Homeopathy is a branch of holistic medicine based on the theory that “similars cure similars,” substances which create certain symptoms in healthy individuals, given in highly-diluted form, alleviate those symptoms in patients experiencing them. One of the mostly widely-used homeopathic remedies is Arnica Montana; it is often the remedy that starts people on the path to homeopathic treatment. Arnica has become so accepted in the mainstream that various preparations are even found in many conventional drug stores.
Bruising and Trauma
Arnica Montana is most commonly used for bruising, trauma, sprains and strains. There are a number of homeopathic Arnica products available: sugar-based pellets are the most common, but homeopathic remedy manufacturers also make Arnica cream, Arnica ointment, and Arnica gel. Many combination remedies also include Arnica, generally in tablet form.
The use of Arnica as the remedy of choice for bruising and trauma is mildly debatable among classical homeopaths; the homeopathic philosophy advocates prescribing remedies based on the totality of the symptoms, rather than just the primary symptoms as conventional medicine would do. With accidents or injuries, however, there is usually not a great degree of variation of symptoms; most people who suffer a fall with have bruising, for example, and thus a “generic” first-aid use of Arnica is generally well-accepted.
In the case of a fall, a person might take Arnica 30C pellets (the potency most commonly found over the counter), and apply Arnica cream, ointment, or gel to the injured area. (However, external Arnica products should not be used on any wounds with open skin.) Arnica pellets might also be used after over-exertion, such as a raking leaves or shoveling snow, or a workout after several months without exercise. Arnica is also suggested to prevent and alleviate shock, bruising, swelling, and pain associated with dental work or surgery. Don Hamilton, DVM, in his book Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs: Small Doses for Small Animals recommends giving Arnica and the Bach flower essence Rescue Remedy both before and after surgery to help with pain and surgical stress.
Efficacy and Safety
The research on homeopathic remedies in general, and Arnica products in particular, is limited and conflicting. While some studies have shown homeopathic remedies to have a greater effect than placebos, others have shown them to have the same or even less effect. This has lead to continued and increasing controversy regarding the effectiveness of homeopathic medicine as a discipline, and a general reluctance of conventional medical doctors to accept homeopathy as a valid treatment option. Given the diluted nature of homeopathic preparations and the low potencies available over the counter, however, they are considered to be extremely safe; while doctors may insist homeopathic remedies won’t help, most admit they won’t hurt, either. Patients should use common sense if self-treating with homeopathic remedies, just as they would with over-the-counter drugs; if symptoms are severe, increase, or don’t diminish after several days, a doctor’s examination should be sought.
It is important to point out that homeopathic Arnica products are not the same as herbal preparations using Arnica. Herbs are more potent than homeopathic remedies, and Arnica Montana in herb form may cause serious adverse effects if taken internally. Herbal Arnica products are limited to topical use, and as with homeopathic preparations should not be used on open wounds or broken skin.
Homeopathic Arnica remedies can be used for a variety of injuries, accidents, and surgeries. They are considered extremely safe, have no known drug interactions, and are often available at drug stores and pharmacies. For those interested in trying homeopathy, Arnica products are a useful addition to any first aid kit.
References:
Hamilton, Don. Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs: Small Doses for Small Animals. Berkeley: North Atlantic Books.
McCabe, Vinton. Practical Homeopathy. (New York: St. Martin’s Press, 2000), 369-73.
Ramey, D.W., Wagner, M.H., Imrie, R.H. and Stenger, V.J. “Homeopathy and Science: A Closer Look.” Technology 6, no. 1 (1999): 95-105.
Jennifer A. Walker - I have been writing for as long as I can remember, and was first published when I was eleven and wrote a profile of a local poet for my ...
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