In all the years we’ve been mixing natural oils at Glowing Orchid, we’ve consistently made sure that the resulting product is safe for intended use. Today’s not the day we break that rule! However, we are going to spotlight a plant extract that has been described as “confusing,” “risky,” and even “poisonous” – but one we genuinely swear by for muscle aches and other body pains.

Say hello to arnica extract. This ingredient can be a godsend for those suffering pain issues even as serious as myalgia. But why is arnica controversial? How do you use it to safely enjoy its benefits? Read this handy guide and share it to loved ones who could use it.

Now here’s where some people get confused. Some homeopathic products include arnica as an ingredient in tablets, tinctures, or pills – as in products meant for ingestion. There are even arnica teas in some specialty markets out there!

You may think, Why is a potentially lethal ingredient used in pills and teas?
The answer lies in the dosage and proportion. Homeopathic formulations contain extremely small amounts of arnica per dose, and they’re diluted enough to be undetectable by the average human body.

Still, for most of us who are not so familiar with arnica oil, the best way to reap its benefits is to apply it on the skin rather than ingest it.

Seems like an incredible list from a natural ingredient, right? Unsurprisingly, some people are doubtful, especially since arnica isn’t widely explored in modern pharmacology. So people commonly ask: Does arnica extract really work for body pains?

If you ask various scientists, yes, arnica works!

Another study examined the effect of arnica on post-exercise muscle pain and soreness. Participants topically applied arnica on their legs and calves after considerable running exercises. After this application, they reported less pain and muscle tenderness.

When you first apply an arnica cream on your skin, you may feel a warm, tingly sensation, which already helps dissipate some pain. But this is not where arnica’s real magic happens. The plant’s beneficial compounds work at a cellular and even molecular level, diminishing the inflammation that causes pain and bruising.

According to researchers, these compounds can be extracted from the arnica plant’s flowers, seeds, leaves, stem, and even roots. At Glowing Orchid, we’ve tested first-hand the efficacy of the flower extract, which is why we’ve specifically included it as a primary ingredient in our Muscle Ease roll-on serum.

That said, for an average person with normal health, arnica products should be safe to apply and calming on the muscles.

The safest way to use arnica oil is by getting it as a cream, ointment, or serum and applying it on your skin. Ingesting the extract requires utmost caution.

This is why we prefer a nice blend of essential oils to carry arnica extract. Our Muscle Ease roll-on at Glowing Orchid is formulated with coconut oil, sweet almond oil, helichrysum oil, and many more natural ingredients that gently glide on your skin as arnica works its wonders. This formula actually feels more cooling than hot, and that coolness penetrates to relax those tight, achy muscles.

All that is packed in a handy roll-on vial that you can take with you anywhere! Use it after your workout at the gym, after a hike, when sitting for long periods at your desk – pretty much any time you need to loosen those muscles and joints.

I hope this quick guide helps you consider arnica as your muscle or joint pain reliever. And one more time, just to avoid any more confusion, it’s best to use arnica oil as a topical remedy – ideally in an essential oil blend. I’m living proof that this method is safe and effective… which reminds me, I need to stock up on our arnica Muscle Ease roll-on for the cold seasons. If you know, you know! 😄

Here’s to happy, healthy, pain-free living!

xx,

Judit