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Dietary supplement

Arnica Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Herbs Etc.

Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Arnica is a dietary supplement by Herbs Etc. with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for bruising, muscle soreness, joint pain (osteoarthritis).Based on those ingredients, 122 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are fresh Arnica. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Arnica by Herbs Etc.

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 1 active ingredient.

This liquid contains one active ingredient: fresh arnica flower. Arnica has been traditionally used for pain and inflammation, though the scientific evidence supporting most uses remains limited.

The product also contains an extraction medium listed as an inactive ingredient.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded Arnica's overall clinical evidence instead.

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports Arnica for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredient's overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Osteoarthritis — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).

The evidence is mixed. Arnica is possibly effective for osteoarthritis pain.

For acne, breast cancer-related hot flashes, postoperative pain, and dry eye, the evidence isn't strong enough yet to rate — we don't have reliable data on whether it works for those uses. If you're considering arnica for one of those conditions, talk it over with your doctor so you can weigh what evidence does exist against other options.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Arnica

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Here's where you need to pay close attention: orally, arnica in undiluted or concentrated form is unsafe and can cause toxicity. The serious adverse effects are rare but real — arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), coma, and multi-organ failure have been reported.

More common oral side effects include nausea, vomiting, bleeding, stomach pain, and diarrhea. When used as a homeopathic preparation or applied topically to the skin, arnica is generally well tolerated, though some people develop contact dermatitis.

During pregnancy, there isn't enough safety data — the evidence advises against use. The same applies to breastfeeding.

If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning either, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Arnica

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Arnica.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
  • For scale: 122 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

If you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (like warfarin, aspirin, or clopidogrel), this is the main medication type to discuss with your pharmacist before starting arnica. Altogether, these interactions span 122 individual medications, so run your full medication list through the checker on this page to be sure.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Arnica is possibly effective for osteoarthritis, but it carries real risks when swallowed in concentrated form and may interact with blood thinners. If you take any anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication, or if you have any other prescriptions, check them against the medication search tool on this page before starting.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product fits your situation and whether there might be safer or more proven options for what you're trying to treat.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Sep 25, 2015.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Arnica, straight from the product label.

Brand Herbs Etc.
Net contents 8 fl. Oz.; 236 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 25, 2015
DSLD ID 50224
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses No Claim
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Arnica by Herbs Etc., sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
0 Not Present
Maximum serving Sizes:
0 Not Present
IngredientAmount% DV
fresh Arnica0 NP--

Other ingredients: Extracted with

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements

Professional strength

Fresh flower extract

For dispensing purposes only

Herbal Single

FDA Statement of Identity

Fast-Acting Dietary Supplement

General

99006

Formula

Arnica montana et al.

See for yourself

Arnica by Herbs Etc. label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Arnica by Herbs Etc.

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size0 Not Present Dosage formLiquid Amounts shown are per serving.

Fresh Arnica

Interacts with
122 drugs
0 NP per serving

Arnica is a daisy-family plant used mainly in topical and homeopathic products for bruising, muscle soreness, and pain. The evidence is mixed and most...

Fresh Arnica monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Extracted with. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Arnica by Herbs Etc. Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Arnica?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
122Drugs
122 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Arnica with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

fresh Arnica1 drug type · 122 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, arnica might have additive effects with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs. Homeopathic arnica preparations are unlikely to have this interaction.
In vitro evidence shows that sesquiterpene lactones in arnica flowers can decrease platelet aggregation. However, this effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Arnica, from the product label.

Herbs Etc.

Name
Herbs, Etc.
Street Address
1340 Rufina Circle
City
Santa Fe
State
NM
ZipCode
87507
Web Address
www.herbsetc.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Arnica by Herbs Etc.: Common Questions

Does Arnica by Herbs Etc. interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Arnica has a known interaction with 122 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Arnica contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this if I'm on blood thinners?
Arnica may theoretically have additive effects with anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs because compounds in the flower can reduce platelet clumping in test-tube studies — though this hasn't been proven in people, and homeopathic arnica is unlikely to cause this problem. Because arnica can also cause bleeding when swallowed in concentrated form, blood thinners are a serious concern. Check your exact medications with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.
Is arnica safe to swallow?
No. Undiluted or concentrated arnica taken by mouth is unsafe and can cause toxicity, with serious effects ranging from bleeding and heart arrhythmias to, in rare cases, coma and organ failure. Homeopathic arnica preparations and topical applications are generally well tolerated, but the liquid form in this product needs to be checked with your doctor or pharmacist before you use it.
Can I use this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. There isn't enough safety data during pregnancy or breastfeeding — the evidence advises against it for both. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about safer alternatives if you're pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Does arnica work for arthritis pain?
Arnica is possibly effective for osteoarthritis, meaning there's some evidence it may help, but the science isn't ironclad. For other types of joint pain or other uses like acne or muscle soreness, the evidence isn't strong enough to say whether it works. Your doctor can help you decide if it's worth trying alongside other treatments.
What side effects might I experience?
When swallowed, arnica can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, bleeding, and high blood pressure. Drowsiness, nervousness, and headache have also been reported. In rare cases, serious effects like heart arrhythmias and organ failure are possible. Applied topically, some people develop contact dermatitis or skin irritation.
Is this the same as homeopathic arnica?
No — this is a liquid containing fresh arnica flower, not a homeopathic preparation. Homeopathic arnica is diluted to very high degrees and is generally well tolerated, whereas concentrated or undiluted arnica taken by mouth is unsafe. Check with your doctor or pharmacist about which form, if any, is appropriate for you.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Arnica label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Arnica's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 10 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Arnica 10 references
  1. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
  2. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  3. Schroder H, Losche W, Strobach H, et al. Helenalin and 11 alpha, 13-dihydrohelenalin, two constituents from Arnica montana L., inhibit human platelet function via thiol-dependent pathways. Thromb Res 1990;57:839-45.
  4. Adkison JD, Bauer DW, Chang T. The effect of topical arnica on muscle pain. Ann Pharmacother 2010;44:1579-84. PubMed
  5. No authors listed. Final report on the safety assessment of Arnica montana extract and Arnica montana. Int.J.Toxicol. 2001;20:1-11. DOI
  6. Karow JH, Abt HP, Frohling M, and Ackermann H. Efficacy of Arnica montana D4 for healing of wounds after Hallux valgus surgery compared to diclofenac. J Altern Complement Med 2008;14:17-25.
  7. Venkatramani DV, Goel S, Ratra V, et al. Toxic optic neuropathy following ingestion of homeopathic medication Arnica-30. Cutan.Ocul.Toxicol. 2013;32:95-97. PubMed
  8. Moghadam BK, Gier R, and Thurlow T. Extensive oral mucosal ulcerations caused by misuse of a commercial mouthwash. Cutis 1999;64:131-134.
  9. Stevinson C, Devaraj VS, Fountain-Barber A, et al. Homeopathic arnica for prevention of pain and bruising: randomized placebo-controlled trial in hand surgery. J R Soc Med 2003;96:60-65. PubMed
  10. Canders CP, Stanford SR, Chiem AT. A dangerous cup of tea. Wilderness Environ Med. 2014 Mar;25(1):111-2. PubMed

See these in context on the Arnica monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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