Arnica
Nature’s Traditional Remedy for Sore Muscles & Bruising
Arnica, Arnica Montana, often called the mountain daisy, grows high in alpine meadows and has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for sore muscles, bruises, and inflammation. Its vibrant yellow-orange blossoms contain potent plant compounds—such as helenalin and flavonoids—that offer natural anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and circulation-stimulating properties.
Both the flowers and roots are traditionally infused into oils, salves, and ointments to support the body’s natural healing process. Arnica remains a favorite among herbalists, athletes, and massage therapists for easing everyday aches and encouraging healthy tissue recovery.
Topical Benefits of Arnica
Arnica is most valued for its ability to calm discomfort, reduce swelling, and support the skin after minor injuries. We use arnica in our Warming Sore Muscle Salve, where it helps provide gentle relief and comfort. Primary topical benefits include:
- Eases muscle aches and soreness: A trusted remedy for tired, overworked muscles—ideal after exercise or daily strain.
- Helps reduce inflammation and swelling: It gently helps calm inflammation, bringing comfort to sprains, small injuries, and insect bites.
- Supports bruising recovery: Arnica helps improve circulation in the affected area, which may encourage faster fading of bruises.
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Eases arthritis-related discomfort: Some research suggests topical arnica gel may be as effective as certain NSAID gels for reducing pain and stiffness in hand and knee osteoarthritis.
Researchers do not fully understand how arnica works, but they do believe that it relieves pain when applied to the skin. There is anecdotal evidence, as well as some studies, that suggest that arnica may work as well as topical NSAIDs for hand osteoarthritis. However, studies are pretty limited, and we need more research to fully understand arnica’s capacity to relieve pain.
Arnica oil is sometimes included in scalp treatments to help stimulate circulation, support follicle health, and soothe dandruff or irritation. While not a primary ingredient for hair growth, its circulation-enhancing qualities may contribute to a healthier scalp environment.
Important Note: Arnica should never be ingested without medical supervision and should not be applied to broken or damaged skin.
