What is Arnica?
Arnica montana is a natural flowering herb that has been used as home remedy for many skin, muscle, joint ailments. It is frequently touted to decrease inflammation, pain, and bruising.
Arnica belongs to the Asteraceae family and is related to flowers such as marigold and daisy. It is often formulated into ointment or cream for topical applications. It is also extracted into oral supplements in forms of capsules, pills, and powder. Because arnica is not a FDA-regulated medication, the potency of arnica supplements vary widely , and their safety and efficacy are not well established.
Does Arnica Treat Varicose Veins?
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that arnica treats varicose veins. However, many medical professionals use arnica after varicose vein treatments to provide pain relief and to decrease skin discoloration and scarring.
How Does Arnica Work in The Body?
Arnica contains many organic molecules that have shown anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on lab benches. However, its clinical significance is not proven.
What are the Side Effects of Arnica?
Reported side effects of arnica include contact dermatitis, gastrointestinal effects, dry mouth, headache, lethargy, tachycardia, and shortness of breath.
What Other Conditions Does Arnica Treat?
Arnica has been used to treat arthritic pain, postoperative pain, and hematoma prevention. Most studies find arnica ineffective or inconclusive toward intended symptoms. Some studies suggest that that arnica may be as effective as, if not slightly better than, ibuprofen or diclofenac at controlling pain. It is important to note that most of the studies are not high quality enough to help doctors draw firm conclusions.
Does Your Clinic Prescribe Arnica?
While arnica is an over-the-counter supplement, we do recommend the use of arnica skin cream after sclerotherapy and VeinGogh treatment to help decrease skin inflammation and discomfort. We find these skin products relatively safe and may provide some benefits. We do not recommend any oral forms of arnica due to lack of quality control and scientific support.