Arnica

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 17, 2024.

What are other common names?

• Arnica chamissonis
• Arnica cordifolia
• Arnica fulgens
• Arnica latifolia
• Arnica montana
• Arnica sororia
• Arnica Flos
• Arnica Flowers
• Arnica Root
• Common Arnica
• Leopard's Bane
• Leopardsbane
• Mountain Arnica
• Mountain Daisy
• Mountain Snuff
• Mountain Tobacco
• Sneezewort
• Wolf's Bane
• Wolfsbane
• Wundkraut

What is this product used for?

Arnica rubbed onto the skin is used by some people to ease joint pain from arthritis. No information from medical studies supports the use of arnica for any health problem.

What are the precautions when taking this product?

• Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with other drugs or natural products.

• Do not use this product if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant soon.

• Be sure to tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this natural product.

• Be sure to tell your doctor that you take this product if you are scheduled for surgery or tests.

• Do not use this product on broken skin. Do not take this product by mouth.

• Take extra care if you are allergic to pollens or plants like ragweed, daisy, aster, marigolds, or chrysanthemums.

• Take extra care if you are taking drugs that can thin your blood. These are drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, warfarin, or enoxaparin.

• Take extra care and check with your doctor if you have:

  • Bleeding problems

  • Stomach problems

  • High blood pressure

  • Fast heart rate

What should I watch for?

• Dry skin with red, itchy bumps especially around the elbows and knees

• Stomach pain

Related/similar drugs

When do I need to call the doctor?

• Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.

• Signs of an overdose. These include very slow or fast breathing, shallow breathing, or no breathing; unable to awaken patient; slurred speech. Call for emergency help right away.

• Swelling around the area where applied

• Peeling skin or blisters

• Very bad diarrhea

• Very bad throwing up

Last Reviewed Date

2024-04-01

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