Herbs and plantsArnica — mountain herb for bruises that may be poisonous?
- Henryk Różański — Arnika – Arnica w ziołolecznictwie
- Anti-Inflammatory and Pain-Relieving Effects of Arnica Extract Hydrogel Patch in Carrageenan-Induced Inflammation and Hot Plate Pain Models. · Pharmaceutics 2025
- Evaluation of Pharmacokinetic and Toxicological Parameters of Arnica Tincture after Dermal Application In Vivo. · Pharmaceutics 2022
- Arnica montana L.: Doesn't Origin Matter? · Plants (Basel) 2023
Henryk Różański warns that an overdose of arnica may disrupt heart function, cause stomach problems, dizziness and headaches, and even loss of consciousness.
- Compresses made with an infusion, vinegar extract or diluted tincture are used for bruises, hematomas, pain and swelling after injuries.
- Arnica may cause allergic reactions, so its preparations must be made and dosed carefully; pregnant and breastfeeding women must not take it.
- A tincture made with methanol, denatured alcohol or glycol should not be taken by mouth.
What the authors write
Mountain arnica grows wild, among other places, in Poland’s mountains and foothills.
Compresses made with an infusion, vinegar extract or diluted tincture are used for hematomas, bruises, pain and swelling after injuries.
Arnica may cause allergic reactions, and its preparations must be made and dosed precisely.
An overdose of arnica may cause stomach problems, dizziness and headaches, heart problems, and even loss of consciousness.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women must not take arnica.
After dilution, arnica vinegar extract can be used in compresses on areas that have been struck, bruises and hematomas.
Arnica tincture made with methanol, denatured alcohol or glycol should not be taken by mouth.
Research from PubMed · Europe PMC
We selected 3 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.
Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 2.
In animal models, a patch with arnica extract reduced swelling and pain.
Aim of the study: Arnica montana (AM), which belongs to the daisy family Asteraceae, has a longstanding traditional use in Europe and North America for pain and inflammation treatment. This study investigates the inhibitory effects of 'Arnica montana extract hydrogel patch (AHP)' on Carrageenan-induced paw edema and hot plate-induced pain models.
Results: Consistently, the mRNA levels of inflammatory markers (tnfa, il1b, and il6) were decreased to a greater extent than the AG group. Particularly, tnfa inhibition was better in the AHP group, and the levels of il1b and il6 transcripts showed ~80% and 40% lower. Likewise, AHP reduced pain scores in a hot plate-induced rat model, although AG failed to do so. Together, these results demonstrate that AHP has long-lasting inhibitory effects on fluid effusion and edema formation, the production of inflammatory mediators, and pain-sensation, supporting its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving pharmacological effects.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
After arnica tincture was applied to the skin, the concentration of substances in the blood was very low, and toxicity was not expected.
Aim of the study: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is classified as a neglected tropical disease by the World Health Organization. As the standard drugs for the treatment of this disease suffer from severe unwanted effects, new effective and safe therapeutic options are required.
Results: This result may be explained by extensive metabolism and slow permeation accompanied by the accumulation of STLs in the skin, as described in our previous work. Accordingly, the plasma concentration of STLs after the topical application of Arnica tincture was very far from a dose where toxicity could be expected. Additionally, tests for corrosive or irritant activity as well as acute and repeated-dose dermal toxicity did not show any positive results after the administration of the amounts of Arnica tincture that would be needed for the treatment of CL. Consequently, in the treatment of CL patients with Arnica tincture, no toxic effects are expected, other than the known sensitization potential of the STLs.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
The EU monograph recommends using arnica flowers for bruises, injuries and inflammation.
Aim of the study: Arnica montana L. (Asteraceae) has a long and successful tradition in Europe as herbal medicine.
Results: montana occurring mainly in Central and Eastern Europe and subsp. atlantica in the southwestern range of the species distribution, i.e., on the Iberian Peninsula. The question hence arises whether or not the geographic origin of Arnica montana flowers is of any relevance for the medicinal use of the herbal drug and the pharmaceutical quality, efficacy and safety of its products and whether the chemical/pharmacological differences should not be recognized in pharmacopoeia monographs. The present review attempts to answer these questions based on a summary of the current state of botanical, phytochemical and pharmacological evidence.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
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