Ingredient guide
Arnica is a yellow flowering plant used topically for bruising and swelling, and in highly diluted homeopathic form for pain. Topical 20 percent gel showed less bruising in one trial; homeopathic forms show no clear benefit. Oral non-diluted arnica is not safe.
Mixed evidenceArnica montana is a yellow daisy-family flower native to European mountains. The plant is toxic to take by mouth at normal amounts. Two safer uses exist: topical preparations of arnica gel or cream on intact skin, and homeopathic tablets and creams where the plant is diluted to near nothing.
Topical 20 percent arnica gel showed less bruising than placebo over 14 days in a small trial. After rhinoplasty, arnica creams have been linked with less bruising and swelling in some studies. A 2021 review found arnica slightly better than placebo at reducing bruises. The FDA considers Arnica montana an unsafe herb for internal use, except in properly diluted homeopathic forms. We grade the evidence as mixed but favouring topical use.
For bruising, topical 20 percent arnica gel applied to intact skin is the studied form. Oral non-diluted arnica is not safe. Homeopathic doses are essentially diluted to nothing. Ask your healthcare provider before any topical use on large areas or broken skin.
Topical 20 percent arnica gel showed less bruising than placebo in a small trial. The evidence is modest but the topical form is generally safe.
Only in properly diluted homeopathic forms. Non-diluted oral arnica is toxic and can cause heart problems.
