With so many brands of arnica products on the market, you might be confused which one is the best for you. This article on arnica gel reviews will help you select a product which best suits your needs.
The arnica plant, known as Arnica montana, is a beautiful, bright, yellow daisy-type plant. It is native to the mountainous regions of Europe and North America. It is well-known for its healing properties, and has been considered as one of the best medicines to treat various types of pain. Arnica gel is known as the best medicine of homeopathy for various skin conditions and bruises. It is available in almost every drug store in the United States; you can also buy this gel online from various homeopathic retailers. Arnica is also available in the form of topical cream, arnica oil, arnica montana pills, and arnica teas.
Overview
Many leading medical publications and magazines have already given arnica gel some excellent reviews and ratings. It’s one of the most preferred gels by Americans for day-to-day injuries and bruises. The gel is neither greasy nor it sticks, which makes it easy to use. The effects of this gel mainly depends on two key ingredients which are sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoid glycosides. Sesquiterpene lactones are a class of chemicals found in plants, which if used in moderate quantities can help reduce inflammation and heal faster. Flavonoid glycosides are molecules having antioxidant properties, and they are found in various plants.
Best Product on the Market
Other than the flowers and leaves, ingredients which play an important part in the formation of arnica gel are the roots and stems of the plant. This medicinal plant was used for centuries for a variety of health conditions. Doctors recommend the use of this gel twice a day for bruises and cuts.
The gel can be used for various bruises as it acts like a catalyst to the normal healing process, which in turn, eases the flow of blood accumulation and body fluids. It help prevent discoloration of skin which is common after a bruise or a wound. The other benefits of this gel include prevention of muscle ache and stiffness, which is very common after an injury, blow, or a fall.
Some medical theories have also claimed that this gel can also heal muscle tear and sprained joints. Doctors also claim that regular use of arnica gel has cured patients from arthritis and osteoarthritis of the knee although no proof of such an incident has ever been recorded. However, in many cases this gel has provided relief from back and hip pain.
The following are some of the common known brands of this herbal remedy:
Boiron Arnicare Gel
Arnicare Gel is non sticky and non greasy. It relieves body from muscle aches, stiffness, bruising and discoloration. It’s made by Boiron, the world leader in homeopathic medicines. The gel is made from fresh flowers of arnica montana, and are best recommended for athletes and runners.
Arniflora Arnica Gel
If you know that you are a bumper and you get hurt very easily, then Arniflora gel is something that should be with you. We almost break our toes everyday while opening door for someone or just walking beside the wall. If you don’t believe in taking oral tablets for your bumps, then Arniflora is the gel for you which reduces pain, redness, and makes sure the swelling is cured from the inside.
American Natural Arnica Gel
It’s main ingredients are arnica oil, purified water, silicone oil, alcohol, and sodium hydroxide. It’s ideal for the stiffed or strained muscle, minor injuries, and trauma. It also has a nice smell which makes it not too much overpowering. It comes in a plastic bottle, and not a tube which makes it easy to use.
Side Effects
Although this gel is very popular among homeopathic practitioners, modern medicine still has doubts about the ability of this wonder gel. There are many medical scientists who claim that arnica is not effective on many wounds and it’s always advised to use arnica gel after doctor’s consultation. Several cases of redness, itching, blisters, allergic reactions and inflammation have been reported.
Avoid the use of concentrated arnica on a fresh wound or broken skin, and never take arnica internally as it can cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and in worst cases raised heartbeat. Its side effects on pregnant women is still a hot topic of discussion, so it’s recommended that pregnant women should refrain from using this gel.
The aforementioned reviews will help you make a sound decision regarding using the gel. However, make sure to consult a homeopathic doctor before using it.
Disclaimer: This HolisticZine article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
