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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 side effects should I watch for?
Major Side Effects
Severe side effects?including heart rhythm changes, high blood pressure and shortness of breath?can result if arnica is taken by mouth. Muscle paralysis has also been associated with its use, and ingesting very large oral doses of arnica has even resulted in death. Therefore, it is not recommended that arnica be taken by mouth.
Although topical arnica is used on the skin to decrease pain and inflammation, it can irritate raw skin seriously; therefore, it should not be used on open sores or large, deep wounds. If it is applied to the skin too long, too often, or in concentrations that are too high, arnica can cause allergic dermatitis that may leave permanent scarring.
Less Severe Side Effects
When arnica is taken orally, diarrhea, stomach pain, and vomiting may occur. It may also irritate mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tissue. In one study, a significant number of individuals who took large oral doses of arnica developed severe stomach inflammation.
Handling arnica plants or applying arnica products may result in:
- Blistering
- Irritated skin
- Itching
- Redness
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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 side effects should I watch for? 
