3 Arnica Montana Benefits, Uses, & Side Effects You Should Know

If you’ve been itching to learn about Arnica Montana benefits and more, you’ve come to the right place. 

Upgrading one’s skin routine with products that come from natural origins is a big trend of the last 5 years. This holistic shift has come in large part due to recent studies showing the toxic industrial compounds found in household consumer cosmetics [1]. As a result, people are beginning to pay attention to ingredient lists for the first time. 

So, If you’re on a mission to find the most powerful plants in nature for skincare plus more, we wanted to let you in on one that we don’t want you to miss: Arnica Montana. In this article, we’ll share the latest research on arnica montana uses, origins, benefits, side effects, and how to find a premium product containing this special plant.  

What is Arnica Montana? 

The Arnica Montana flower, also known as wolf’s bane and mountain arnica, is a flowering plant of European origin that blooms every year from May to August. It’s known to grow on mountains, described by the latin word in its title “montana”, meaning from mountains.

Arnica Montana belongs to the Asteraceae plant family. It looks like a small yellow flower similar in appearance to a daisy with long yellow petals and a yellow center bud. 

3 Arnica Montana Benefits You Should Know

Luckily, today's scientific research reflects many of the properties our ancestors knew about arnica montana for centuries. We compiled scientific findings below that show the possible benefits of arnica montana according to recent research. 

1. May Help To Support Normal Recovery Postworkout

In a 2013 study by the International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, researchers found that the arnica montana flower extract worked as a natural analgesic [2]. This means that arnica montana may help to support comfort and healthy recovery post workout.

2. Commonly Used For Bruising & Swelling

Researchers took a closer look at the effect of arnica montana on bruising in a randomized, double-blind trial. The study found that post-surgery, patients who used arnica montana saw a statistically significant difference in the degree and color of bruising [3].

3. Possible Alternative for Natural Skincare

Arnica is commonly recommended by natural estheticians and dermatologists for puffy, red, or tender skin. For this reason, it’s an ideal daily skincare addition that may help to support skin balance, clarity, and tone. 

How Does Arnica Montana Work? 

Arnica montana works due to two naturally occurring chemicals called helenalin and dihydrohelenalin. Research has found that they may help to modify the action of immune cells, bacteria, and the activity of chemicals that result in normal inflammatory function. 

By helping to support the stimulation of the body’s natural defenses, arnica montana is a helpful tool for normal recovery post workout, healthy inflammatory function, and comfort. 

What is Arnica Montana Used For?

Arnica montana has a wide range of uses, but is most commonly used for bruising, swelling, post workout recovery, and skin clarity. 

How Do You Take Arnica Montana?

You can take arnica montana in a variety of ways to suit your needs including: creams, balms, tablets, and natural skincare. 

Arnica Montana Uses

• Arnica Montana Creams: Arnica creams can be easily applied on the skin with the fingertips. They typically feature predominantly arnica with a cream base for spreadability. This is a great method for athletes who want to use arnica for topical use. 
• Arnica Montana Tablets: Arnica montana tablets are typically chewables or dissolvable under the tongue. This is a great method for those who choose to use arnica montana for a specific purpose, such as post-operatively or after a minor injury. 

• Arnica Skincare: Natural skincare is the way to go if you’d like to add arnica to your daily routine. You can find balms, oils, and sprays that incorporate arnica montana flower extract in their recipes alongside other natural herbs. 

Is Arnica Montana Safe?

Arnica montana is generally considered safe. However, one should exercise caution, as with any natural substance, by following dosage guidelines listed on the product you purchase. Keep in mind, arnica montana’s safety will differ from product to product. For example, one using arnica topically will use the product differently than one ingesting arnica orally. 

Topical Safety

• Dab a small amount of the product on the wrist or behind the ear to see if it causes any irritation.
• If the product causes irritation, stop use immediately. If not, the product suits your skin and can be used according to product instructions. 

Oral Safety

• Consult with your doctor or physician before using arnica tablets or capsules. 
• Be sure to follow the instructions listed and do not consume more than is needed. Overconsumption can result in undesirable side effects.
• Do not ingest the raw arnica flower plant. It's unsafe for human consumption when not processed or accompanied by user guidelines. 

Arnica Montana Side Effects

Keep in mind, arnica montana is dangerous when not taken in recommended homeopathic doses. Misuse can result in: skin irritation, stomach upset, nausea, dizziness, and more. 

 In order to avoid negative arnica montana side effects, consult with your physician before ingesting arnica and closely follow the instructions listed on your product. For topical use of arnica, discontinue use immediately if it leaves your skin red or itchy, as this may be an indication of an allergy. 

What is the Difference Between Arnica and Arnica Montana?

There is no difference between arnica and arnica montana. However, you’ll commonly hear people refer to arnica montana as one or the other. This is as simple as that arnica is the abbreviated way to refer to arnica montana. In sum, both ways reference the arnica montana flower. 

Arnica Montana Benefits: In Conclusion

We hope this article helps you to find the perfect way to incorporate arnica montana into your self-care routine. But if you’re thinking of using Arnica Montana for skincare, we have a selection of products we’d love to recommend.

Here, at Indigo Harper, we create holistic skincare infused with natural arnica montana flower extract. As we shared earlier, arnica montana happens to be one of our very favorite ingredients. We incorporate it into our herbal balms, oils, and sprays. We use only organic, cruelty free, and paraben free ingredients for all of our products. The cherry on top? View private third party lab results (COAs) on all products. 

If you have any questions about arnica montana and want to learn more, don’t hesitate to reach out. 

Disclaimer

The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your health care professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product.

Resources:

1. https://bit.ly/3hOP7is
2. https://bit.ly/3qVeQKa
3. https://bit.ly/3dWLtSu