Is Arnica Gel Good For Arthritis

Arnica Homeopathic Medicine: Overview Uses And Benefits

Bright yellow in color and similar in appearance to the daisy flower, arnica is a perennial herb that grows in Canada, the United States, Europe, and East Asia. Its also known as mountain tobacco, mountain arnica, leopards bane, and wolfs bane .

Homeopathic arnica a highly diluted form has been used for centuries as an alternative medicine to treat hair loss, arthritis, inflammation, bruises, infections, and muscle and joint pain .

However, the herb itself is highly poisonous and considered unsafe. Therefore, many medical professionals advise against the herb due to its unknown effectiveness and safety.

This article tells you all you need to know about arnica in homeopathic medicine, including its uses, benefits, and potential risks.

In fact, the solutions can be so diluted that theres very little compound remaining, although its still believed to be effective. Typically, homeopathic remedies are provided in pill, capsule, or tincture form .

Given the high prevalence of addiction to painkillers, many people turn to arnica as an alternative form of treatment.

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Arnica Oil Nutrient Density Breakdown

Although arnica oil is best avoided for internal use due to potential toxicity issues unless it is in a diluted form, arnica oil contains many beneficial compounds.

Arnica oil is comprised of roughly 50 percent fatty acids. Some of these fatty acids include palmitic, linolenic, myristic, and linoleic acids.

The other 50 or so percent of arnica oil is comprised of a variety of other compounds including dimethyl ether, thymol, specific ethers of thymol, thymohydroquinone, and phlorol isobutyrate.

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What The Experts Say

First and foremost, anyone considering arthritis cream or gel should discuss using the product with their orthopaedic surgeon or primary care physician to ensure it is being used appropriately and for the correct indication. Rachel Frank, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at UCHealth and director of the Joint Preservation Program at the University of Colorado School of Medicine

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Best Overall: Biofreeze Professional Pain Relief Spray

• Rollerball option makes application easier

• Some may find it hard to press down on spray nozzle

• Spray version can be messy

What do buyers say? 93% of 3,200+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.

We selected Biofreeze as our best overall pick because it contains active menthol, which creates cooling sensations and temporary pain relief. Because the product is a spray, it penetrates quickly to relieve pain on the back and all joints from the neck down to the ankle. There is also a rollerball version that helps massage the gel into affected areas.

Each spray bottle features technology that produces a continuous flow even when it’s flipped upside down. What’s more, the formula is free of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, salicylates, and addictive substances.

Price at time of publish: $32

Active Ingredients: Menthol | Dose: Spray affected area no more than four times a day | Uses: Temporary relief from minor aches and pains of joints and/or muscles

Ginger Drinks For Pain Relief

I’d been suffering quite badly with arthritis this winter when I also caught a cold. I treated myself with a local alcohol-free ginger wine and found an extra benefit in that I became pain-free in my arms and hands.

As the cold receded, I cut back on the amount I drank and the pains started to return, so I’m back on tippling at a level that keeps them away roughly a bottle a week.

It’s so wonderful to be pain-free and not taking painkillers. I hope this may help others.

Keith, Poole – 2016

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Best With Capsaicin: Zostrix Maximum Strength Natural Pain Relief Cream

• Provides warm, penetrating relief

• Cream can sting/burn if used on other parts of the body

First things first: Yes, this product is going to sting a littlethats the point. Capsaicin is the chemical compound found in chili peppers, so creating that numbing heat is what Zostrix is designed to do. If youre looking for a cooling product, this is definitely not for you. Having said all that, people who do get more relief from heat should still keep in mind that if used incorrectly, this product can sting other parts of your body if you touch them without thoroughly washing your hands first. But ultimately, when used as directed, many people have used Zostrix to successfully manage arthritis pain.

Zostrix shouldn’t be used on broken skin or open wounds or on irritated, inflamed, reddened, or dry skin.

Price at time of publish: $20

Active Ingredients: Capsaicin | Dose: Apply a thin film of cream to the affected area and gently rub in until fully absorbed. For optimum relief, apply three to four times daily. Best results typically occur after two to four weeks of continuous use. | Uses: Temporary relief of minor aches and pains

Arnica Dose & Instructions For Use

Arnica is usually taken by mouth, or through ointments and fresh plant gel applied on the skin.

Homeopathic treatments are usually individualized based on the specific symptoms of the patient.

For topical treatment of conditions such as osteoarthritis, it is suggested that you should use an arnica gel product and rub it into the affected joints two to three times daily for 3 weeks.

Make sure you only use diluted homeopathic preparations because pure arnica can be toxic to your liver if taken internally. While there appear to be no risks to using homeopathic arnica, it is important to consult your doctor before taking it.

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Ask Your Doc About Vitamin D

A 2019 study review in the journal Nutrients found supplementing with vitamin D may improve joint pain in OA patients with low levels of the nutrient. And because vitamin D from sunlight is less accessible during the shorter, darker days of winter, the risk of D deficiency goes up. Talk to your doctor about having your vitamin D level checked. If its low , taking a D supplement may help prevent pain.

Customers Who Viewed This Item Also Viewed

• Product Dimensions :5 x 5 x 16 cm 120 Grams
• Date First Available :March 4 2019
• Manufacturer :Xcentrik
• Place of Business :Saint-Bruno, QC J3V 6E1, CA
• ASIN :B07PHV4CCH

• Instant relief for arthritis, osteoarthritis, sport injuries, back pain, muscle pain, sprains, strains and bruises,
• Powerful topical analgesicfor instant relief!
• Spray solution, no rubbing, fast acting!
• Highly effective pain relieving spray withnatural ingredients: Arnica Montana, Camphor, Menthol and Eucalyptus oil
• Greaseless formula.

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Other Uses For Arnica Gel

When applied after vigorous physical exercise, arnica gel can treat muscle soreness and pain, although in this use case it doesnât reduce inflammation .

Low concentration homeopathic preparations of arnica montana can offer a similar degree of pain relief as oral NSAIDs following injury or surgery, although additional studies are needed to examine this .

Summary

Arnica gel can relieve osteoarthritis pain, and may be able to reduce rheumatoid arthritis pain, but more research is necessary. Arnica gel can also treat sore muscles following exercise or surgery.

Description Of The Intervention

For the purpose of this review we have adopted the World Health Organization guidelines for the defintion of medicinal plant products, that is, finished, labeled, medicinal products that contain as active ingredients, aerial or underground parts of plants, or other plant material, or combinations thereof, whether in the crude state or as plant preparations. Plant preparations include comminuted or powdered plant materials, extracts, tinctures, fatty or essential oils, and any other substances of this nature. Herbal medicines may contain excipients in addition to the active ingredients. Medicines containing plant material combined with chemically defined active substances, including chemically defined, isolated constituents of plants, are not considered to be herbal medicines. The WHO also notes that exceptionally, in some countries herbal medicines may also contain, by tradition, natural organic or inorganic active ingredients which are not of plant origin, however in this review we have applied the strict definition and excluded herbal products combined with non-herbal materials. .

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What Are The Side Effects Of Arnica Gel

A. Topical arnica gel can cause a mild allergic reaction in people that have allergies to the Asteraceae plant family. These plants include ragweed, daisies, marigolds and chrysanthemums.

Used in excess, arnica can increase blood pressure. It also should be used with caution in people taking prescription blood thinners, aspirin or NSAID products. Check with your health care professional before starting arnica use.

Reviews For Arnica & Ginger Arthritis Rub

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Arnica Montana For Joint Pain And Arthritis

Arnica Montana is a popular ingredient in homeopathic remedies for inflammation and pain. But do you know what it really is and what other applications it has?

Arnica Montana an herb for pain and inflammation

This is a mountain flower with bright yellow flowers reminiscent of daisies with a pleasant aroma. Its Latin name is Arnica Montana.There is written information about its use as a painkiller and anti-inflammatory device including in joint diseases dated from six centuries ago.

Its properties are due to its rich chemical composition, among which are substances with complex names and even more complex action.Some of them, such as so-called helenalin, determine its healing properties but at the same time, ingested, are highly toxic.

Application of arnica:

Arnica is famous for its successful topical application for bruises, sprains, muscle soreness, and muscle spasms often associated with sports activity.Arnica is also used to treat joint pain, arthritis, various injuries, and contusions.Arnica Montana is recommended for problems with the musculoskeletal system and rheumatism, sciatica, etc.Relieves joint pain of inflammatory origin.

Ointments for topical use from arnica are recommended for mild arthritic conditions.Creams can be used to address the following ailments:

Muscle Soreness and Aches

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How Does Arnicare Gel Work

Several companies have the same type of arnica gel. Arnicare Gel, in particular, is one of the most preferred gels. This is used by thousands of people to treat bruises, arthritis and joint pain, and other types of discomfort.

Whenever your bones and muscles hurt, get this gel out of your bag and apply it topically. Take comfort in the fact that the company is a product that embodies the all-natural approach to healing.

This one, in particular, resonates well with the homeopathic view that everything you need comes from Mother Nature. But what makes Arnicare Gel popular is the fact that its said to provide true relief if youre hesitant about medication and modern treatments.

Arnicare Gel is unscented and easy to manage. Its light on the skin and it delivers results quickly. This may even become a vital stock in your arsenal of homeopathic solutions.

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Devils Claw Reduces My Pain

I’ve tried every complementary medicine on the market glucosamine, chondroitin but until now nothing has worked. I started using devils claw over a month ago and it has significantly reduced my pain by about 30%.

I have osteoarthritis in my knees and hands and it has helped with my movements and also in relaxing the muscles that supports the joint. When you feel better you may feel the need to want to exercise and be active but pace yourself.

Doreen, Saffron Walden, Essex – 2014

What Else Can Naturally Treat Pain Besides Arnica

A. Other natural ingredients also have reputations for relieving pain. Essential oils of peppermint, rosemary and lavender are well-known remedies. Turmeric and ginger are also popular supplements. Capsaicin, found in chili peppers, can treat mild pain. Some supplements incorporate echinacea and calendula with arnica.

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Best Homeopathic: Naturopathica Arnica Gel

Courtesy of Amazon

• Not everyone finds relief using arnica

When other formulas dont cut it, this luxe Naturopathica gel is worth every penny. The key ingredient is arnica, a prized herb known as “natures aspirin.” Naturopathicas product also contains menthol for a cooling effect and natural aroma and enriched with magnesium to improve muscle function.

A little goes a long way with this potent arnica-packed gel thats gentle on skin and dries with a smooth, non-greasy finish.

Price at time of publish: $34

Active Ingredients: Arnica and menthol | Dose: Massage a dime-sized amount into affected areas as needed | Uses: Helps to soothe and restore skin after exercise, post-injury, arthritis pain, and otherwise achy muscles and joints

Arnica As Good As Ibuprofen Gel For Arthritis Pain

Healthnotes Newswire | Apr 12, 2007

Healthnotes Newswire Arnica , also known as leopards bane, has been used as a topical medicine since at least the sixteenth century. Now modern clinical research shows it to be equal to topical ibuprofen in treating osteoarthritis of the hands.

Although a multitude of topical gel preparations for osteoarthritis of the hands are used by patients and prescribed by doctors, we set out to evaluate whether there was a noticeable difference between a commonly used synthetic NSAID and a modern preparation of a traditional medical plant, said Jörg Melzer, MD, of the Institute of Complementary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, at the University of Zurich in Switzerland. We chose this specific arnica preparation because of its demonstrated anti-inflammatory action, its ability to penetrate the skin, and its availability as a gel similar to ibuprofen gel.

The hands are commonly affected by osteoarthritis. Gradual destruction of the joint cartilage produces nodule-like swellings on both sides of the joints . The current standard of treatment is aimed only at relieving symptoms because no therapy is known to reverse or halt the natural progression of osteoarthritis. Painkillers and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and diclofenac are commonly prescribed drug treatments.

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Does Arnica Gel Work

Arnica gel’s effectiveness is controversial. Some homeopathic healthcare providers swear by its efficacy, as do many users. But there is limited scientific evidence.

“Overall, studies do not show arnica gel to be a sufficient treatment for pain management or prevention of muscle damage,” noted Dr. Batra. “There are a few studies that have reported improvement in osteoarthritis after several weeks of use and that have compared its effectiveness to that of ibuprofen.”

For example, one study showed that a 20% arnica gel formula sped up the healing of bruises compared to a topical 5% Vitamin K formula.

Still, Dr. Tran warned that arnica gel isn’t a magic fix for pain.

“Though this may sound promising, further clinical studies need to be conducted in order for this to be a proven remedy,” explained Dr. Tran. “The efficacy of helenalin for treatment of pain and swelling, when applied topically, is not supported by the currently available evidence at doses of 10% or lower.”

For doses higher than 10%, more research investigating safety and effectiveness is required.

Devil’s Claw And Green

I must tell you of the incredible success I’m having with green-lipped mussel supplements and the herbal remedy devil’s claw. Last year I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the hips, with bone cysts and inflammation. My left hip was particularly bad. I started taking green-lipped mussel and Devil’s Claw and within a couple of weeks noticed an improvement.

After several months of taking them I feel considerably better than I have for a couple of years! I’ve just completed an 18-km walk in the mountains of Crete and I was very tired and experienced stiffness afterwards but I did it!

I’m positive it’s not just a psychological thing and I think more publicity should be given about them to arthritis sufferers.

Gill – 2015

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Arnica Gel And Arthritis

Early research indicates that arnica gel can treat mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis with limited adverse events . This kind of arthritis gradually wears down the knee joints, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness . Osteoarthritis usually affects individuals over the age of 50 .

Initial studies indicate that arnica gel is as effective in treating hand osteoarthritis pain NSAIDs like ibuprofen gel, but more research is needed to substantiate this .

Initial trials indicate that arnica may also be helpful in treating cases of rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes the body to mistakenly attack the joints . In clinical experiments, mice were injected with collagen-induced arthritis, the most common laboratory method for studying rheumatoid arthritis . The mice were then treated with arnica montana extract . The results were positive and showed a reduction in arthritic symptoms in the limb joints due to the cumulative therapeutic effects of phytochemicals in arnica montana .â