The bruise balm
Arnica gel or cream
Rubbed on unbroken skin over a bruise or sore spot. Some studies suggest it may ease pain and bruising.
Good for: Bruises & bumps · Sore muscles
What variations of arnica exist?
A mountain flower made into gels and creams that are rubbed on bruises and sore muscles. It's also sold as homeopathic pellets. The herb itself is toxic if swallowed and shouldn't go on broken skin. It comes in 4 forms, and they aren't all the same. Here's how they differ.
For education only. What's right for you depends on your health and your medications, so check with your provider before you start or switch. Book a consult
Our top pick
Every form, in plain words
The bruise balm
Arnica gel or cream
Rubbed on unbroken skin over a bruise or sore spot. Some studies suggest it may ease pain and bruising.
Good for: Bruises & bumps · Sore muscles
The massage one
Arnica massage oil
Used on sore muscles. For unbroken skin only.
Good for: Sore muscles
The tiny pellets
Homeopathic arnica pellets
So diluted they don't carry the herb's dangers. Evidence that they work is mixed.
Usually skip
- Never swallow (Arnica tincture or herb taken by mouth)Poisonous when swallowed. It can cause vomiting, heart rhythm problems, and bleeding.
Spotting a good one on the shelf
Look for
- Look for 'Arnica gel or cream' on the label (the bruise balm)
Watch out for
- It's unclear whether it's homeopathic pellets or an herbal cream. Only homeopathic pellets are meant to be swallowed.
Check with your provider first if…
- Never swallow arnica gel, cream, oil, tincture, or the herb itself
- Don't apply it to broken skin, cuts, or open wounds
- Allergy to ragweed, daisies, marigolds, or related plants (it can cause a skin rash)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Stop if the skin turns red, itchy, or blistered
In Dr. Lesher's store
4 products in Dr. Lesher's dispensary have arnica. Here's which form, where the label says.
Check with your provider before taking any of these, especially if you're pregnant or take medications.
MediNatura
Buy on Fullscript T-Relief Arnica +12
MediNatura
Buy on Fullscript T-Relief Extra Strength Pain Relief
MediNatura
Buy on Fullscript T-Relief Extra Strength Pain Relief Gel
MediNatura
Traumeel Ointments
1,500 mg per serving
Ready to find the root cause?
Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.