Arnica Substitute in South America

[GlendaStudent]

Hello everyone,

I was trying to replicate a commercially produced pain cream, and one of the ingredients is arnica. I looked high and low for it, and came to the sad conclusion that it doesn’t grow here. I found buddleja globosa by accident, and it seemed to do a similar job. Is there any other herbs that can replace arnica that is native to South America? Thanks:)

[Adrianne FrancisStudent]

You should look into these types of arnica and see if they look to be compatible with your climate: Heterotheca inuloides (not arnica but also used as a topical anti inflammatory), arnica chamissonis, arnica sororia, arnica fulgens, arnica parryi, arnica latifolia, arnica cordifolia. Just because they are native to Europe doesn’t mean they won’t grow where you live. What is your climate and altitude? Arnica chamissonis is easier to grow at lower altitude levels than the widely used arnica montana. I know this doesn’t answer your direct question, but I’ve found that it’s very doable to grow non-natives as long as you provide the right micro climate for the right plant. Richo from Strictly Medicinal Seeds propagates arnica and says that’s it’s very possible to grow outside of its native habitat given good conditions. Hope this helps a little.

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Ann Consorte DC, Glenda

[GlendaStudentTopic Author]

Thanks Adrianne, but it’s not always legal to bring seeds through Customs. And I have found that there is usually a locally grown herb that will do the same job and is already adapted to the climate. I love Strictly Medicinal Seeds.

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nanciann lamontagne, Adrianne Francis

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Arnica is one of many many herbs that are good for pain. Formulas usually include several herbs that are approaching things from different angles (at least if it’s a good formula). Send us the list of herbs in the formula and what kind of pain we’re tying to fix and we’ll figure out what herb can work well with them. :0)

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

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nanciann lamontagne, Glenda

[GlendaStudentTopic Author]

Thank you so much:) It’s a muscle pain lotion because I don’t pay attention to how long I’ve been hunched over the computer. Then my neck and back get even with me. This is the ingredient list for an Arbonne lotion with my tentative substitutes. Chamomile is abundant and cheap here, but it doesn’t seem to like me.

Cayenne .032%
Menthol 5% (peppermint)
Wintergreen 10%
Chamomile (achyrocline satureioides – wira wira)
Arnica (buddleja globosa – orange-ball tree)
Calendula
Eucalyptus
Witch hazel (subs: green tea, ACV, vodka)

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Glenda, have a look at the pain management lessons. There are lots of plants and approaches there.

Hops is quite good topically for pain and one of my favorites. Other nervines like skullcap or valerian could also replace the chamomile.  Several of the Artemisias are good anti-inflammatories topically. Look at the herbs in the Join support formula. I use that one topically too.

Pine needle is another favorite of mine for pain topically that would have a similar effect to Arnica. 

The formula you listed could also be improved if it had an antispasmodic in it like cramp bark (Viburnum opulus) or Lobelia in it.

Have a look at the herbs in the Muscles – NoMoSpazms formula for other ideas on antispasmodics.

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

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Sharon, Glenda

[GlendaStudentTopic Author]

Thank you. I never thought of an antispasmodic. I will look for one and take another look at that lesson.

[PaigeStudent]

May I suggest yoga too.  There are short vingettes on youtube that you can do in 5 minutes or less.  It really does help; speaking from experience.

PMR

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Glenda

[GlendaStudentTopic Author]

Hi Paige. Thank you for your suggestion.

Something that may get overlooked but herbalists might want to consider is their clients’ religious beliefs. While most non-Hindu people feel they can separate yoga’s physical health benefits from the Hindu belief system, others prefer to avoid it.

I don’t judge anyone for choosing yoga, but I never would do it myself. However, I did find some great YouTube videos on stretching exercises to help with muscle tension. And thanks to your suggestion, I’ll go back and look for more.

[Author]

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