Is arnica good for arthritis?

Arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It causes inflammation and pain in the joints, which can be debilitating and affect everyday life. With so many treatments available for arthritis, it’s hard to know what works and what doesn’t. One alternative treatment that has gained popularity in recent years is arnica. But is arnica good for arthritis? Let’s find out.

What Is Arnica?

Arnica Montana (not Hannah) is a plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It grows in Europe, Siberia, and North America and has been used as an herbal remedy for centuries. The bright yellow flowerheads are harvested and then processed into ointments, creams, gels or tinctures.

Arnica contains compounds called sesquiterpene lactones which have anti-inflammatory properties.(1) Sesqui-what-now? These are organic molecules commonly found in plants like Artemisia vulgaris (mugwort), Tanacetum vulgare (tansy), Achillea millefolium(yarrow). They work by activating certain enzymes that reduce swelling,(2)such as leukotrienes-COX-2-pathways

When applied topically or taken orally from products containing arnica extract there occurs psychoactive effects such as dizziness bloody stool rapid heartbeat nausea(3).

How Does Arnica Affect Arthritis?

There hasn’t been much scientific research on the effectiveness of arnica on arthritis specifically – but studies suggest its anti-inflammatory properties may help alleviate pain related to muscle soreness(4)and post-traumatic bruises(5).

Because osteoarthritis – one of the most common forms of arthritis – involves joint inflammation — taking anti-inflammatories regularly would decrease pain! therefore topical formulations with high concentrations could also be helpful when applied directly over affected areas.(6)

However, this should be done carefully for safety reasons as there is potential for allergies and interactions with other medications(7).

Other Health Benefits of Arnica

Apart from treating arthritis-related pain or inflammation, arnica has been used for centuries to treat various health conditions such as:

1. Bruises & Swellings

Arnica has traditionally been used to help reduce swelling – particularly after an injury or surgery. Research shows that when arnica is applied topically it is effective in reducing bruising (8).

2.Vitamin C

Arnica also contains a high concentration of vitamin C which helps alleviate the effects of infections like colds, measles, and fevers(9).

3. Acne

Did you know? Applying topical formulations containing extracts proved helpful in improving skin hydration helping support wound healing and thus reduces acne scars!(10) And let’s face it – acne makes us cranky enough without having joint pain on top.

Who Should Avoid Arnica?

Despite its many benefits, not everyone can use arnica safely according to research(11):

  • Pregnant women: As it may induce uterine contractions.
  • Those taking blood thinners: It could lead to spontaneous bleeding episodes because sesquiterpene lactones have anticoagulation properties.
  • Individuals allergic to certain flowers in the Asteraceae family including chamomile.

Additionally anyone who already suffers liver illnesses should avoid substances rich in helenalin (another compound within Sesquiterpene Lactones), since excessive exposure may cause hepatotoxicity symptoms! Hence saying no-to-homeopathy-tinctures would do better than applying them all over swelling/bruise site will definitely work out better!

Conclusion

At the end of the day — whether or not arnica works depends on your individual circumstances. Arnica’s naturalness and long history of use make it an interesting alternative option to conventional medical treatments for joint pain related to arthritis, etc., — but caution is recommended.

Before deciding if arnica good for arthritis treatment try talking with a trusted healthcare professional or registered herbalist if you are currently taking any medications, using other joint supplements, have any medical conditions that may affect its safety/tolerability/effectiveness levels he’ll be able to advise accordingly in the way we cannot!

In summary,

  • Arnica is usually safe
  • Research on its effectiveness is limited.
  • It contains anti-inflammatory properties & could help alleviate muscle soreness.
  • However too much usage might lead to side effects like Psychedelic state (who wants!)
  • Individuals who suffer from liver illness should avoid arnica due to sesquiterpene lactones’ hepatotoxicity potential. Eat healthily keep exercising regularly talk peacefully communicate frequently love unconditionally smile cheerfully maintain relationships happily live life joyously!

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