Arnica is sometimes called leopard’s bane, mountain tobacco, or its scientific name, Arnica montana. It’s part of the Asteraceae (sunflower) family and native to the grasslands, shrublands, and alpine mountain environments of Northwest America, Mexico, Siberia, and some parts of Europe. However, it can also grow in meadows, pastures, dry pine, or open forests (1). Arnica can be identified by its bright yellow-orange, long, daisy-like flower petals forming from its yellow center (disc floret). The plant can grow between 0.5 to 2 feet tall and has downy (wilted) egg-shaped leaves (2). 

Arnica flower can be cultivated in full bloom, while the rhizome (underground stem) can be harvested in autumn after the plant has died. If you plan to forage for arnica, always harvest ethically. Never collect anything from private property without direct permission. When harvesting from public spaces, consider the impacts on native plant populations. Due to the uncertainty of surrounding plants, be careful not to disturb them as they could be an endangered or threatened species. Always be kind to the earth and only harvest what you need.

According to one of my favorite herbal resources, the Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, arnica’s key constituents are sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, and volatile oil (including thymol, mucilage, and polysaccharides). Some of its herbal actions include:

• Analgesic: reduces pain.
• Circulatory stimulant: increases blood flow to a specific area.
• Vulnerary: heals wounds by replacing damaged or destroyed tissue with new tissue.

Research-Backed Health Benefits of Arnica

The healing properties of this perennial herb have been documented since the 12th century by St. Hildegard, a German nun known for her devotion to nature and physiology (3). In its natural form, the arnica plant is toxic when consumed, but when diluted correctly, it’s often used in oral homeopathic medicines due to its many health benefits, including but not limited to:

Antioxidant Properties 

Antioxidants can help fight damage from harmful free radicals. The buildup of free radicals has been linked to chronic diseases, such as cancer and heart disease (4). Studies have documented high levels of antioxidants like quercetin, rutin, apigenin, and chlorogenic acid in arnica (5). Another study observed antioxidant and fibroblast cell protection against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative damage with 10 mg of arnica (6). A final study found arnica’s antioxidant activity can benefit inflammatory diseases and pathogenic conditions that involve oxidative stress management (7).

Antibacterial Properties

An antibacterial property is when a substance, or in this case, an herb, can destroy or suppress the growth and reproduction of bacteria (8). In vitro studies have demonstrated arnica has minor antibacterial properties against Streptococcus mutans (Strep. mutans), Streptococcus sobrinus (Strep. sobrinus), and water-insoluble glucan formation (9). Another study found arnica extracts reduce biofilm formation by 42.3% while inhibiting methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and Escherichia coli (E. Coli) effectively (10).

Antifungal Properties

Aside from antioxidant and antibacterial properties, arnica has antifungal properties. An antifungal property is when a substance, or in this case, an herb, can fight the growth of specific pathogens that could harm your health, such as ringworm, athlete’s foot, tinea versicolor, toenail fungus, and jock itch (11). Arnica’s roots contain thymol, which can be used as a fungicide, preservative, and insecticidal agent (12). One study confirmed arnica’s antifungal effects against several candida strains, with the strongest inhibitory effects against C. tropicalis (13). Another study ​​found the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of arnica extract was comparable to that of antibiotics (14).

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Arnica is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to its wide array of plant compounds that assist in combating inflammation. Chronic inflammation has been linked with many diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, asthma, and certain cancers (15). In most cases, arnica is used to help ease inflammatory pain associated with insect bites, bruises, and arthritis flare-ups (16). Studies have found arnica decreases inflammatory markers, including pro-inflammatory cytokines, adhesion molecules, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human and murine cell models (17). Another study found that arnica applied to rat paw edema following Nystatin treatment didn’t have significant inhibitory effects, but pretreatment blocked the histamine action, which increased vascular permeability (18). 

Pain-Relieving Properties

As of 2016, an estimated 20.4% of U.S. adults (50.0 million) had chronic pain, and 8.0% of U.S. adults (19.6 million) had high-impact chronic pain (19). Thankfully, arnica’s anti-inflammatory compounds, like sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, can also assist in pain management (20). Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis associated with pain, stiffness, tenderness, loss of flexibility, a grating sensation, bone spurs, and swelling (21). One study found that topical arnica application to osteoarthritis pain was equally effective as ibuprofen and improved physical function (22). In another study, arnica was very effective in helping reduce pain associated with carpal tunnel hand surgery recovery (23).

May Reduce Bruising

Historically, arnica has been used as a homeopathic remedy for contusions (bruises). Most bruising occurs when small blood vessels near the skin’s surface are broken due to a blow or injury, leaving a black and blue mark often accompanied by a minor bump, swelling, and tenderness (24). In one study, participants with minor bruises were treated with either 20% arnica gel, 5% vitamin K, a combination of 1% vitamin K and 0.3% retinol, or a placebo. They found that the arnica group had significantly less bruising than all the other groups after 14 days (25). Another study found that topically applying arnica cream for ten days improved bruising and swelling post-rhinoplasty compared to the placebo group (26).

Wound-Healing Properties

Thanks to arnica’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it may also help support wound healing. Wound healing is the complex and dynamic process of restoring damaged tissue structure as closely as possible to its normal state (27). One meta-analysis reviewed 28 studies and found homeopathic arnica is comparable to anti-inflammatory substances in preventing excessive hematoma and other sequelae of surgeries (28). Even mainstream sources acknowledge arnica’s ability to soothe muscle aches, reduce inflammation, and heal wounds (29).

Safety Information, Contraindications & Interactions

Mainstream sources state that oral homeopathic arnica is possibly safe, and since homeopathic remedies often don’t contain an active ingredient, side effects are unlikely. They also note that applying arnica to unbroken skin is safe when used short-term but shouldn’t be used on broken skin, those with a ragweed allergy (or other members of the Asteraceae family), or while pregnant or breastfeeding (30).

Many herbal texts recommend avoiding experimenting or self-medicating with arnica. It’s considered a poisonous herb that shouldn’t be taken internally. However, trusted herbalist Richard Whelan disagrees and thinks we owe our understanding of using arnica safely to those who can greatly benefit from this misunderstood plant (31).  

I agree with Whelan and would like to reiterate that raw arnica shouldn’t be ingested or applied to open wounds, cuts, or scapes. Of course, homeopathic arnica pills are heavily diluted and safe. Look for 30 X (or C) homeopathic dosage, and give children half the dosage. Consider trying a small patch of arnica oil on the skin for the first usage to ensure you do not have a helenalin sensitivity or allergic reaction.

How to Use Arnica & Product Recommendations

When I make homemade herbal remedies, I try to buy herbs locally. When buying locally isn’t an option, I typically purchase from one of the following brands:

• Anthony’s Goods 
• Frontier Co-op
• Starwest Botanicals 

Looking for additional herbal suppliers? Check out my post, 3 Ways to Source Herbs.

I have yet to have the opportunity to make herbal remedies with arnica. Nonetheless, to my understanding, the best preparation methods when working with arnica include the following:

• Herbal poultices (only apply to unbroken skin)
• Herbal salves (only apply to unbroken skin) – learn how to make an herbal salve

If making your home remedies isn’t quite your thing, I recommend a few premade herbal products, including:

• MJ’s Herbals Arnica Salve offers soothing and nourishing benefits for your skin, supporting overall wellness with a powerful blend of arnica and clove oil. This salve is gentle on your skin and suitable for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, or anyone experiencing everyday aches. It is the perfect option at home, the gym, or on the go.
• Ollois Organic, Lactose-Free Arnica Montana 6C is for those struggling with bumps and bruises. It is traditionally used for muscle soreness, stiffness, and swelling pain.
• Ollois Organic, Lactose-Free Arnica Montana 12C is for those who’ve undergone surgery and is traditionally used for pain from muscle soreness, stiffness, swelling, and bruises.
• Ollois Organic, Lactose-Free Arnica Montana 30C is for those struggling with chronic or general pain and is traditionally used for pain from muscle soreness, stiffness, swelling, and bruises.
• Ollois Organic, Lactose-Free Arnica Montana 200CK is for those struggling with pain. It is traditionally used for muscle soreness, stiffness, swelling, and bruising pain.
• Ollois Organic, Lactose-Free Arnica Montana 30X is for those struggling with general pain and is traditionally used for pain from muscle soreness, stiffness, swelling, and bruises.
• Organic Botanicals Pure Arnica Salve ​​is a simple, clean, all-natural product for managing aches, pains, bruises, swelling, strains, and sprains. It is formulated with certified organic pure arnica oil, shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax to create the perfect solution for joint pain, muscle pain, and muscle recovery.
• Plant Therapy Nerve Body Oil provides comprehensive nerve support, soothes discomfort, and promotes healing. Powered by arnica and a blend of comforting essential oils, this body oil offers targeted relief in areas of concern.
• The Brother’s Apothecary Pain Away CBD Essential Oil Roller is specially crafted to target occasional aches, pains, and soreness. Copaiba, marjoram, sweet basil, frankincense, and arnica have been used for thousands of years in body management, both individually and in synergistic blends.

Product Disclaimer

Product recommendations are affiliate links. I do not own or make these products. Recommendations are selected according to ingredients at the time article was written and can change at any time. I encourage you to double-check ingredients and research each company to ensure they’re suitable for your journey.

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