actions. One of Arnica Oil's primary components, helenalin, also has a strong anti-edemic (anti-swelling) effect. Given these qualities, it's little surprise that traditional healers recommend applying a cold compress soaked in tincture of Arnica Oil to reduce bruising.



Historically, herbalists used Arnica Oil to prepare teas and tinctures they believed would benefit a wide range of ailments, from anemia and depression to heart disease. But it was eventually discovered that even small amounts of Arnica Oil (except for super-diluted homeopathic formulations) can irritate mucous membranes, cause vomiting and diarrhea, and lead to drowsiness.

Although Arnica Oil is poisonous when taken internally, it is used in highly diluted homeopathic formulations. In these tiny tablets or pellets, which are dissolved under the tongue, the Arnica Oil has been diluted literally hundreds of times, so at homeopathic levels poisoning is virtually impossible. Recent studies have cast doubt on the remedy's effectiveness, however. A 1998 Archives of Surgery review of placebo-controlled clinical trials of homeopathic Arnica Oil concluded that on balance, there is no solid evidence that Arnica Oil offers any real benefit. The authors further noted that the more scientifically rigorous, or best-designed, studies tended to show the negative findings.

Arnica Oil is also used in more than 100 cosmetic formulations that appear in a wide range of products, including hair tonics, anti-dandruff products, and perfumes. A 2001 article in the

International Journal of Toxicology reported that so far, there is not enough data to assess the safety of using Arnica Oil in cosmetics.

Specifically, Arnica Oil is most commonly used for:

* Muscle strains and sprains. Arnica Oil is widely applied to ease the inflammation and pain of muscle strains and sprains caused by overuse or injury. Although results have been contradictory, some studies concluded that for a short period immediately following a marathon run, Arnica Oil reduced muscle soreness. The effect was only temporary, however.



* Arthritic joints. Inflamed and painful joints are said to benefit from Arnica Oil as well. Using the herb in a hot, moist compress may be helpful for arthritis pain, though it is not known whether it is simply the heat or the Arnica Oil that provides the relief.

* Psoriasis and eczema. Numerous herbal formulas for these persistent skin disorders contain extracts of Arnica Oil, which may help given its anti-inflammatory and numbing qualities.



* Insect bites. Because of its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects, topical Arnica Oil is believed to reduce the swelling and pain caused by insect bites. It may also help prevent infection.

Forms



* tincture * spray * ointment * oil * liquid * gel * cream



For more details and Products: Arnica Oil Products

About the author:

Herbs & Nutrition Analyst