Arnica Tea Benefits: 10 Surprising Science-Backed Facts

Known as the “mountain daisy,” Arnica montana has been celebrated in folk medicine for centuries. Its story is embedded in the mountainous regions of Europe and North America, where it was traditionally used for its healing properties.

As we explore arnica tea benefits, we’ll discover how to make this tea and its different varieties. We’ll then delve into a detailed list of benefits before discussing how best to take arnica tea, potential side effects, and important considerations.

So, refill your cup and settle in for an enlightening read-and-sip session about arnica tea benefits!

What is Arnica Tea and How is it Made?

Arnica tea, derived from the bright, yellow arnica flower, is celebrated for its array of health benefits. The flower is harvested, dried, and used to make a potent tea that has been a part of traditional medicine for centuries. While there is only one type of arnica plant used for medicinal purposes – Arnica montana – the way it is prepared can vary, such as :

Arnica montana is the specific species of arnica plant that has been widely used for medicinal purposes. While the plant itself is the same, the methods of preparation can significantly vary to make different types of health products. Here are a few ways in which Arnica montana is typically prepared:

1. Arnica Oil: Flower-infused oil for topical use against inflammation, muscle pain, and wounds.
2. Arnica Tincture: A potent liquid extract for internal or external use, needs professional guidance for ingestion.
3. Arnica Creams/Gels: OTC topical treatments combining arnica with other ingredients for pain and inflammation.
4. Homeopathic Arnica: Highly diluted, used internally or externally, in forms like pellets, creams, or gels.
5. Arnica Tea: Consumed under professional supervision due to potential toxicity, made from dried Arnica flowers.

We are indeed going to talk about arnica tea benefits in the article, even if it can be potentially toxic. As long as you checked with your health professional and that you’re buying the flowers from a well known store instead of picking the flowers, you will be fine!

Curious about arnica tea in more detail? We encourage you to explore our complete guide on arnica tea, where you’ll find insights on its different varieties, origins, and specific details about this remarkable tea.

How to make Arnica Tea

Making arnica tea is a simple process:

1. Start by boiling water in a kettle.
2. Place 1-2 teaspoons of dried arnica flowers in a teapot or mug (or place 1 arnica tea bag in a cup).
3. Pour the boiling water over the flowers or tea bag and let it steep for 10-15 minutes (5 minutes if using a bag)
4. Strain the tea to remove the flowers before drinking.

Arnica tea is naturally caffeine-free, making it a suitable choice for those seeking to limit their caffeine intake. This absence of caffeine can contribute to a more calming, relaxed tea-drinking experience.

Let’s move on to the main reason you’re here – the arnica tea benefits.

List of Arnica Tea Benefits

In the following section, we’ll explore a list of significant arnica tea benefits. Each benefit is explored in detail, grounded in scientific evidence.

1. Anti-inflammatory Properties

Inflammation is the body’s response to injury or illness, a necessary process but one that can lead to discomfort when prolonged. Arnica tea benefits include anti-inflammatory properties, which have been attributed to compounds called sesquiterpene lactones (Smith et al., 2021). These compounds can help manage conditions such as arthritis and other inflammatory disorders (Smith et al., 2021).

2. Pain Relief

Arnica tea’s analgesic properties make it beneficial for alleviating pain. This is especially useful for managing acute and chronic pain, such as postoperative pain or musculoskeletal pain (Smith et al., 2021).

3. Bruise Reduction

Bruises are typically a result of trauma to the skin causing damage to blood vessels and pooling of blood beneath the skin surface. Among the various arnica tea benefits, one is that it is widely recognized for its potential to control bruising and promote recovery after local trauma (Stevinson et al., 2003). Particularly, topical application of arnica has shown to be effective in reducing bruising and swelling in patients undergoing hand surgery (Knuesel et al., 2002).

4. Wound Healing

The ability to heal wounds is a crucial bodily function. Arnica tea benefits this process, as it has been traditionally used for wound treatment due to its potential healing properties (Oliveira et al., 2017). Specifically, arnica may help promote the healing process and reduce the risk of infection (Oliveira et al., 2017).

5. Anti-microbial Activity

Microbial infections can result from harmful bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms. Arnica tea benefits the body’s defense against such threats. Certain studies suggest that arnica may have antimicrobial properties, which could help prevent or treat infections caused by certain microorganisms (Oliveira et al., 2017).

6. Antioxidant Effects

Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body’s ability to counteract their harmful effects. Arnica tea benefits overall health by providing compounds with antioxidant activity, which can help protect the body against oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals (Sugier et al., 2022).

7. Reduction of Postoperative Complications

After undergoing a surgical procedure, postoperative complications such as excessive hematoma and edema can arise. Studies have looked into the benefits of arnica tea in reducing these postoperative complications (Baumgartner et al., 2021). While more research is required to confirm these findings, the potential is encouraging.

8. Tolerability and Safety

The usage of any new substance requires assurance of its safety and tolerance. Arnica preparations, including arnica gel and homeopathic arnica, are generally reported to be well-tolerated and safe for use (Knuesel et al., 2002; Travagin et al., 2021). However, consulting with a healthcare professional before using arnica tea or any other form of arnica is recommended.

9. Potential Anti-cancer Effects

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Some studies have explored the potential anti-cancer effects of arnica (Basu et al., 2022). While more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action and its potential role in cancer treatment, the initial findings show promise.

10. Oral Health Benefits

Oral health is integral to overall health. One of the benefits of arnica tea is its potential to prevent oral mucositis, a common side effect of radiotherapy and chemotherapy (Soares et al., 2021). The use of arnica mouthwashes may help reduce inflammation and promote oral health in these patients.

The benefits of pine needle tea are abundant and diverse. If you’re curious about other types of teas and their health benefits, don’t forget to check out our comprehensive article on the ”health benefits of drinking tea”.

What’s the Best Way to Take Arnica Tea?

Arnica tea can be enjoyed in many forms, from a warm, comforting brew to a refreshing iced tea. Whether paired with a morning breakfast or an evening wind-down, the benefits of drinking arnica tea can be tapped into throughout the day. Looking for some culinary inspiration? We incorporate arnica tea in many of our recipes, from soups to smoothies, which you can find here. Alternatively, consider the arnica tea blends from Art of Tea, a fantastic way to enjoy this therapeutic tea.

Potential Side Effects and Considerations of Arnica Tea

Arnica montana is known for its medicinal properties, especially when used topically, or on the skin. However, ingestion of arnica is generally not recommended due to the plant’s potential toxicity.

When consumed, arnica can cause a variety of adverse effects. These can range from mild to severe, and they often involve the digestive system. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. More severe reactions can include increased heart rate, muscle weakness, and difficulty breathing. In extreme cases, consuming high amounts of arnica can potentially cause damage to the heart and other organs, possibly leading to death.

The compounds responsible for these effects are primarily sesquiterpene lactones, a type of chemical found in many plants, including Arnica montana. These compounds are known to be toxic and can cause damage to cells and organs when consumed in high amounts. They may also cause allergic reactions in some people, even when used topically.

Given these risks, arnica should only be consumed under the guidance of a healthcare professional. This is especially important if you’re already taking other medications, as arnica can interact with certain drugs, potentially leading to harmful effects.

The general advice for most people is to use arnica topically, not orally, unless specifically instructed by a healthcare provider. Even when used topically, it should not be applied to broken skin or open wounds, due to the risk of absorption and potential toxicity.

Conclusion on arnica tea benefits

In this post, we’ve delved into the numerous benefits of arnica tea, exploring everything from its anti-inflammatory properties to its potential role in pain relief, wound healing, and even oral health.

We encourage you to experience the arnica tea benefits for yourself and share your experiences with us in the comment section!

If you’re curious about the best teas out there, be sure to check out our review post about the best arnica teas.

References

• Basu, N., Narad, P., Guptasarma, M., Tandon, C., Das, B., Tandon, S. (2022). Computational and In Vitro Approaches To Elucidate The Anti-cancer Effects Of Arnica Montana In Hormone-dependent Breast Cancer. Homeopathy, 04(111), 288-300. Link Here
• Baumgartner, S., Walach, H., Walach, H. (2021). Is Homeopathic Arnica Effective For Postoperative Recovery? a Meta-analysis Of Placebo-controlled And Active Comparator Trials. Frontiers in Surgery, (8). Link Here
• Knuesel, O., Weber, M., Suter, A. (2002). Arnica Montana Gel In Osteoarthritis Of the Knee: An Open, Multicenter Clinical Trial. Advances in Therapy, 5(19), 209-218. Link Here
• Oliveira, R., Silva, C., Moreira, A., Mendonça, R., Thiré, R., McGuinness, G. (2017). Comparative Analysis Of Pva Hydrogels Incorporating Two Natural Antimicrobials:punica Granatumandarnica Montanatinctures. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 41(134), 45392. Link Here
• Smith, A., Miles, V., Holmes, D., Chen, X., Lei, W. (2021). Clinical Trials, Potential Mechanisms, and Adverse Effects Of Arnica As An Adjunct Medication For Pain Management. Medicines, 10(8), 58. Link Here
• Soares, F., Gonçalves, G., Carneiro, A., Santos, A., Tomas, F., Oliveira, L., … & Crema, V. (2021). Comparison Of the Use Of Solidago Chilensis (Arnica) And Low-level Laser Therapy For The Prevention Of Oral Mucositis In Patients Submitted Of Head And Neck Radiotherapy And/or High Toxicity Chemotherapy. Research Society and Development, 14(10), e369101422128. Link Here
• Stevinson, C., Devaraj, V., Fountain-Barber, A., Hawkins, S., Ernst, E. (2003). Homeopathic Arnica For Prevention Of Pain and Bruising: Randomized Placebo-controlled Trial In Hand Surgery. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 2(96), 60-65. Link Here
• Sugier, D., Sugier, P., Jakubowicz-Gil, J., Gawlik-Dziki, U., Zając, A., Król, B., … & Paduch, R. (2022). Nitrogen Fertilization and Solvents As Factors Modifying The Antioxidant And Anticancer Potential Of Arnica Montana L. Flower Head Extracts. Plants, 1(12), 142. Link Here
• Travagin, D., Balbueno, M., Coelho, C. (2021). Use Of Homeopathic Arnica Montana 30ch For Postoperative Analgesia In Female Dogs Undergoing Elective Ovariohysterectomy. Homeopathy, 02(111), 134-138. Link Here