Oops. Topically applied Arnica montana is reputed to decrease bruising and muscle pain.

But in this study, researchers at the Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program, in Sugar Land, Texas, found an opposite effect. (more…)

A negative review of homeopathy published in 2005 reverberates still in blogs, journals, and press releases.

A reader comments, and I wax philosophical. But let’s start with summary of the issues. (more…)

Considering how often I quote his research and writings, it’s appropriate to present background on this researcher, author, and critic of CAM.

A reader has a different view, and comments accordingly.
(more…)

The website HealthWorld has an article on homeopathy that describes arnica (mountain daisy) as “par excellence” for the treatment of shock or trauma caused by any injury. Although the German Commission E Monograph lists herbal doses of arnica as approved for external use resulting from accidents, it questions arnica’s value in homeopathy, as discussed in this review.

Based on what we know, the frequent reference to arnica as “par excellence” is an overstatement. (more…)

Rubbing on arnica provides pain relief in people with osteoarthritis that affects their hands. (more…)

The patients reported better pain control, but there was no difference in the use of other pain medicines. (more…)

Arnica (Arnica montana) is used in herbal medicine for relief of bruises, stiffness, and muscle soreness.

Here’s a study that looked at the potential for homeopathic arnica to reduce swelling and pain following 3 different operations in patients who required knee surgery.

The details.

• Prior to surgery, 300 patients were given a homeopathic dilution of arnica or placebo.
• 300 patients received one of 3 operations (arthroscopy, artificial knee joint implantation, and cruciate ligament reconstruction).
• More arnica (or placebo) was given after surgery.
• The researchers used knee circumference as the measure of arnica’s effectiveness.
• When measured 2 days following surgery, significantly less swelling was seen only in the 57 patients who had the cruciate ligament reconstruction.

It’s not clear to me why it worked in one group but not in the other two.

But we’ll accept it for what it is.

2/8/07 23:03 JR

Here is a list of herbal medicines with documented effectiveness as pain relievers. The source of this information summarizes the dose, route of administration, conditions treated, and safety information.

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