Table of contents:
- Benefits of arnica ointment
- 1. Overcoming bruises
- 2. Reducing the symptoms of osteoarthritis
- 3. Reduces swelling
- Arnica side effects
Arnica ointment made from the arnica plant (Arnica montana) which is a yellow orange flower. This plant comes from the mountainous regions of Europe and North America. Since the 1500's, the fresh or dried flowers of the arnica plant have been used for natural medicinal purposes. What are the health benefits of Arnica Ointment?
Benefits of arnica ointment
1. Overcoming bruises
Arnica ointment is one quick way to heal a bruise. Bruises are bleeding in or under the skin as a result of damaged blood vessels, indicated by areas of skin that are blue-black in color. Bruises usually occur due to trauma from a blunt object.
A study released in 2006 stated that Arnica montana can be used as an antiekimosis (anti-inflammatory) when used during facial surgery when compared with a placebo (a drug that contains no content). Although it still needs to be proven by further research, this can confirm that Arnica can be used to reduce bruising on the body.
2. Reducing the symptoms of osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that attacks the joints of the body, can affect both sides of the joints of the body, and is usually affected by weight gain or increasing age. Osteoarthritis occurs most often in the knee joint. The most common symptom of osteoarthritis is pain on both sides of the joint.
Some studies suggest that arnica ointment can be used to treat symptoms of pain in osteoarthritis that occur in the knee, although it only reduces pain that is mild to moderate in nature. More research is needed to increase evidence of the effectiveness of this ointment against the more serious symptoms of osteoarthritis.
3. Reduces swelling
Swelling usually occurs because there is inflammation in a certain part of the body. Well, a number of sources say that arnica ointment is able to trigger the work of white blood cells in the body to swell. These white blood cells are part of the immune system (immune). Its function is to repair damaged cells or tissues.
However, until now, more in-depth research with a broader scope is still needed to prove the benefits of this one.
Arnica side effects
It is not recommended that you take arnica to drink it without medical supervision. This can cause side effects such as dizziness, tremors, and heart abnormalities when taken by mouth. Arnica can also irritate mucous membranes and cause vomiting. Arnica can be fatal in large doses.
Generally arnica ointment is considered safe, but do not apply it to open wounds. People who are allergic or hypersensitive to arnica should also avoid it. If used for long periods of time, arnica can cause skin irritation, eczema, peeling of the skin, or blisters.
Although it has already been mentioned some of the benefits that can be obtained from arnica ointment, there is still not enough research for this ointment and further research is needed. All you need to do is further consult a doctor or a certified herbalist regarding the use of the arnica ointment.
