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
ashwagandhablack cohosh
chamomile
turmeric
fennel
ginger
ginseng
lavender
licorice root
parsley
rhodiola
xanthium (cockleburs)
shen-chu
mugwort
anise
punarnava
caesalpinia crista
boxthorne
goldenrod
yarrow
myrrh
siler root
fern
trichosanthes
queen of the meadow
arnica
Avens
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Alchemilla
Aletris
Anserina
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Aquilegia formosa
Ashoka
Abuta
Amor seco
Arisaema
Blue Cohosh
Bai Ji
Baliospermum
Black-Eyed Susan
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Butea monosperma
Bethroot
Comfrey
Cohosh
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Capillary Artemisia
Cinquefoil
Cyathula
Cynodon dactylon
Castor Oil
Chrysophanics
Didymocarpus
Dragon's Blood
Davilla rugosa
Erigeron
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Eupatorium
Little ironweed
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