Arnica, not Arsenic
I remember watching Arsenic and Lace with my Dad growing up. It was a favorite movie of his and provided teachable moments, something that comes naturally to him. The first question was, and should have been, why the women were killing the men. But shortly after that I found myself clarifying what was killing the men. I grew to understand that nature is intended to be respected and to ensure that what was consumed, was in fact safe.
To clarify, I do not have a vast knowledge in herbs. With my own healing journey and career, I have learned about some natural remedies including herbs. Arnica is one such example. This perennial plant has been used in traditional herbal medicine for centuries. The most commonly seen species, Arnica montana, has been studied for potential medical properties with positive results.
The most recognizable uses for arnica are to assist with joint and muscle pain, inflammation, and arthritis. So it is no wonder why arnica and massage therapy have become the perfect pairing! Topical application is considered low risk and comes in various forms such as oil, gel, creams, and roll-ons.
Although, arnica may be ingested, this has a greater risk of toxicity and adverse effects. It is also important to note that arnica can thin your blood. So, if you recently had surgery, are taking a blood thinner, or are taking medication for high blood pressure, it is best to avoid arnica. If you are allergic to sunflowers, it is wise to use caution when using topical arnica for the first time as the flowers are members of the same family. It is also wise to speak with a doctor about use while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Studies indicate that arnica has less adverse effects, is more cost efficient and has comparable pain management results to standard medications such as ibuprofen. Despite the promising information about arnica, there is still a lack of data which is why it is not always recommended by doctors. Homeopathic remedies such as using arnica may have been around for centuries but that does not mean that we fully understand how and why they work.
References and studies about arnica are linked below. I’d love to hear if you have ever tried this remedy topically or orally and what your experience has been! Comment and let me know your thoughts about arnica and in general using homeopathic remedies that are not fully understood by modern science. Is this something you would feel safe trying?
