What Is Arnica Ointment?

Arnica Oil

• Manufacturers make arnica products from the flowers of the arnica plant. Oil-based ointments contain a maximum of 15 percent arnica oil. The oil consists of one part dried flowers to five parts vegetable oil.

Arnica Tincture

• Arnica tincture contains one part dried flowers to 10 parts alcohol, usually 70 percent ethanol. Ointments made from tincture contain 20 to 25 percent of this formula. Arnica tincture may also be diluted to form compresses and mouthwash.

Homeopathic Preparations

• Homeopathic arnica ointments contain very little of the original ingredient, if any at all. The packaging distinguishes homeopathic and herbal arnica ointment.

Warning

• Research on arnica's effectiveness is inconclusive. Never use it on broken skin, as it can cause irritation. If you have an allergy to other plants in the aster family, which includes ragweed and sunflowers, you may be allergic to arnica. Never take arnica internally without medical supervision.