Arnica

[mde...@aol.com]

Hi

 

Does anyone know whether Arnica cream or Gel is OK for us to use? Apparently its good for bruising and I have a huge bruise due to a needle "blow".

 

Mark

[diane]

Mark,

How is your bruising? I have heard that those on dialysis are given heparin. Heparin when combined with arnica can lead to bleeding. I already have difficulty with bleeding tendencies so I avoid arnica. Do you want to diminish the bruise itself, or the pain or both?

~Diane

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[mde...@aol.com]

Its absolutely terrible but thankfully in appearance only. Part of it is green but most of my upper arm is black. Everyone gasps when it is uncovered but thankfully it doesnt hurt much ecept on dialysis. The needles have to be put in a very narrow gap which isnt bruised but is getting more bruised. We can only needle in about an inch of fistula.

 

I just want the bruise to go asap so we can needle properly again.

Mark

[diane]

Mark have you tried EMLA patches about 45 minutes before the needling? I use these patches for a blood draw all the time. I too am a bleeder. This is in part due to my low platelets and being on octreotide. My absorption of vitamin K is very low throughout my intestines, a side effect of octreotide.  When my own vitamin K level was low, I was told to eat 3 cups of broccoli daily, eat one ounce of cheese, increase my leafy greens and all worked. After one month I was re-tested and had turned back to normal. When I first got up in the morning, I put on the rice steamer and filled it with 3 cups of broccoli. I alternated lemon juice with garlic over the broccoli and I had it for breakfast daily for a month. The one ounce of cheese was a bit more difficult but I took it for a month.

I have read that arnica is supposed to be very good for diminishing pain and lessening bruising but it does interfere with bleeding and can cause an increase in bleeding especially when combined with blood thinners. You have to weigh its side effects against arnica's benefit.

FROM:  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC539394/

Homeopathic arnica for prevention of pain and bruising: randomized placebo-controlled trial in hand surgery

"The results of this trial do not suggest that homeopathic arnica has an advantage over placebo in reducing postoperative pain, bruising and swelling in patients undergoing elective hand surgery."

FROM:  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16415448

Homeopathic Arnica montana on bruising in face-lifts

"homeopathic A. montana exhibited less ecchymosis, and that difference was statistically significant (P<.05) on 2 of the 4 postoperative data points evaluated."

FROM:  http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSS/8513/31402/351356.html?d=dmtContent

THE EVIDENCE

Scientists have studied arnica for the following health problems:

Diabetic eye damage

Some studies suggest that arnica in very diluted (homeopathic) doses may improve vision in people with eye damage caused by diabetes. However, studies have been small, with flaws in the way the results were reported. Therefore, it is unclear whether there is any benefit from arnica for this condition.

Pain

Homeopathic arnica is typically used by homeopaths for trauma and bruising. Arnica may also help reduce pain in tonsillectomy patients. Some studies suggest that arnica in very diluted (homeopathic) doses may relieve pain after surgery. However, these studies have been small, with flaws in their designs, and results of different studies have disagreed with each other. Therefore, it is unclear whether there is any benefit from arnica for relieving pain after surgery.

Stroke

Although there are several studies, it is not clear whether arnica in much diluted (homeopathic) doses has any beneficial effects for individuals who have suffered from stroke. Further studies comparing arnica with standard treatments are needed.

Muscle soreness caused by exercise

Although arnica taken by mouth appears to be safe in very diluted (homeopathic) doses for treating muscle soreness after exercise, most studies have not found any benefit when arnica is used for this purpose. Some studies suggest a positive effect on muscle soreness after marathon running but not on cell damage measured by enzymes. Further research is needed in the area of sports injuries to determine if arnica affects aerobic resistance, anaerobic capacity strength and flexibility.

Hematoma and recovery after surgery

Arnica in very diluted (homeopathic) doses has been proposed to reduce hematoma (bleeding and bruises) after surgery and to improve postoperative recovery. A pilot study of arnica D12 had a trend toward a beneficial effect with regard to reduction of hematoma and pain during the postoperative course after varicose vein surgery. Another recent study of prevention of pain and bruising in hand surgery reported negative results. Overall, most studies evaluating arnica for this use have not found significant benefit. Further research is needed to draw firm conclusions.

Postoperative ileus

A meta-analysis of existing clinical trials suggests that there is evidence that homeopathic arnica treatment may reduce the duration of ileus after abdominal or gynecologic surgery. Well-designed research is needed to make a definitive conclusion.

Acute childhood diarrhea

One study suggests a decrease in the duration of diarrhea in children with homeopathic doses of arnica. Further study is needed to make a recommendation.

Emergency medicine

In one case report, 15 orthopaedic patients were treated with Arnica montana 200CH post-trauma. At discharge, patients rated homeopathic treatment successful in 67 percent of the specific complaints.

Osteoarthritis

Arnica gel has been used on the skin for osteoarthritis pain and stiffness, due to its anti-inflammatory constituents. Although early study is promising, additional study is needed.

FROM:  http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSS/8513/31402/351356.html?d=dmtContent
Potential Dangers ARNICA

Allergies
People should avoid arnica if they have a known allergy to arnica or any member of the Asteraceae or Compositae plant families. Individuals who are allergic to sunflowers or marigolds may also be allergic to arnica. Signs of allergy may include rash, itching or shortness of breath.

Side Effects
Arnica has been well tolerated in studies when used in very diluted (homeopathic) doses for up to two weeks under the supervision of a qualified health care professional. However, at high doses, arnica may lead to serious side effects and death. Some people may experience stomach discomfort, including nausea and vomiting. Liver and kidney damage has also been reported. Organ failure may occur from high doses. Skin rashes, eczema or lesions in the mouth may occur. These side effects may be the result of arnica allergies. It is best to avoid using topical arnica on open wounds or near the eyes and mouth. There is a report of mouth ulcers caused by a mouthwash containing arnica and other ingredients.
Other side effects may include muscle weakness, organ damage, coma and death. Irregular heart rhythms, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure or failure of the heart to beat may occur when arnica is taken by mouth, especially in large doses. In theory, arnica may increase the risk of bleeding. If you have diabetes or use anticoagulants (blood thinners) or antiplatelet drugs and are considering using arnica, discuss this with a health care professional. It may be necessary to stop taking arnica before some surgeries.

Pregnancy And Breast-Feeding
Arnica cannot be recommended during pregnancy and breast-feeding because of the risk of birth defects or spontaneous abortion.

Interactions With Drugs
In theory, arnica may increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulants (blood thinners) or antiplatelet drugs. Examples include warfarin (Coumadin), heparin and clopidogrel (Plavix). Some pain relievers may also increase the risk of bleeding if used with arnica. Examples include aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen 

~Diane