If you’ve never used arnica oil, it’s not too late to start. The oil comes from the flowering arnica plant, native to the mountains of Europe and Siberia. Arnica oil can be diluted with a carrier oil and applied topically to help heal bruises, insect bites, sprains and even arthritis flare-up’s. It works by fighting inflammation to reduce aches and pains and promote healing. Due to its potency, arnica oil isn’t recommended for aromatherapy. However, the oil offers plenty of health benefits when it’s applied topically. Health benefits of arnica oil include the ability to treat osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel, muscle pain and more.
Health Benefits of Arnica Oil
1. Heals Bruises
Health benefits of arnica oil include the ability to help heal bruises. A study conducted by Northwestern University’s Department of Dermatology found that arnica oil was highly effective at reducing bruises and promoting healing. Use the oil topically twice daily to help improve pain and discoloration caused by a bruise. Be sure to dilute the oil with a carrier oil before applying it to the skin, to help prevent irritation. (1)
2. Treats Osteoarthritis
Health benefits of arnica oil include the ability to treat osteoarthritis. In a 2007 study, researchers found that arnica oil could be used topically to fight inflammation and relieve arthritis symptoms. Thanks to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, health benefits of arnica oil include the ability to treat osteoarthritis of the hands and knees. (2)
3. Improves Carpal Tunnel
Health benefits of arnica oil include the ability to improve symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. The oil works by reducing inflammation that can worsen pain. Research has shown that using arnica oil post carpal tunnel surgery can help naturally relieve pain in the wrist.
4. Relieves Sprains, Muscle Pain and Inflammation
Health benefits of arnica oil include the ability to relieve plain related to sprains, sore muscles and other inflammatory conditions. According to a study published in the European Journal of Sport Science, participants who used arnica oil topically experienced less pain and muscle tenderness 72 hours after intense exercise, suggesting that the oil can aid in muscle recovery. Health benefits of arnica oil also include the ability to provide muscle cramp relief, thanks to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. The oil works by stimulating the flow of white blood cells, to help disperse congested blood and trapped fluid in the muscles and joints. (3)
5. Encourages Hair Growth
Health benefits of arnica oil include the ability to encourage hair growth. It’s one of the best natural treatments for hair loss. Use arnica oil to reverse hair loss by massaging the oil into your scalp. It nourishes the scalp, stimulates hair follicles and supports the growth of healthy hair. Health benefits of arnica oil include the ability to encourage hair growth in cases of baldness or hair loss for both men and women.