Ingredient Spotlight: Arnica

If you came across an ingredient nicknamed “wolf’s bane,” images of a potions class in the Harry Potter series probably come to mind. Fun nickname aside, wolf’s bane, or as it’s more commonly referred to, arnica has been popping up more in certain beauty categories. 

Although arnica looks like an unassuming daisy-like flower, it can pack a major punch when used in your beauty ritual. Curious yet? Here’s all you need to know about arnica. 

What is Arnica?

Arnica comes from the perennial plant arnica montana, a yellow flower that grows in the mountainous regions of Europe and Siberia. Arnica has been used for centuries in homeopathic medicine for its wound healing and inflammation-reducing properties. 

Once the flowers of the arnica plant are harvested, they are often turned into an essential oil or an extract. This is what is commonly used as an active ingredient in remedies and skin care products like ointments, gels, or creams. 

Products that contain arnica are typically applied topically to the skin, rather than ingested. In fact, consuming large amounts of arnica can be toxic. If you do come across an oral treatment, take comfort in knowing that it is highly diluted for human consumption. 

Benefits of Arnica 

Soothes Feelings of Inflammation and Soreness

Because of its strong anti-inflammatory properties, arnica is used in many pain-relieving remedies to help improve blood circulation throughout the body. In a topical form, a gel or cream that contains arnica can help relieve the feeling of soreness. 

Our Sports Balm Roll-On is the perfect remedy for getting sore, tired muscles back in tip-top shape. Along with soothing arnica, you’ll also find ingredients such as natural menthol, ginseng extract, and essential oils of Eucalyptus, Wintergreen, and Peppermint.

Reduces the Appearance of Bruising

Arnica can help speed up the healing of bruises by stimulating the body’s white blood cells, helping to break down excess blood that is trapped in bruises. Arnica can also stimulate blood circulation to the affected areas, bringing oxygen to heal broken blood vessels and help produce healthy new cells.

For bruises on the body, roll on our Sports Balm to the affected areas two times per day to assist in speeding up the healing process. For darkness under the eyes, apply either our Cucumber Rose Eye Cream or Jasmine Fine Line Cream. 

Helps Diminish the Look and Feel of Swelling

Have you ever woken up to puffy-looking under eyes or a face that feels swollen? While we’re fast asleep our bodies can build up fluid that settles, resulting in that dreaded puffiness and swelling. 

As we stated above, arnica contains many anti-inflammatory properties, which can help combat the swelling that comes with fluid retention. You’ll find arnica in both of our eye creams to help combat puffiness around the delicate eye area. For particularly puffy eyes, however, you should reach for our Cucumber Rose Eye Cream. This soothing and lightweight treatment can also be put into the refrigerator for an extra dose of cooling.

For uncomfortable swelling in the body, consider applying our Merecul MultiLotion to the affected areas. Arnica, along with aloe vera, red algae, natural menthol, and arnica team up to promote a cooling, comforting feel to inflamed tissue, and help to reduce the discomfort associated with swelling.