in North America, Germany, and Russia.
Arnica starts off as a perennial herbaceous flower that’s native to mountainous regions in Siberia and Central Europe. It will grow up to two feet tall.
It’s categorized in the sunflower genus called Asteraceae. Medicinal arnica is usually the species Arnica montana. If you come across arnica in the wild, you’ll note the resemblance to a sunflower due to its yellow petals and fuzzy center. Today, we can also find arnica in the United States and Canada.
Its use dates back to the sixteenth century as a treatment option for many different ailments and injuries.
What Is Arnica Used For?
Arnica can be used in a variety of ways, but it’s most commonly used as a topical solution.
For any treatment, it’s important to note that arnica must be diluted down. If used in a non-diluted form, arnica can cause illness. Rarely is arnica used orally. If it is, it is generally in homeopathic concentrations. In the US, arnica is allowed as a flavoring ingredient for alcoholic beverages.
It’s been used to treat bruises, sprains, small wounds, aching muscles, joint pain, insect bites, and general swelling or inflammation. In Europe, arnica is regulated as a traditional herbal medicinal product.
There is a study during which subjects received standardized bruises and then applied various topical products. One of those was an arnica product. Dermatologists rated the response of the bruises to the topicals. The others were vitamin K, 1% and 5%, vitamin K and retinol and a placebo. The arnica was clearly superior in reducing bruising against all but a 5% vitamin K ointment. Likewise, in a trial for hand arthritis comparing arnica to topical ibuprofen, the arnica was just as effective for reducing pain.
Its success is due largely to phytochemicals in the plant that provide anti-inflammatory properties. The most notable are helenalin and its derivatives. These are sometimes irritating to some people. Most do not put topical arnica on open wounds either.
And it’s been shown that arnica gel is successful in treating osteoarthritis pain. Its anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties rival that of ibuprofen and other NSAIDs, but without the harsh side effects.
Finding Relief With Arnica Gel
It combines the power of Arnica Gel, Menthol, Delta-8, and other skin-soothing ingredients to achieve muscular and joint-pain relief by engaging in the body’s natural inflammatory pathways.
This cream provides targeted relief to areas where you need it most – without the side effects of NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, that can cause stomach afflictions.
Check out this topical solution today, and see Arnica Gel in action as it has been for centuries.
Dr. Meredith Warner is the creator of Well Theory and The Healing Sole. She is a board-certified Orthopedic Surgeon and Air Force Veteran.
She is on a mission to disrupt traditional medicine practices and promote betterment physically, spiritually and mentally to many more people. She advocates for wellness and functional health over big pharma so more people can age vibrantly with more function and less pain.
At Well Theory, Our surgeon-designed products are FDA Registered and formulated to help people:
- Manage the symptoms of musculoskeletal pain
- Recover vibrantly from orthopedic related surgeries
- Fill the gaps in our daily diets
- Manage pain associated with inflammation