Arnica

• CompressFlowerExternalCommission E

  Arnica tincture (1:10 in 70 % ethanol), diluted 1:3 to 1:10 with water, applied as a moist compress to bruises, contusions, sprains and blunt injuries. External use on intact, unbroken skin only. Apply compress 2-3 times daily for 20-30 minutes, covered with a cloth. Kommission E positively assessed arnica for blunt injuries, haematomas, and muscle and joint complaints.

  Sources: [1] [2] [3]

• TinctureFlowerExternalCommission E

  Undiluted or lightly diluted arnica tincture (DAB: Tinctura Arnicae 1:10, ethanol 70 %) rubbed in for muscle soreness, strains and joint pain after physical exertion. Apply to intact skin only; do not cover with occlusive dressings. German Commission E positively assessed arnica for topical use on blunt trauma; the EMA classifies the use as traditional.

  Sources: [1] [2] [3]

• SalveFlowerExternalCommission E

  Arnica ointment or gel (standardised on sesquiterpene lactones, typically 0.5-1 % helenalin derivatives or equivalent to 15 % tincture in ointment base) for external use on blunt injuries, muscle pain, joint complaints, bruises and sprains. Apply thinly 2-3 times daily; do not use on open wounds. German Commission E positively assessed arnica preparations for external use; the EMA monograph lists arnica as traditional use.

  Sources: [1] [2] [3]

• BathFlowerExternalTraditional use

  Arnica sitz bath or partial/foot bath for tired, aching muscles and mild joint complaints after physical work: 2-3 tbsp dried arnica flowers (approx. 5-10 g) infused in 1 litre boiling water, steeped 10 minutes, strained and added to bath water (temperature 36-38 °C, bathing time 15-20 minutes). Traditional folk application, well documented in German-language herbal literature (Wichtl, Hänsel/Sticher). Do not use on damaged skin, open wounds, or in known Asteraceae allergy.

  Sources: [3] [4] [5]

• CompressFlowerExternalCommission E

  Arnica tincture diluted with water (1:5 to 1:10), applied as a compress for insect bites and superficial skin irritations (not on open wounds). Apply compress with a clean cloth to the affected area, leave for 15-20 minutes. Kommission E explicitly lists insect bites as an indication for external arnica preparations. Only on intact skin — use on open wounds is contraindicated (local mucosal irritation, contact dermatitis risk).

  Sources: [1] [2]

• SalveFlowerExternalClinical trial

  Standardised arnica gel (50 g arnica flower tincture per 100 g, equivalent to ~15 % mother tincture) clinically studied for osteoarthritis of finger joints and knee: In randomised controlled trials (e.g. Knuesel et al. 2002, Wiesenauer 2004), arnica gel showed comparable efficacy to ibuprofen gel in pain reduction and improvement of joint function. Apply 3 times daily to affected joints for at least 3-6 weeks to assess benefit. Use only as adjunct, not as replacement for physician-prescribed osteoarthritis therapy.

  Sources: [1] [3] [6]

• TinctureFlowerExternalFolk medicine

  Folk medicine application of arnica tincture (heavily diluted 1:10 in water) for chilblains (perniones) and cold-induced skin damage: as compress or gentle rub to promote local circulation. Long-standing tradition in German folk medicine (Kneipp tradition) and Swiss herbal medicine (Künzle). Clinical evidence lacking — purely traditional use. Only on intact, unbroken skin.

  Sources: [5] [7] [8]

⚠ External use only

CRITICAL — EXTERNAL USE ONLY: Arnica montana must NEVER be taken internally. Even small oral doses of the herbal drug can cause severe poisoning through the sesquiterpene lactone helenalin: mucosal irritation, gastroenteritis, cardiac arrhythmia (cardiotoxicity), CNS disturbances and respiratory paralysis. External use: do NOT apply to open wounds, abrasions or damaged skin — risk of local irritation and systemic absorption of helenalin. ASTERACEAE ALLERGY (Compositae family) is an absolute contraindication. Arnica can cause severe allergic contact dermatitis. Conservation status: Arnica montana is strictly protected in Germany, Austria and Switzerland — wild collection is prohibited. Use only pharmacy-grade products or cultivated material. Homeopathic arnica preparations (dilutions D4 and above) are governed by different rules from the phytotherapeutic drug — only phytotherapeutic preparations are described here.