The skin under the eyes is thin and delicate. Sometimes lack of sleep, poor diet, dehydration, age, smoking and/or drinking can cause this skin to trap fluid. This can cause bags or dark circles. Dr. Lisa Masterson, an OB/GYN on the television show The Doctors, recommends Arnica Gel to relieve these dark circles and bags under the eyes.

It has been mostly successful in reducing inflammation and pain. So it is not a huge leap to believe that it will reduce bags and dark circles under the eyes. Natural herbs often have the same benefits as expensive eye creams. I believe that natural herbs should always be used before resorting to man-made products.

What is?

Arnica is an herb that belongs to the sunflower family. It grows primarily in western North America, Canada, and eastern Asia, but angustifolia and Montana are two species native to Europe. Montana and chamissonis contain helenalin, a sesquiterpene lactone, which is a main ingredient in anti-inflammatory treatments. It also goes by the names of Mountain Tobacco, Leopard’s Bane, and Wolfsbane. The scientific/medical name is Arnica Montana.

What are you doing?

The Montana species, which is native to Europe, has been used for inflammatory conditions for many years. The roots contain derivatives of thymol which is used as a fungicide or preservative. It is currently used in liniments and ointments used for strains, sprains and bruises. It is commonly used by professional athletes for these symptoms. In many cases, it has provided relief from back and hip pain.

Available Creams are generally formulated using the mother tincture rather than a dilution and therefore contain measurable amounts of the herb.

How well it works will depend on two key ingredients, sesquiterpene lactones, a chemical found in plants known to help reduce inflammation, and flavonoid glycosides, also a chemical found in plants, which are molecules that are known to be antioxidants.

There are around 32 different species of this herb. The flower and rhizome are often used in herbal remedies. It is used in homeopathic preparations for wounds, infections and inflammations. It is promoted for use on the skin to help soothe and heal wounds, bruises, sprains, muscle strains, inflammation, irritated skin, insect bites, burns, arthritis, ulcers, acne, eczema, chapped lips, sore throats, and It is believed to help cure bacterial infections. It is also an ingredient in some herbal skin care products and shampoos. Arnica salves typically contain up to 15% arnica oil or 25% tincture of arnica (the herb mixed with alcohol). Blisters and swelling may be more likely if very strong solutions are used on the skin. It is a good idea to use a gel with no more than 25%. It is mostly known for reducing inflammation and pain.

Is there evidence of its use?

Thymol from the roots has been clinically shown to be effective in shrinking blood vessels. A study of this herb in wound healing after surgery found a reduction in pain and bleeding after surgery. Dr. Lisa Masterson of The Doctors television show recommends Arnica gel to reduce dark circles and puffiness under the eyes. Many women use it as a moisturizer.

It promotes the normal healing process which will facilitate the flow of blood and body fluids. Helps reduce the dark color of bruises.

Many medical publications and journals have given this gel rave reviews and ratings. It is one of the gels preferred by Americans for everyday injuries and bruises. It is not greasy or sticky and very easy to apply.

It is safe?

Arnica contains the toxin helenalin, which can be poisonous if large amounts of the plant are ingested. Just be careful, as you would with any aged skin care product, keep it on the skin. If taken internally, it is diluted to the point that almost none of the active ingredients remain. Homeopathic solutions of 24X or higher are non-toxic as only a small amount of Arnica remains after dilution. If the herb itself is taken orally, it can be poisonous. It has caused a number of serious reactions, including allergies and at least one death. Small doses of the herb are considered safe to use on the skin. People who are allergic to sunflowers, echinacea, marigolds, chamomile, or ragweed may be more likely to be allergic to arnica.

You cannot use the plant directly on an open wound. That is why medical companies researched and discovered Arnica Gel. Many homeopathic companies sell it in gel, oil, or tablet form. Gel is the most popular because it is easier to apply. If you price the eye cream, you will find that this gel is only a fraction of the cost. With so much success behind it, it makes sense to try it out for yourself. You’ll be so glad you gave it a try when you see how well it works on those dark circles and bags under your eyes.