Arnica contains several ingredients that may offer antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.5
The products that are most commonly available will either contain homoeopathic arnica (which is produced by diluting arnica with water) or herbal arnica (which is commonly extracted from the plant itself).3 Homeopathic Arnica is currently recommended by homoeopathic practitioners to help reduce bruising, reduce swelling and promote recovery.1,7
In addition, arnica has a long history of being used for pain relief – for example, people have used it for pain after an operation, arthritis pain and lower back pain as well as
other muscle, joint and bone pain.
3,8,9 Herbal arnica is more often used topically for the treatment of muscular aches and pains.
Arnica can also often be found as an ingredient in some cosmetic products. Arnica cream in particular can be found in most pharmacies and has become increasingly popular amongst many physicians in recent years for post-procedure bruising.1,9