10 Best Arnica Creams 2024 in the US

The plant Arnica montana, also known as wolfsbane, has been used since the 16th century by Native Americans to make a pain relieving tea. The plant is also indigenous to central Europe and the Siberian Mountains and has been used in folk remedies there as well. It is reputed to have anti-inflammatory properties--so it was just a matter of time that it would be used in salves that you can apply to bruises, sore muscles and joints, and even burns. It is also used by chiropractors and massage therapists--working arnica cream into sore muscles provides hours of relief. It has even found its way into shampoos, to treat dandruff and other scalp problems.

Arnica creams have the Arnica extract in a number of concentrations. One brand has 23% Arnica in its formula! Many creams also differ in the other active ingredients that are added to relieve pain. Some use camphor, eucalyptus, or menthol to produce a cooling sensation. Other products employ antioxidants or moisturizers, to provide an added benefit to your skin. Which one is right for you is a matter of preference.

We’ve composed this buyer’s guide to help you make the right decision when selecting an arnica cream. It'll help you:

• Choose the right type of arnica cream,

• See useful tips about that particular type of arnica cream,

• Read reviews of different arnica creams, and what customers are saying,

• Select the right brand of arnica cream, and

• Compare prices and find the best deals.

You’ll find Arnica products that you apply to the skin will come in two types: cream, and gel.

• Cream: Cream typically will be an opaque white color. It is thicker than gel and will have to be massaged into the skin for a longer period of time until it gets absorbed into the skin. They may be oil-based, which lends them an oily residue. The MaxRelief Pain Relief Cream is enriched with emu oil, which aids the healing process, and rosemary oil, which enhances circulation.

MaxRelief Arnica Pain Relief Cream

• Gel: Gels will usually be transparent, and may or may not be colorless. They are mostly water, which means that they will get absorbed into the skin more quickly than cream. The Boiron Arnicare Gel is not greasy and absorbed quickly when massaged into the skin.

Boiron Arnicare Gel

• For pain after surgery: Some customers notice that Arnica cream was useful for relieving pain after surgery. However, due to the potential toxicity of Arnica, don’t apply the cream or gel to an open wound--only around the site of the incision.

• Apply right after trauma: If you hurt yourself during sports or exercise, it's recommended to apply Arnica immediately. It increases blood circulation, which will keep the swelling down. For example, if you or your child hit their head, Arnica will help you avoid that unsightly bump, which might otherwise take days to go down.

• Coupled with other ingredients: You’ll notice manufacturers combine Arnica with other pain-relieving substances. For example, Honestie Naturals’  Remedy Bruise Cream has Shea Butter, Tamanu Oil, and Aloe Vera--they relieve pain by increasing blood circulation.

• Recommended to apply before showering: Users of HerbalHealing’s Arnica Pain Relief Cream say that applying an Arnica cream before showering allows the formula to penetrate more deeply. It seems that the steam loosens the muscles and accentuates the pain relief.

• For what is it recommended: Here is a list of the ailments that Arnica can provide relief:  pain relief, relieving the stiffness of osteoarthritis, joint or muscle pain, sore back or stiff neck, sciatica, fibromyalgia, or “restless legs syndrome”. Some recommend it for carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, and tennis elbow.

• Relief for bruising and swelling: Some companies recommend applying Arnica in order to reduce swelling and reducing the discoloration of bruises.

• Benefits of repeated use: Experts say that the first application will provide a few hours of relief. Then put on another application--you’ll notice that as it accumulates in your body, it will provide an even longer period of relief.

• Warnings about toxicity: The active ingredient in the Arnica plant is the toxin helenalin. It reduces inflammation in small amounts (like in tea)--but it can cause internal bleeding, liver damage, and even death(!) if eaten in large amounts. However, in cream form, it shouldn’t pose any risk. But you shouldn’t apply Arnica cream if the skin is broken, to ensure that the toxin shouldn’t enter the bloodstream. Also, wash your hands after applying the cream, to avoid getting it into food.

• Boiron--is a maker of homeopathic treatments since 1932 and are a multimillion dollar corporation. They are based in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. They are known for remedies for flu and cold symptoms, menstrual cramps and PMS, children’s medicines, and more.

• HerbalHeal--is a brand by the organic remedy company Moon Valley Organics. They are based in Deming, Washington. They make soaps, salves and balms, lotions, and even bee products. They make a number of arnica-based lotions that you rub into the skin to provide relief for various aches and pains.

• MaxRelief--make a pain relief spray and cream that is arnica-based. The company is based in San Francisco, California. Their formula provides deep pain relief, owing to its combination of eucalyptus oil, camphor, emu oil, and arnica.

• Honestie Naturals--are makers of antifungal soap, Remedy bruise cream, and deodorants. The bruise cream contains Vitamin E, Arnica Montana extract, and aloe vera. It provides relief for various bumps and bruises from sports and physical activity.