Arnica

There have been claims that oral Arnica is useful in alleviating pain and stiffness of muscle soreness, and in tissue trauma, but these claims are not supported by credible research.

Sesquiterpenoid lactones in Arnica, such as helenalin, are extremely poisonous and cardiotoxic. Oral use of Arnica is considered unsafe, as is topical use of Arnica on broken skin and open wounds. Individuals with cardiac arrythmias, hypertension, and those taking medicines known to cause a prolonged QT interval or medicines known to be potentially cardiotoxic, should be very careful about the use of Arnica. Ingested Arnica might cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, coma, and death. Individuals allergic or hypersensitive to Arnica or to other members of the daisy family can develop anaphylaxis, asthmatic attacks, bronchospasm, conjunctivitis, rhinitis, and urticaria. Topical Arnica may cause contact dermatitis manifested as pruritis and erythema. Arnica may potentiate the adverse effects of drugs known to cause a prolonged QT interval. Such drugs include amiodarone, amitryptyline, chlorpromazine, desipramine, disopyramide, doxepim, haloperidol, pentamidine, procainamide, prochlorperazine, quinidine, and sotalol. Arnica might potentiate the cardiotoxicity of such medicines as doxorubicin. This website is intended to educate and inform, and should not replace discussions with your doctor.