Evidence supporting the use of: Arnica (unspecified)
For the health condition: Sprains

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Arnica, particularly Arnica montana, has a long history of traditional use in Europe and North America for treating sprains, bruises, and muscle soreness. It is commonly applied topically in the form of creams, gels, or ointments to the affected area. The traditional rationale is that Arnica possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which may help reduce swelling, pain, and healing time associated with sprains. However, scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness for this indication is limited and somewhat mixed. Several small-scale randomized controlled trials have investigated Arnica’s effect on soft tissue injuries, including sprains, but results are inconclusive, with some studies reporting modest benefits while others find no significant difference compared to placebo. The majority of systematic reviews and meta-analyses conclude that while Arnica may be safe for topical use, its efficacy is not well established due to methodological limitations, small sample sizes, and inconsistent results. Overall, Arnica’s use for sprains is primarily rooted in traditional practice rather than robust scientific validation.

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