Arnica Gel - Arnica Montana

Arnica Gel: The Potential Full-Strength

Let’s take a deep look at arnica gel before you actually buy one. Some people who would prefer their arnica to be diluted while some want it undiluted. There are also those who would want to rub and feel it on their skin thinking that it’s more powerful than the other forms of arnica. Other arnica products contain its flower extract undiluted like Atrogel (1 g arnica gel has 500 mg extract, which is equivalent to 160 mg of fresh arnica flowers). This is 65,000 times as much extract you will get from the homeopathically diluted arnica of the same dose.
This can be an odd scenario as people might purchase arnica in this concentration with an expectation of the same result.

What is Arnica Gel?

FDA classified over-the-counter drug Arnica Gel works as a homeopathic remedy for stiffness and muscle pain as well as bruising and swelling. The relieve gel is derived from the Arnica Montana plant, which is common in its name Leopard’s Bane or Wolf’s Bane. It has been used for centuries to ease pain and heal injuries. With its non-greasy texture, you can easily apply it to your skin without staining your clothes.
Many studies indicate that it has lesser treatment effect on pain relief than a placebo. On the other hand, some studies note its contribution to easing stiffness and pain.

What Is It Used For?

The gel-formulated Arnica product has many benefits and remedies to the body’s health.

Pain reliever for osteoporosis – The gel eases the pain, and has a similar function with ibuprofen.
Anti-inflammatory properties – It works as an anti-inflammatory other than muscle and joint pain relief with its ability to decrease swelling and to improve the blood flow.
Ease of use – You can easily apply it to the affected area of your skin. It is not as sticky as the topical creams and can be combined with the other painkillers.
Ease of availability – Prescription is not required when you purchase this item. You can even order it online or buy it at any drug store.
Skin disorders – The gel is used in treating skin disorders such as insect bites, chapped lips, irritated nostrils, rashes, eczema, acne, and other irritations.
Sore muscles – Research found it effective as a reliever of muscle pain.
Mouth sores – It is being used for swollen gums and mouth sores. Just mix one part tincture of it with 10 parts water.
Swelling and bruises – You can apply it directly on your bruised skin or dilute it on a compress.
Wounds – It heals wounds when you apply it near the affected area.
Arthritis – People with arthritis found it very effective in decreasing their stiffness enabling them to move their joints freely after its daily and regular application.

What Is It Made From?

The ingredients of the gel are classified into active and inactive. It comes from its active Arnica Montana plant extract. The plant’s root is abundant of thymol, which is effective in blood capillary enlargement. This suggests that the abundance of blood quickens the healing of the injured area. Meanwhile, its inactive ingredients include purified water, sodium hydroxide, carbomer, and alcohol.

Its Pros and Cons

Like any other drugs or medication products, Arnica gel has its advantages and disadvantages too.

Pros:

Eases swelling and pain
Absorbs fast into your skin without being oily or greasy
Relieves muscle pain and stiffness
Lessens skin discoloration due to bruising
Available over-the-counter not worrying about prescription

Cons:

Cannot be used in treating muscle-related injuries
Only effective for minor injuries
Short-time efficacy and can only last for certain period of time

Who Is It For?

Primarily, this gel is developed for patients who are suffering from illnesses associated with pain like surgery and muscle stiffness. Studies also found the efficacy of this drug in patients with swelling problems, wounds, and bruises.

Where Can It Be Purchased?

You can buy this gel formulation of Arnica directly from a homeopathic physician, drug store, or online.

What Is Its Price Range?

The price of the gel can vary depending on the dosage and the outlet where you bought it. It has an average price of $3.89 per ounce while its 1.5 ounces can cost you $5.83.

Recommendations, Cautions, and Warnings

Experts recommend applying Arnica gel right after any minor injury to get its best results.
The application should be done thrice daily until muscle stiffness has gone and pain has resolved.
It can be applied to the affected area for over three times when pain is already severe.
It should only be used externally. Prevent any contact with mucous membranes, wounds, damaged skin, or eyes.
It should not be taken by patients who have an allergy to Arnica Montana or to any of its inactive ingredients.
Gently massage it into your skin once you applied it.
Keep note of its directions without the use of a heating pad or tight bandage.
Consult your physician if your condition still persists for over three days even after its administration.
Keep it out of children’s reach.
Contact near a Poison Control Center or get help from medical professionals quickly in case you swallowed it.
Never use the product when its tube seal is already broken or if its glued carton end flaps are open.
It should be stored at 20-25 degree Celsius or 68-77 degree Fahrenheit.

What are the Side Effects of Arnica Gel?

Aside from the benefits of the gel, there are also adverse reactions from its usage.

Dilution – Unless it is highly diluted, arnica can be toxic. It can cause upsets, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach.
Internal bleeding – The ability of arnica to enlarge capillaries for blood flow improvement can result in internal bleeding. People suffering from diabetes should take arnica-based products carefully.
Avoidance in Pregnancy – Women in conception should not consume an extract of arnica plant because it can induce her premature delivery or miscarriage.

Several studies conducted have already proven the effective use of arnica gel as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent. There are also those which indicate its lesser efficacy in other health problems. What matter most then is the proper usage of the product for a better health.