How does arnica gel work?

Arnica gel is one of those natural remedies that people swear by, claiming it can cure anything from bruises to arthritis. But what exactly is arnica and how does it work? In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the science behind arnica gel and its purported benefits.

What Is Arnica?

Arnica is a type of herb that’s native to Europe and North America. It has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, particularly in homeopathy. The most common form of arnica used today is a topical cream or gel made from the plant’s flowers.

Fun fact: In ancient Greece, athletes would use arnica as a muscle rub before their Olympic events!

How Does Arnica Gel Work?

Before diving into how arnica works on the body, let’s first take a look at how it’s prepared. To make an arnical gel or ointment, fresh or dried flowers are steeped in oil like olive oil for several weeks then added with other ingredients such as wax or shea butter before being strained into their final product form.

The active compounds found in arnica include helenalin and dihydrohelenalim which target inflammatory pathways responsible for swelling pain when applied topically to the skin surface following injuries/trauma including muscles pains after sports workouts reducing inflammation leading to accelerated healing among other benefits according to popular folklore (note: folklore doesn’t equal clinical practice!) However unlike popular pills medication rather than diffusing chemicals throughout your entire body these anti-inflammatory elements are absorbed nearer directly where they are needed most (in concentrated amounts) making them quicker acting so you could apply shortly after injury occurred or during athletic cool downs although experts suggest caution against application if broken skinned open wounds exposed areas arise when applying instead gently touching around them.

Increased Blood Flow

One way that arnica gel is thought to work is by increasing blood flow. When applied topically, it widens the blood vessels near the skin’s surface, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to get to the area that needs healing resulting in what might feel like warm tingling sensation although this varies per person.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Arnica also has anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce swelling and pain. It works by inhibiting the production of certain chemicals in the body that cause inflammation, such as prostaglandins or COX2 enzymes that trigger response leading intense agony.

What Are The Benefits of Arnica Gel?

So now we know how arnica gel works on a basic level but what are its benefits? Here are some potential uses for arnica gel:

Bruising

Arnica is commonly used to treat bruises because it improves microcirculation under your skin reducing likelihood appearance right after an injury occurs.

Arthritis

Some people have found relief from arthritis symptoms using arnical gels either alone or when combined with other treatments (note: clinical testing is very limited compared to better known prescription strength creams).

Even though these applications seems very promising you should consult always consult with professional medical personnel or pharmacist about proper administration options dosage regimen usage contexts allergies (if any) otherwise potentially causing adverse reactions making situations worse than they were initially!

Muscle Pain

If you’re experiencing sore muscles post-workout, applying some topical widely available over-the-counter forms may be helpful easing those post-training discomforts.. Since muscle pains caused by a variety of factors apply few liberal scoops onto affected areas then sit back & rub away!. Do not forget! If bruised underlying tissue exists please exercise caution as previously noted warnings do apply also if certain mussels remain regularly tense please visit famous Dr Bruce Banner instead (he often turns green so don’t be afraid).

Are There Any Side Effects to Using Arnica Gel?

Despite its many benefits, arnica gel is not without its potential side effects. Common issues that users might experience include allergic reactions or skin irritation and increased bleeding if applied on open wounds (don’t do it) so while tempted don’t forget safety first dear reader!, You may not be as wise as our good ol’ OWL suggests but with worth mentioning a second time precautions should always take precedence before any application begins.

As with any new product, it’s best to perform a patch test by applying the product onto small area for up to 24 hours in advance to ensure there is no adverse reaction happening then gradually moving onto larger areas until you’re confident of full treatment coverage success.

Conclusion

Arnica gel has been used for centuries particularly when treating bruises, arthritis symptoms and more recently for muscle pains caused by varying factors. It works by increasing blood flow and inhibiting certain chemicals responsible full body inflammation leading swelling pain.

Like all over-the-counter remedies (otherwise classified dietary supplements) consult professional medical personnel beforehand prior administration ensuring allergies or overlapping medications are screened out caution exercised especially around broken open wasting cannot afford more serious complications arising from misuse causing other problems

With this knowledge in hand, hopefully next time you reach for an arnical go you can rest assured knowing exactly how this miraculous natural-derived supplement works!1


  1. Note: The author and OpenAI are not recommending nor providing medical advice here; please consult your licensed health care provider instead! 

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