Monograph: Arnica

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For arnica products in semi-solid dosage forms, refer to the Arnica semi-solid dosage forms monograph.The arnica monograph is intended to serve as a guide to industry for the preparation of Product Licence Applications (PLAs) and labels for natural health product market authorization. It is not intended to be a comprehensive review of the medicinal ingredient. Notes: Text in parentheses is additional optional information which can be included on the PLA and product label at the applicant's discretion.The solidus (/) indicates that the terms are synonyms or that the statements are synonymous. Either term or statement may be selected by the applicant.Claims for traditional use must include the term "Herbal Medicine"
Date: 2019-08-05

NHPID name

Arnica montana ( Germplasm Resources Information Network Taxonomy )

Proper name(s)

Arnica montana ( USDA 2009 , McGuffin et al 2000 )

Common name(s)

Source material

Flower ( Bradley 2006 , Mills and Bone 2005 , Wichtl 2004 )

Route Of administration

Topical

Dosage form(s)

The dosage forms suited to topical administration except semi-solid dosage forms, such as creams, gels, ointments, and salves.

Use(s) or purpose(s)

Statement(s) to the effect of:

(Traditionally) used in Herbal Medicine to help relieve pain and/or inflammation in muscles and joints (such as sprains, bruises and/or joint pain).  (Williamson EM et al. 2003, Felter 2001, Blumenthal et al. 2000, Felter and Lloyd 1983[1898], Grieve 1971[1931])

Dose(s)

Adults:

Dose(s):

1 Day per day

Directions for use:
  • Apply thinly and evenly to affected area up to 3 to 4 times per day. Rub and/or massage into skin until the preparation disappears.
  • Avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes.
  • Do not apply on or near the nipple.
  • Do not apply to wounds or damaged skin.
  • Do not apply with external heat, such as an electric heating pad, as this may result in excessive skin irritation or skin burn.
  • Do not bandage.
  • For each millilitre of tincture, dilute with 3-10 ml of water.
  • For each millilitre of tincture, dilute with 3-10 ml of water. Apply to affected area as needed.
  • For each millilitre of tincture, dilute with 5 ml of water. Apply to affected area as needed.
  • For external use only.
  • Pour 100 ml boiling water over flowers and infuse from 10-15 minutes. Let cool.

Duration of use

No statement is required

Risk information

Statement(s) to the effect of:

Caution(s) and Warning(s): Consult a health care practitioner/health care provider/health care professional/doctor/physician if symptoms persist or worsen. Contraindication(s): No statement is required Known Adverse Reaction(s): Stop use if hypersensitivity/allergy occurs.  (Brinker F 2010, Bradley 2006, Mills and Bone 2005, ESCOP 2003b, Hoffmann 2003)

Non-medicinal ingredients

Must be chosen from the current Natural health products ingredients database and must meet the limitations outlined in the database.

Specifications

References cited

References reviewed

Appendix 1: Examples of dosage preparations and directions for use

Tincture:

Infusion:

2 g drug/herb per 100 ml water (Wichtl 2004; Blumenthal et al. 2000)