Evidence supporting the use of: Arnica
For the health condition: Afterbirth Pain
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Arnica montana, commonly referred to as arnica, has a long history of traditional use in European herbal medicine for the relief of pain and inflammation, including muscle aches, bruising, and postoperative discomfort. In the context of afterbirth pain—which refers to uterine cramping and discomfort after childbirth—arnica is sometimes recommended in traditional herbalism and homeopathy for its perceived anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. However, scientific evidence specific to arnica’s efficacy for afterbirth pain is extremely limited. Most available studies on arnica focus on its topical use for bruising or muscle soreness, with results that are mixed and often methodologically weak. There are no robust clinical trials directly evaluating arnica’s impact on uterine cramping or postpartum pain. Its use for afterbirth pain is thus rooted in tradition and anecdotal reports rather than rigorous scientific validation. Additionally, oral use of arnica can be toxic and is generally not recommended outside of highly diluted homeopathic preparations. In summary, while arnica’s use for afterbirth pain persists in traditional medicine, scientific support is minimal, and safety concerns exist regarding its ingestion.
Other ingredients used for Afterbirth Pain
AbutaAchyranthes
Aerva lanata
Agrimony
Alchemilla
Aletris
American Liverleaf
Amor seco
anise
Anserina
Aquilegia formosa
Arisaema
arnica
Ashoka
ashwagandha
avens
bai ji
Baliospermum
balsam
bethroot
bishop\'s weed
black cohosh
black-eyed Susan
blue cohosh
boxthorne
Butea monosperma
Caesalpinia crista
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
capillary artemisia
castor oil
chamomile
chrysophanics
cinquefoil
cohosh
comfrey
Cyathula
Cynodon dactylon
Davilla rugosa
Didymocarpus
dragon\'s blood
Erigeron
Eupatorium
Eupolyphaga sinensis
fennel
fern
fleabane
giant trillium
ginger
ginseng
Gnaphalium
goldenrod
Homalomena
labrador tea
Laggera pterodonta
lavender
licorice root
little ironweed
lodhtree
Lygodium
Matico
Mountain mahogany
Mugwort
Myrrh
Oxystelma
Paris polyphylla
parsley
Pentatropis capensis
Petiveria
Pluchea
prepared aconite tuber
punarnava
queen of the meadow
Rhodiola
Rhus glabra
Rubia yunnanensis
rue
Sanicle
Sesbania
shen-chu
Sickle-leaf hare's ear
siler root
Spanish Needle
Stellaria dichotoma
Stereospermum
Stone Root
Tagetes
Trichosanthes
turmeric
Viburnum
Weak Jumby Pepper
xanthium (cockleburs)
Yarrow
Yerba Mansa
Other health conditions supported by arnica
AbrasionsAbscesses
Afterbirth Pain
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Blisters
Boils
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Inflammation
Injuries
Ligaments (torn or injured)
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Pain (general remedies for)
Scratches and Abrasions
Sprains
Stiff Neck
Ulcerations (external)
Wounds and Sores
