According to healthline.com, poor circulation can have negative consequences for the body. Sluggish circulation might be indicated by tingling, numbness, throbbing or stinging pain, or muscular spasms, especially in the extremities. Reduced blood flow, if left untreated, can lead to blood clots, varicose veins, peripheral artery disease, atherosclerosis, and diabetes, according to the website.
According to several research studies and massage specialists, a herb can assist improve circulation and alleviate some of these issues.
Arnica in the Lab
Laboratory experiments on animals suggest arnica may have the ability to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation, according to researchers at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s Integrative Medicine Department, though more research is needed to see if these results can be replicated in humans.
Arnica, according to another research, may help to reduce bruising and expedite wound healing after surgical treatments. In a 2010 study, a topical ointment containing 20% arnica was shown to be more effective than placebo or low-concentration vitamin K creams at reducing bruising.
One Herb, Many Applications
Arnica is available as creams, ointments, gels, and oils. According to massage therapist Dianna Dapkins, creator and owner of a firm that sells arnica-infused massage creams, oils, and lotions, arnica gel products are mainly alcohol-based and provide a marginal benefit over other forms. Arnica creams are a little better, although they usually only have a little quantity of the herb in them. Arnica oil, according to Dapkins, is most effective when it is concentrated.
Dapkins further points out that the geographic region in which the arnica flower is cultivated has an influence on its efficacy. “The greater the altitude, the better.” “Flowers cultivated in Switzerland or the Rocky Mountains will have stronger anti-inflammatory effects,” she claims.
