You may have heard of arnica (Arnica montana) as a natural remedy for sprains, strains, and muscle aches. But have you heard about the amazing benefits this plant can offer for the skin? Read on to find out the amazing benefits of arnica for skin health!

The Awesome Arnica Plant

Arnica (Arnica montana) is also known as mountain tobacco, wolf’s bane, or leopard’s bane. It is a flowering plant originally from Europe and currently grows in parts of North America and Asia as well. This hardy plant belongs to the daisy/sunflower family (Asteraceae) and stands out from other flowering plants due to its soft, hairy leaves. Interestingly, the word “arni” means “lamb” in Greek - no doubt a reference to this most unusual trait. Arnica has been used for centuries in Europe to treat a variety of ailments, many of which will be discussed in the next section.

Arnica is most well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and these effects are largely attributed to a phytonutrient within it called helenalin. At the same time, it is this same substance that can make arnica toxic if used in large quantities.

As is the case with many other natural substances, how much arnica you use at once and how you use it can turn it from healing to harmful. That is why it is safest when utilized as a topical extract, cream, or, as we shall see later, as a synergistic ingredient in a high-quality skincare formula, such as the Coconut Island Bliss Body Butter by CHARLÍS. More on all that in a minute!

Health Benefits of Arnica

Arnica contains numerous phytonutrients that are highly beneficial for human health. It is known as an analgesic, anticoagulant, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. And, as you will see, it can also be beneficial for the skin when applied topically.

Several kinds of fatty acids (such as palmitic acid and linoleic acid), flavonoids, tannins, lignans, phytosterols, phenols, sesquiterpenes, and more can cause substantial and positive effects on inflammatory mechanisms in the body, especially. In fact, helenalin and other phytonutrients found in arnica can significantly lower inflammation as well as act as a powerful pain reliever in a way that is quite different from pharmaceutical drugs, since it has the ability to affect pain mechanisms at the very level of our DNA. (1)

Arnica can also be immune-boosting on many levels. Besides its effect on inflammatory mechanisms within the immune system, it also has the ability to enhance immune system cells responsible for “phagocytosis.” This is the engulfing and destroying of pathogens and other cellular debris.

Arnica is beneficial for detoxification and protection due to its high antioxidant levels. For the joints, ligaments, and other components of the musculoskeletal system, it has demonstrated powerful benefits in reducing both inflammation and overall pain. A 2009 study conducted at the University of Freiburg in Germany found that arnica blocked proteins responsible for joint-related chronic pain in osteoarthritis patients. (2) Other studies have found that it can reduce morning stiffness in the hands and ease muscle pain caused by intense workouts.

Arnica is also helpful in wound care and can speed up recovery from cuts, abrasions, scrapes, scratches, hematomas, and other types of wounds, as it stimulates the flow of white blood cells and promotes circulation for faster healing. The plant's antihistamine action enables it to stop fluid leakage from blood vessels at wound sites when applied. It can also reduce bruising after trauma or blows. A 2021 joint German-Swiss systematic review found that homeopathic arnica can be a beneficial anti-inflammatory and analgesic in post-operative settings. (3)

Finally, some studies suggest that it can be beneficial for hemorrhoids, for improving hair strength and growth, and for soothing toothaches and clearing up gingivitis when used as a gargle (although it should never be swallowed).

That is just a partial list of what arnica can do inside of the body. On the surface of the skin, it is a powerhouse of goodness as well. Let’s take a look.

What Arnica Can Do for Your Skin

Besides helping with wound care and bruise healing, here is just a partial list of some of the benefits of arnica for skin:

#1 Arnica can lower the inflammation that plays a role in all skin-related conditions.

From acne to psoriasis, there isn't a skin-related disease condition out there where inflammation does not play a role in some way. Arnica’s ability to soothe inflammation can benefit your skin, especially when itchiness, rash, and dryness may exacerbate inflammation. A 2004 Planta Medica report found that a key anti-inflammatory phytonutrient found in arnica (the sesquiterpene lactones) was able to penetrate into the skin better than other preparations. (4)

#2 Arnica can help with sunburn.

Arnica can reduce the redness, pain, and swelling associated with sunburn. Because it contains a high antioxidant content, it can also help alleviate the oxidative stress associated with excessive UV light and promote rapid healing.

#3 Arnica can provide relief from varicose veins.

Arnica creams and gels can provide much-needed relief from the swelling, pain, and discomfort associated with varicose veins, particularly after prolonged periods of standing or walking. It can also reduce inflammation in general and promote healing when used in conjunction with a comprehensive protocol.

#4 Arnica can improve skin texture and tone.

Arnica can help even out skin tone and smooth texture due to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce inflammation that leads to swelling and discoloration.

#5 Arnica can help give your skin a youthful, vibrant appearance!

One of the primary reasons for sagging skin, dark circles, wrinkles, and sallow-looking skin, especially as we age, is the loss of adipose tissue (i.e., healthy fat tissue) in the face. This fat tissue plays a crucial role in maintaining skin elasticity. A 2023 Japanese study found that “Arnica montana L. flower extract…accelerates both the growth and the differentiation of human subcutaneous preadipocytes.” (5)

Preadipocytes are “precursor cells” for adipose (fat) cells. With these cells in full production, thanks to arnica, your skin will start to regain the plumpness and elasticity it may have lost due to age and stress.

Feel the Soothing Effects of Arnica in the CHARLÍS Coconut Bliss Body Butter

For all these reasons and more, we have included sustainably produced wild-harvested Arnica Montana Flower Oil exclusively in the CHARLÍS Coconut Bliss Body Butter formula. Combined with aloe vera, beeswax, coconut oil, cupuacu butter, mango oil, and more, the CHARLÍS Coconut Bliss Body Butter is a must-have. Plus, the scent of this body butter is amazing!

As the weather cools off, there is still time to take that last trip to the beach or lake. When you go, be sure to take CHARLÍS Coconut Bliss Body Butter with you. Made with Arnica Montana Flower Oil and over a dozen other key star ingredients, it is a CHARLÍS formula designed for luxurious skin, providing nurturing and soothing protection that lasts all day long.

References:

1. Plant polyphenols as inhibitors of NF-κB induced cytokine production—a potential anti-inflammatory treatment for Alzheimer's disease?
2. Phytomedicines Prepared from Arnica Flowers Inhibit the Transcription Factors AP-1 and NF-κB and Modulate the Activity of MMP1 and MMP13 in Human and Bovine Chondrocytes
3. Is Homeopathic Arnica Effective for Postoperative Recovery? A Meta-analysis of Placebo-Controlled and Active Comparator Trials
4. Skin Penetration Studies of Arnica Preparations and of their Sesquiterpene Lactones
5. Arnica montana L. extract containing 6-O-methacryloylhelenalin and 6-O-isobutyrylhelenalin accelerates growth and differentiation of human subcutaneous preadipocytes and leads volumizing of skin