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Herbs & Supplements
Arnica montana
Scientific Name: Arnica
Other Names: Leopard's Bane, Mountain Snuff, Mountain Tobacco, Wolf's Bane, Wolfbane
What interactions should I watch for?
In laboratory cultures of human blood cells, arnica has been shown to interfere with blood clotting. Theoretically, if arnica is taken with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs, the effect of the drug may be increased, resulting in uncontrolled bleeding.
- Antiplatelets include clopidogrel and Ticlid
- Anticoagulants include heparin and warfarin
Oral arnica may affect the ability of blood to clot after an injury. Aspirin can also delay clotting, so arnica should not be taken orally at the same time as aspirin.
If arnica is taken orally with other herbs that affect blood clotting, a very slight risk of increased bleeding may occur. Some of the most common herbal products that might inhibit blood clotting are:
- Danshen
- Devil's Claw
- Eleuthero
- Garlic
- Ginger (in high amounts)
- Ginkgo
- Horse Chestnut
- Panax Ginseng
- Papain
- Red Clover
- Saw Palmetto
Although no interactions have been reported between topical arnica and drugs or herbals, chemicals in it may be absorbed through the skin. Arnica's possible negative effects on the heart and its potential to raise blood pressure make it unsuitable for use by individuals who take drugs to control heart conditions or high blood pressure.
Some interactions between herbal products and medications can be more severe than others. The best way for you to avoid harmful interactions is to tell your doctor and/or pharmacist what medications you are currently taking, including any over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbals. For specific information on how arnica interacts with drugs, other herbals, and foods and the severity of those interactions, please use our Drug Interactions Checker to check for possible interactions.
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Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.
This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.
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What interactions should I watch for?
