Evidence supporting the use of: Arnica
For the health condition: Bites and Stings
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Arnica (Arnica montana) has been traditionally used in herbal medicine to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing of bruises, sprains, and minor wounds. Its use for bites and stings is primarily rooted in this long history of folk and traditional medicine, especially in Europe. The rationale is that arnica’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties may help alleviate swelling, pain, and irritation associated with insect bites or stings.
However, scientific evidence supporting arnica’s efficacy specifically for bites and stings is limited. Most clinical research on arnica has focused on its topical application for bruises, muscle pain, or postoperative swelling, with mixed results. For example, a few randomized controlled trials suggest modest benefits for reducing pain and swelling in musculoskeletal injuries, but these findings cannot be directly extrapolated to bites and stings.
There are anecdotal reports and historical references to arnica being used as a poultice or ointment for insect bites, but robust clinical trials examining this use are lacking. Additionally, arnica should never be ingested or applied to broken skin due to potential toxicity and risk of allergic reactions. In summary, arnica’s use for bites and stings is primarily justified by tradition, and while its anti-inflammatory compounds (such as helenalin) offer a plausible mechanism, scientific validation for this specific application is lacking.
Other ingredients used for Bites and Stings
Aloe verabasil
beta caryophyllene
beta-pinene
betel
bisabolol
black cumin
black walnut
bасора
chamomile
citrus oil
turmeric
curcumin
echinacea purpurea
goldenseal
green tea
hemp oil
horseradish
honeysuckle
lavender
mustard seed
oregano
phenolic compounds
plantain
rosemary
sage
schizonepeta
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
vitamin E
zinc
bentonite
chickweed
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
shen-chu
mugwort
neem tree
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
paederia foetida
blackboard tree
boxthorne
buckthorn
lemongrass
siler root
fern
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
wintergreen
camphor oil
menthol oil
paw paw
herbal blend (proprietary)
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
arnica
impatiens
Ash
Avens
Asclepias cordifolia
Angel's Trumpet
Ardisia
Angelica
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Aconite
Adrenergic amines
American Liverleaf
Aquilegia formosa
Alsonia scholaris
Asteracea
Abuta
Amor seco
Arani
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Black-Eyed Susan
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Brazilian peppertree
Bisabolene
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Black root
Borneol
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Colloidal Silver
Capillary Artemisia
Cinquefoil
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Curcumen
Cedar
Centipeda
Castile Soap
Cocklebur
Copaiba Oil
Citronella
Devil's Club
Dichrostachys glomerata
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Eclipta
Echinacea
Emu Oil
Essential Oil Blend
Eupatorium
Euphorbia
European-Five Finger Grass
Eugenol
Fomes fomentarius
Fang-Feng
Ficus religiosa
Fleabane
Fir
Gnaphalium
gamma-terpinene
Giant Blazingstar
Glechoma hederacea
Gallotannin
Guazuma ulmifolia
Honey
Heal-All
Homalomena
Hydrocolloid
Hound's Tongue
Helicteres isora
Henna
Hairy Arnica
Herb Robert
Hyaluronidase
Hemp
Horsemint
Huang Hua
Ilex
Indian Coraltree
Isobutylamides
Jessica's Sticktight
Lime
Lesser speargrass
Litsea
Laggera pterodonta
Lodhtree
Labrador Tea
Lantana camara
Leptospermum scoparium
Lysimachia
Lewis's monkey flower
Mountain horopito
Mustard
Melia
Monoterpenes
Malva sylvestris
Matico
Matapalo Tree
Mahonia
Milkweed
Morning Glory
Marigold
Marking Nut Tree
Macaranga indica
Nasturtium
Nimbidin
Osha
Oxystelma
Propolis
Phyllanthus
Purple Tephrosia
Pluchea
Prepared Aconite Tuber
Pellitory
Peucedanum
portulaca
Plumbago zeylanica
Papayotin
Petiveria
Plectranthus amboinicus
P-menthane-3,8-Diol
Quisqualis
Rue
Resin
Red Spiderling
Rubia yunnanensis
Rhus glabra
Spilanthes
Sinapis arvensis
Sesbania
Spanish Needle
Smartweed
Solanaceae
Sesquiterpenes
Self-Heal
Smooth Alder
Sweet Annie
Spikenard
Sensitive Plant
Solanum indicum
Sickle-leaf hare's ear
Southernwood
Soapberry
Stellaria dichotoma
Sapindus mukorossi
Stereospermum
Sweet Bay
Storax
Terpenoids
Trumpet Vine
Terpinen-4-ol
Thymus
Thymol
Tansy
Tea Tree Oil
Tagetes
Vervain
Witch Hazel
Weak Jumby Pepper
Winter Savory
Yerba Mansa
Zingiberene
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