Nothing feels more exciting than the dopamine hit from buying a new wellness product. Although purchasing a specific product to prevent or treat every possible ailment is tempting, don’t sleep on multi-purpose products!
Enter: arnica.
It’s a natural remedy that does double duty by providing pain relief and skin care benefits. From reducing bruises to soothing sore muscles, arnica deserves a spot in your wellness routine.
Dr. Melanie Palm is a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at Art of Skin MD in San Diego, CA. She spills the tea on arnica’s benefits and applications. “Arnica is a homeopathic herb derived from a plant in the sunflower family. It can be ingested orally in tablet form, as tinctures, or in teas. In skincare, topical products with arnica (creams, gels, and lotions) are thought to decrease inflammation/swelling and soothe bug bites. It is also marketed as relief for osteoarthritis.”
Recently, arnica has seen an upswing in popularity, partially because it aids in the management of bruising and swelling following cosmetic procedures like Botox or filler treatments. Dr. Palm says that applying arnica topically or taking it orally a few days before and after these treatments may help minimize bruising.
“But,” she emphasizes, “it doesn’t absolve patients from other post-treatment best practices, such as avoiding excess physical activity, alcohol, and consistently using a cold compress to encourage vasoconstriction.”
Want to avoid going under the needle but still wanna look filtered 24/7? Arnica’s anti-inflammatory properties make it a must-have ingredient for those with sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea. “Incorporating arnica into skincare routines can help calm irritation and reduce redness,” Dr. Palm explains.
While we love any help with a glow-up, arnica’s versatility extends beyond vanity. In topical form, it has been traditionally used as a natural remedy for various aches and pains and alleviating the symptoms of Aunt Flo. “It is said to reduce swelling and inflammation, so it may help joint and muscle pain or menstrual cramps,” Dr. Palm says.
It’s tempting to blindly trust that this over-the-counter herb will cure neck and shoulder pain caused by sitting at a desk all day, but Dr. Palm issues some words of caution for consumers before they go all in on arnica.
“It’s important to note that arnica is not regulated by the FDA, and there is limited scientific research to prove its benefits,” she notes. “Arnica can also be poisonous in certain doses, so it’s important not to apply it on broken skin.” Consuming arnica in its undiluted form can lead to nausea, a rapid heart rate, and, in extreme cases, be fatal.
She also warns that arnica can “interact negatively with blood-thinning medications or supplements like Jantoven, Plavix, heparin and ibuprofen. So if you’re consuming it orally, be sure to consult with your doctor first.”
Below, we share some of our fave arnica products. With these, the only thing you’ll have to worry about being bruised is your ego.
The content provided in this article is provided for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice and consultation, including professional medical advice and consultation; it is provided with the understanding that Poosh, LLC (“Poosh”) is not engaged in the provision or rendering of medical advice or services. The opinions and content included in the article are the views of the author only, and Poosh does not endorse or recommend any such content or information, or any product or service mentioned in the article. You understand and agree that Poosh shall not be liable for any claim, loss, or damage arising out of the use of, or reliance upon any content or information in the article.
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