Ease Muscle Pain, Bruising with Arnica

Native Americans have long used Arnica montana to ease the pain and inflammation associated with sore muscles. Today, many people are familiar with the use of homeopathic arnica creams, gels, and lotions to ease muscle and joint pain, as well as bruising due to injury.

In the wild, Arnica’s bright gold blossoms resemble tiny stars. The herb was first used in pagan rituals to celebrate the summer solstice. It was their belief that it could enhance the health of crops and the forthcoming harvest. The use of Arnica shifted from metaphysical to medicinal in the 1500s when Italian physician and herbalist Pietro Andrea Mattioli recorded the herb’s healing abilities.

Today homeopathic Arnica montana is used in hundreds of products and herbal preparations, it’s use being much more common in Europe. However this herb has found a receptive audience in the United States among doctors of natural medicine, chiropractors, herbalists, homeopathic practitioners, massage therapists, and physical therapists.

Arnica montana is available as a homeopathic, a botanical tincture, and as a base for making compresses and poultices. Some of the common preparations include gels, creams, ointments, salves and are available over-the-counter or from botanical medicine specialists. It can be used topically, but never ingested as a supplement or herbal tea because of its toxicity. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not use this herb! For most other people topical use is generally well-tolerated but all people should consult with a holistic health practitioner regarding the amount of arnica needed to support healing.

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