What is Arnica Oil?
Arnica oil is a natural oil extract (also referred to as an essential oil) produced from a botanical commonly known as arnica and scientifically known as Arnica Montana L.
Sometimes called “mountain tobacco” or “leopard’s bane,” arnica is a wildflower that grows in the mountains of Europe and North America.
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Botanical Name: Arnica Montana L.
Plant Part: Flowers
Method of Extraction: Maceration
Country of Origin: France
Color/Consistency: Light green/yellow with a medium consistency
Aroma: Mild, Warm, Herbal
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Arnica Oil - Infused in Sunflower (Helianthus Annus) Seed Oil - Organic (Arnica Montana L.)
Ethnobotanical records indicate that arnica essential oil has been used medicinally for a very long time in both Europe and America. Modern day phytochemical analysis (studies of its chemical composition) found that active secondary metabolites produced by arnica are responsible for its healing benefits.
How Can Arnica Pure Essential Oil Benefit Our Health?
Arnica oil contains compounds like sesquiterpene lactones deemed to reduce inflammation and decrease pain. The constituent compounds in arnica oil are thought to prevent bruising and scarring by stimulating white blood cells to disperse trapped blood and fluid from the injured tissues.
The oils in arnica preparations are known to contain high concentrations of selenium and manganese, both very potent antioxidants. Manganese is a critical element needed for healthy bones, wound healing and the metabolism of proteins, cholesterol and carbohydrates. Many studies have found that Manganese levels in the body affect the level of Iron, Magnesium and Calcium as well.
Common uses for arnica essential oil to support healing and overall wellbeing include:
1. Bruises and Wounds
Arnica oil is useful to help restore ruptured blood vessels. A study conducted by researchers at Northwestern University, Department of Dermatology proved that the topical application of arnica was better at reducing bruises than low-concentration Vitamin K formulations. Research suggests a number of bioactive compounds may play a role in these healing processes.
2. Sprains, Muscle Pain and General Inflammation
Arnica essential oil is considered a very potent remedy for inflammation and injuries associated with exercise. A first choice amongst athletes, topical application of arnica is effective in reducing pain due to inflammation and muscle damage.
In a research paper reported in the European Journal of Sport Science, participants who applied arnica oil topically, directly after exercise and for the following three days, had less pain and muscle tenderness. Traditionally, Arnica oil has been used for making medicines for hematomas, contusions and sprains as well as rheumatic diseases.
One of arnica oil’s chemical components thymol is known to be a very useful vasodilator of subcutaneous blood capillaries, meaning it promotes the healthy flow of blood and other bodily fluids. In this way, it helps deliver white blood cells, essential for the healing process, to torn muscles, injured joints and any other inflamed tissues throughout the body. This is one of the reasons arnica oil functions as a potent anti-inflammatory agent, supporting and enhancing the body’s own healing processes.
3. Osteoarthritis
More than a decade ago, the scientific community established arnica extract’s potential to provide relief for those suffering from osteoarthritis.
As reported in this research article published in Rheumatology International, topical application of a gel containing arnica oil tincture provided relief comparable to using the anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen for the same symptoms. Quoting from the article’s abstract, “There were no differences between the two groups in pain and hand function improvements.”
Not only for hands, arnica oil is equally useful for osteoarthritis occurring anywhere in the body. Several studies aimed at evaluating the safety and efficacy of topical arnica for both men and women have found that arnica was effective when applied twice daily for six weeks.
Arnica oil has shown itself to be a well-tolerated, safe, and effective remedy.
4. Carpal Tunnel
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is basically inflammation of the tissue surrounding a very small opening below the base of the wrist. It is considered a physical injury, and arnica oil is an excellent natural remedy.
People have reported a reduction in carpal tunnel pain, and some of them even used it to help them avoid an otherwise imminent surgery. Those who have undergone surgery have reported a drastic reduction in carpal tunnel pain.
5. Hair care and growth
Falling hair and baldness are one of the biggest issues today. Arnica oil is used as a natural treatment for hair. For anyone suffering over hair loss and finding it difficult to regrow the lost hair, Arnica Oil may be the perfect remedy.
A regular scalp massage with arnica oil stimulates hair follicles and sets up a perfect environment for growing healthy new hair. There are many shampoos, conditioners and other products that can be used with arnica oil as an ingredient for a baldness treatment pack.
6. Skincare
Arnica oil is also useful for alleviating skin redness, irritation, acne, or burn symptoms.
