Herbs with Similar Uses as: Arnica | Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2024)

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Herbs with Similar Uses as: Arnica | Complementary and Alternative Medicine? ›

Arnica belongs to the Asteraceae family, a group of flowering plants containing several well-known members, such as marigold, daisy, and chamomile [5]. Arnica has been used in traditional and homeopathic medicine for centuries in Europe and North America [6].

Arnica belongs to the Asteraceae family, a group of flowering plants containing several well-known members, such as marigold, daisy, and chamomile [5]. Arnica has been used in traditional and homeopathic medicine for centuries in Europe and North America [6].

Arnica montana, or arnica, is a herb many people use for pain and bruising. This is because it contains compounds that have an anti-inflammatory effect. A 2021 review of previous research found that 18 out of 25 studies on arnica showed it significantly helped with bruising.

Arnica montana, also known as wolf's bane, is an herbal medication used topically for pain and inflammation but is of unproven efficacy. It is an extract of the flowering plant Arnica montana, a member of the daisy family.

Arnica seems to have a mitigating effect on ecchymosis, most notably following rhinoplasty and facelifts/facial procedures. Bromelain is well supported across numerous studies in reducing trismus, pain, and swelling following molar extractions.

Arnica comes from the perennial Arnica montana, a yellow-orangish flower that grows in the mountains of Europe and Siberia. It's sometimes called the “mountain daisy,” because its color and petals look like the familiar flower.

They go hand-in-hand for any injuries involving the soft tissues – Arnica for shock, sprains, bruises, and bumps, and Calendula for cuts and grazes. They can be used either internally or topically. I find that in most cases Arnica is needed internally and Calendula (in tincture form) externally.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Don't take arnica by mouth or apply it to the skin if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. It is considered likely unsafe. Allergy to ragweed and related plants: Arnica may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family.

From their appearance and growth patterns to their medical applications, the two plants are quite special. Herbalists often use Calendula to treat external as well as internal issues. It can also be used on open wounds. Contrarily, Arnica isn't safe for open skin, but it's equally as useful medicinally.

What is a traditional herbal remedy for bruises? ›

In any Apothecary collection you will find Arnica montana, one of the most traditional herbal remedies. Among the many uses of Arnica, it's most widely known and prolific is for the treatment of bumps and bruises.

Because of its ability to prevent clots from forming, Arnica should not be taken with other medications or herbal products that can thin the blood like aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, enoxaparin, apixaban, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, ginger, garlic, or ginseng, to name a few.

Accepted species: Arnica acaulis —Common leopardbane - eastern US from Alabama to New Jersey. Arnica angustifolia —Narrowleaf arnica - Canada (from British Columbia to Quebec), US (Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado); Russia, Scandinavia.

Both European and Mexican arnica belong to the daisy or sunflower family, although their active principles are not all the same. Ointments and lotions made from this plant are used to treat bruises, sprains, rheumatism, varicose veins, and diverse skin infections due to bacteria and fungi (molds).

Arnica. Arnica is a homeopathic herb that is said to reduce inflammation and swelling, thus making it an ideal treatment for bruising. A 2010 study found that topical arnica ointment effectively reduced laser-induced bruising. You can use an arnica ointment or gel on the bruise a few times per day.

That's because, in 2021, a review of studies on herbal therapies for osteoarthritis concluded that arnica gel is about as effective as topical NSAIDs for inflammation and pain relief. There's one big caveat, though: The findings were not clinically significant.