Arnica montana is a medicinal plant from the daisy family (Asteraceae). Arnica blooms from July to August in the high mountains of Europe, northern Asia, Siberia and America. The flowers of the plant have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-rheumatic and analgesic effects.
In scientific studies, there is no evidence of improvement in pain, swelling, and bruising with the use of Arnica (Brito N, et al., 2014, J Musculoskelet Pain.). After eyelid surgery, no effect was demonstrated in comparison with a placebo. Pain, swelling, and bruising was comparable in both patient groups (van Exsel DC et al. 2016. Plast Reconstr Surg). Arnica use should be suspended before surgery because Arnica thins the blood and increases the risk of postoperative bleeding.
