How to Use Homeopathic Arnica

Arnica is a perennial plant native to the mountains of Siberia and Europe. Arnica grows 1 to 2 feet tall with bright green leaves and yellow-orange flowers---similar to daisies in appearance. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, arnica has been used to soothe muscle aches, reduce inflammation and heal wounds since the 1500s. Applied topically as a cream, ointment, or salve, homeopathic arnica is safe to use. Arnica taken orally can cause serious side effects. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, arnica shouldn't be used internally without direct medical supervision.

Instructions

1. Buy and use only homeopathic arnica ointments or tinctures. According to Dr. Lauri Grossman, homeopathic arnica restores health with no side effects and is safe for children, adults, pregnant women and seniors. Arnica that is labeled "homeopathic arnica" means the manufacturer is following pharmaceutical guidelines when producing herbal medicine. Dr. Grossman warns against using nonhomeopathic herbal preparations or homemade brews of arnica; they could cause dizziness, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat and even death.

2. Check with your doctor before using arnica. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, if you aren't sure whether the form of arnica you have is herbal or homeopathic, ask your doctor before using it.

3. Apply homeopathic arnica ointment, salve or cream topically to treat bruises, sprains, muscle aches, burns, arthritis pain, inflammation, insect bites and swelling. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, even though homeopathic arnica is safe when used topically, you should still follow dosage instructions on the product label. Don't use arnica on open wounds or skin ulcers.

4. Speed up healing. Following accidents, surgery or sports-related injuries, use homeopathic arnica to relieve soreness, bruising, swelling and pain. According to Dr. Lauri Grossman, hospital physicians are using arnica to speed up recovery for patients after a traumatic injury.

5. Make your own arnica oil using homeopathic arnica tincture. You can buy homeopathic arnica oil and use it just like a cream or ointment. You can also mix 1 oz. of homeopathic arnica tincture with 5 oz. of vegetable oil to make arnica oil for topical use.

6. Make compresses to use on sore muscles, sprains and joints. Mix 1 oz. of homeopathic arnica tincture with 10 oz. of warm water. Soak your compress in the mixture, and then gently wring out and apply to the painful area. Save your mixture; you can continue to soak and use the compress to treat an injury for 24 hours.

Tips & Warnings

• To turn your arnica oil into a salve, add 3 oz. of melted beeswax for every 6 oz. of oil, pour the mixture into a container and set in the refrigerator until firm.

• Always use homeopathic products according to the directions on the label.

• Arnica speeds recovery after orthopedic and plastic surgery.

• If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, talk to your doctor before using any herbs.

References

• University of Maryland Medical Center: Arnica
• Dr. Lauri Grossman