Arnica montana is also commonly called leopards bane, wolfs bane, mountain tobacco, and mountain arnica. The flowering plant, known for its bright yellow petals and daisy-like appearance, is native to Europe, Southern Russia, and parts of North America. Medicinally, Arnica has been celebrated since the 1500s for its remarkable ability to reduce inflammation and to help heal bruises, hematomas, cramps, sprains, muscle pain and stiffness.
The proven analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of Arnica has lead to its well earned reputation as a highly sought after natural pain alleviator within alternative pain management therapy practices and homeopathic medicine. Topical application enhances blood circulation, reduces inflammation and relieves pain associated with sprains, arthritis, rheumatism and soft tissue injury. Arnica has been proven to be as effective as ibuprofen in the topical treatment of arthritis. It also significantly reduces post-surgical pain and inflammation in patients. Studies have shown that the primary compounds responsible for arnicas pronounced anti-inflammatory effect are sesquiterpene lactones, primarily helenalin. However, further studies are being conducted to more fully understand the exact mechanism by which, sesquiterpene lactones exert their anti-inflammatory effect.
INCI: Arnica Montana (Arnica)