Arnica montana, commonly known as arnica, is a member of the Asteraceae (daisy) family and is native to the mountainous regions of Europe and North America. Traditionally, arnica flowers have been used topically to alleviate bruises, muscle soreness, arthritis, minor wounds, post-surgical pain, and insect bites. The plant is valued for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, astringent, and circulatory-stimulating properties. Notably, arnica contains helenalin, a sesquiterpene lactone responsible for its anti-inflammatory effects. Due to its potential toxicity, arnica should not be ingested orally in raw or concentrated forms, as it can cause severe side effects. Topical application is recommended for the aforementioned conditions, and it is commonly available in creams and gels.
A 2014 review PMID: 34677487 highlighted arnica extract as having promising effects in supporting pain relief. Though arnica was traditionally used as medicine for centuries, its popularity skyrocketed in the 19th century when homeopathy embraced it as a remedy for trauma, shock, and pain relief. Today, homeopathic arnica is among the most widely used natural remedy for bruising, swelling, and soreness.