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Arnica montana is a homeopathic medicine prepared from the plant leopard's bane, also called mountain tobacco and mountain arnica (Arnica montana, Asteraceae). It grows in Europe’s mountainous regions. Arnica montana is one of the most popular homeopathic medicines. The process of preparing the homeopathic medicine Arnica montana involves significantly diluting its raw material, the plant Arnica montana. Learn more about the dilution process and why homeopathic medicines should not be confused with their raw materials.
Symptoms Treated
Symptoms Treated
More specifically:
Stiffness and aching from muscular overexertion or trauma, Swelling, bruising and pain from trauma or surgery
Common Products
- Boiron® (oral and topical)
- Hyland’s® (oral and topical)
- Nelsons® (topical)
- Similasan® (topical)
Dosing Information
Arnica montana may be found in products where it is the only active ingredient or in combination products containing two or more homeopathic active ingredients. Different types of medicines containing this active ingredient have different purposes and directions. That is why it is always important to read and follow the Drug Facts label. The Warning section indicates how many days of self-treatment are safe. After this time, stop use and ask a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.
Safety Guide
Safety Guide
Most over-the-counter (OTC) homeopathic ingredients are dilutions of the raw material. The level of dilution is identified on a homeopathic medicine’s Drug Facts label. The Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States (HPUS) established that OTC homeopathic medicines containing 3X and higher dilutions of Arnica montana for oral medicine and 1X and higher dilutions for topical applications are safe for adults and children. Therapeutic claims for Arnica montana are based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. Homeopathic products are not evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
For topical medicine:
- Medicines intended to be applied to the skin should not be swallowed.
- Certain products may be flammable. Keep away from open flame.
- You should never heat, microwave, or add the medicine to hot water.
- You should avoid getting the product into your eyes, nose, mouth or rectal cavity.
Ask a healthcare provider before use if:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not use if:
For oral medicine:
- Do not use more than the Drug Facts label indicates unless instructed by a healthcare provider.
- You are sensitive or allergic to Arnica montana.
For topical medicine:
- Do not bandage, use a heating pad on, or expose the treated area to heat or direct sunlight.
- Do not apply the medicine to wounds, or damaged, broken, or irritated skin.
- Do not apply the medicine immediately after taking a bath or shower.
Stop use and ask a doctor if:
For oral medicine:
- Your condition gets worse or if symptoms persist for more than three days.
- You have an unexpected reaction. Get medical help right away.
- Your symptoms clear up and return within a few days.
- You develop new symptoms.
- You take too much. Immediately contact a healthcare provider or the poison control national helpline right away at 800.222.1222.
For topical medicine:
- Your condition gets worse or if symptoms persist for more than three days.
- Redness is present or irritation develops.
- A severe burning sensation occurs.
- Topical medicines are for external use only. If swallowed, immediately contact a healthcare provider or the poison control national helpline at 800.222.1222.
Resources
The Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States (HPUS) is the official guidebook that outlines standards of identity and purity that homeopathic medicines must meet. Materia Medica (or “materials of medicine”) contains information about the specific symptoms of disease and the homeopathic medicines used for their treatment.
