Homeopathic Medicine Introduces The New Arnica Gel For Bruising, Sprains And Local Wounds

Arnica gel is extracted from the medicinal plant Arnica Montana. The genus arnica contains around 30 perennial herbaceous species which are belonging to the sunflower family. Due to the medicinal variety it has been put to good commercial use nowadays. Arnica Montana has been used for medical purpose for centuries but the scientific explanations for the medicinal value cannot be assessed because of indifference in the function of chemical substances.

Uses Of The Arnica Gel And Its Chemical Composition

Arnica roots contain thymol like derivative. Thymol is a phenol derivative which is also available in mint known as mint oil. Thymol like derivative of arnica is a good fungicide and preservative. Historic use of arnica has gone back to 1500s where Europeans and Native Americans used it to relieve pain and inflammation. Arnica was used topically as gel, ointments, liniment, or tincture by these people to get rid of muscle cramp and for quick wound healing. It was often a first aid treatment for any injury. Arnica was restricted to topical use because of serious toxic effects when taken internally. It was found that arnica contains a toxic compound called as helenalin which cause serious gastroenteritis and intestinal bleeding when taken internally. Various researches were done on arnica and were found to possess equal amount of analgesic character as ibuprofen, but less than diclofenac. It also acts against bacteria and fungi which the common analgesics fail to act. It also helps to relieve osteo arthritis at old age. But some research states that arnica is no better than a placebo.

Commercial Use Of Arnica Gel And Its Advantages

Commercially many companies produce arnica gel which is used by athletes to relieve cramps and for wounds. It is cheaper than diclofenac gels which are commonly used. Their bactericidal and fungicidal feature helps against wounds. In homeopathic medicine, the arnica gel is prescribed both topically and orally but as only highly diluted suspension as it cause GI problems when taken internally. Arnica has effect on asthma. Common cold and internal infections and hence has been put to good use in homeopathy.