Stefan Gafner, PhD, who is also technical director of the Botanical Adulterants Program, explained: "The occurrence of
arnica adulteration with Heterotheca inuloides has been known for over half a century, and is readily detected by macroscopic, microscopic, chemical and/or DNA analysis.
However, there are also conflicting, non-promising results relative to the analgesic properties of
Arnica (VICKERS et al., 1998; STEVINSON et al., 2003), which suggests the need to perform studies to demonstrate or rule out its efficacy in this regard, specifically in felines.
Still, research suggests that
arnica gels and creams rubbed into the skin (but not on open wounds) may be as effective as ibuprofen as a pain reliever, though some allergic skin reactions have been reported.
Arnica gel or ointment works as well as ibuprofen and other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
The pressure on natural sources of this plant is alleviated by a suitable use of
arnica supply in the European region, where flower heads are harvested [25].
Popular but ineffective products and therapies included deer velvet, rescue remedy,
arnica, propolis, magnets, shark cartilage, the lemon detox diet, and megadoses of vitamin C to treat cancer.
We have heard and experienced personally many more
Arnica success stories than we have space to recount in this article, but we will recount a few.
Randomization was used to assign one topical agent (5% vitamin K, 1% vitamin K and 0 3% retinol, 20%
arnica, or white petrolatum) to exactly one bruise per subject, which was then treated under occlusion twice a day for 2 weeks.
I spoke to Sean Welch, a senior assistant vice president in the claims division at
Arnica Mutual, to find out how the insurer gets such high satisfaction ratings from its policyholders.
Researchers at Romania's University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Targu Mures, carried this study out to determine what effect, if any,
Arnica 7C could bring to bear on mice suffering from trauma, when compared to placebo.
Arnica is another old-school must-have for dancers.
On a national level, the the state is working with Oregon berry growers and processors on a campaign that includes promotions with partners such as Costco, Safeway and Whole Foods and a cookbook partnership with
Arnica Publishing and Creative Services of Portland.