Evidence supporting the use of: Arnica (unspecified)
For the health condition: Abrasions
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Arnica (typically Arnica montana) has a long history of traditional use for treating minor wounds, including abrasions, bruises, and sprains. In folk and homeopathic medicine, arnica preparations—usually topical gels, creams, or ointments—are applied to the skin with the intent to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation. The rationale for its use in abrasions is rooted in its reputed anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, as well as its ability to promote healing of minor injuries. However, scientific evidence specifically supporting the use of arnica for abrasions is limited. Most clinical studies have focused on bruising, muscle soreness, or postoperative pain, with mixed results and methodological issues. There are very few, if any, rigorous clinical trials examining effectiveness in the healing of abrasions. Furthermore, topical arnica should not be applied to broken skin (such as open abrasions), as it can cause irritation or allergic reactions and is considered unsafe for such use. Thus, while arnica’s application for abrasions is supported by tradition, there is little robust scientific validation, and safety concerns exist regarding its use on open wounds.
Other ingredients used for Abrasions
aloe verabeeswax
bisabolol
chamomile
turmeric
glycerin
goldenseal
gotu kola
hyaluronic acid
lavender
licorice root
microbial enzymes (proprietary)
mucin
plantain
protease
purified silver
slippery elm bark
vitamin C
zinc
chickweed
xanthium (cockleburs)
shen-chu
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
paederia foetida
boxthorne
yarrow
moss
myrrh
siler root
oriental arborvitae
assam indigo
paw paw
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
arnica
sea salt
Ash
Avens
Asiaticoside
acacia
Agave
Agrimony
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Alchemilla
Ajuga
Aquilegia formosa
Allantoin
Alkanet
Alsonia scholaris
Ampelopsis
Abuta
Alkanna
Bee Propolis
Bai Ji
Blackthorn
Balsam
Blackbrush
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Brazillian peppertree
Bee hive
Bloodroot
Benzoin
Banyan
Bletilla
Bee products
Bombax
Boerhavia diffusa
Calochortus
Comfrey
Centella triterpenes
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Colloidal Silver
Capillary Artemisia
Cinquefoil
Cattail
Cocoa Butter
Cymbidium goeringii
Cornflower
Cowherb
Centella asiatica
Celandine
Centipeda
Carrapichinho
Cedrus libani
Castile Soap
Cynodon dactylon
Cocklebur
Cynanchum
Casearia sylvestris
Didymocarpus
Dragon's Blood
Davilla rugosa
Epidermal Growth Factor
Erigeron
Elephant Vine
Erodium cicutarium
English Elm
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
fibroblast growth factor
Little ironweed
Oak
Polyvinyl alcohol
Other health conditions supported by Arnica (unspecified)
AbrasionsAbuse and Trauma
Afterbirth Pain
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Blisters
Boils
Bruises (healing)
Cuts
Inflammation
Injuries
Ligaments (torn or injured)
Pain (general remedies for)
Scars / Scar Tissue
Scratches and Abrasions
Sprains
Ulcerations (external)
Wounds and Sores