Arnica Side Effects

Arnica is a very widespread herbal therapy with use dating back as far as the 1500’s. It is used to treat all sorts of external problems including swelling, bruising, muscle discomfort, bug bites, open wounds, and sprains. You can find this remedy in the shape of surface lotions and ointments; it is also sometimes obtainable in an oil. Arnica is regarded as an effective and safe medicine when used externally, or on top of the skin. Many arnica side effects are limited to when it is used internally. This herb is sometime taken in heavily diluted forms but some people run into problems when they believe a “you can never have too much” attitude.

The arnica blossom is yellow in color and resembles a minute sunflower. It was first cultivated around Europe and Russia and is nowadays also raised in America. It has been used for hundreds of years by Europeans and Native Americans to heal surface ailments and injuries. The petals and heads of the flower, used both fresh and dried, are where the remedial benefits are found. It can also be called mountain arnica, mountain tobacco or wolf’s bane.

Arnica offers healing powers by expanding blood vessels on the very surface of your skin. This intensifies increased blood flow which causes cells to grow faster and discourages blood from pooling which results in inflammation. Arnica can be taken as a post surgical pain medication. It does this by diminishing internal inflammation and bruising. It can even be used in its homeopathic form to diminish pain due to childbirth. 

A couple arnica side effects, that commonly stem from heavy applications or use by individuals with skin sensitivities, are aggravated skin, eczema and blisters. These symptoms ordinarily don’t occur unless taken over 3 weeks. There are no recognized drug interactions with arnica so it is normally safe for those on prescription medicines. Folks who need to not use arnica are those with diabetes or taking anticoagulants and blood thinners. Because arnica impacts your blood flow, people who are already susceptible to circulatory problems are even more likely to notice arnica side effects.

If ingested, which should strictly be done under the help of a physician, side effects could involve shaking, dizziness and heart abnormalities. If not correctly diluted, arnica side effects could cause stomach troubles, nausea, kidney and liver damage and can even be fatal. In homeopathic doses, arnica is diluted to about 1 part arnica to twenty four parts water, this demonstrates how potent arnica is. Arnica includes the toxin helanalin and in larger doses leads to internal bleeding in the digestive organs.

This is a helpful alternative remedy for treating external bruising and inflammation. Arnica side effects ordinarily only strike individuals who swallow it, people with sensitive skin and those with circulatory health issues. Stop external use immediately if you experience any side effects and never use arnica internally unless under your physician’s advise.