Plant Comparison

Arnica vs Selfheal

A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.

First plant
Second plant
Show:
Plant AArnicaArnica montanaAsteraceaeFull monograph →
Plant BSelfhealPrunella vulgarisLamiaceaeFull monograph →

At a glance

Arnica and Selfheal: they share 7 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, bruising, cancer (anticancer research), …); 5 pharmacological actions in common.

ArnicaSelfheal
Constituents42
Pharmacological actions610
Indicated uses1212
Safety notes42
Cited sources1837
Indicated uses
Only Arnica
Back painHeadacheMuscle sorenessPain (general)Swelling / fluid retention
Shared (7)
Arthritis / joint painBruisingCancer (anticancer research)Infection (general)Inflammation (general)Skin irritationWounds
Only Selfheal
Cold & fluImmune supportBlood sugar / diabetes supportCardiovascular / heart healthCognitive function
Pharmacological actions
Only Arnica
Analgesic (pain relief)
Shared (5)
Anti-inflammatoryAnticancer (preclinical)AntimicrobialAntioxidantVulnerary (wound healing)
Only Selfheal
AntiviralImmunomodulator / immune supportNeuroprotective / cognition supportHepatoprotective (liver support)Antidiabetic (blood-sugar lowering)

Evidence face-off — shared uses

ConditionArnicaSelfhealVerdict
Arthritis / joint pain7/102/10Stronger for Arnica
Bruising7/102/10Stronger for Arnica
Cancer (anticancer research)2/107/10Stronger for Selfheal
Infection (general)1/102/10Comparable evidence
Inflammation (general)7/102/10Stronger for Arnica
Skin irritation7/102/10Stronger for Arnica
Wounds1/102/10Comparable evidence

Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.

Key Constituents

Sesquiterpene lactones (helenalin, dihydrohelenalin)[4]

The main anti-inflammatory principles; also responsible for the plant's toxicity and contact-allergy potential.

Sesquiterpene lactonesSesquiterpenes
Flavonoids[4]

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory constituents.

Flavonoids
Essential oil, phenolic acids and coumarins[4]

Aromatic and supporting constituents of the flower.

Phenolic acidsEssential (volatile) oilCoumarins
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (trace)[4]

Present in small amounts; relevant to the caution against internal use.

Alkaloids
Triterpenoids and phenolic acids[1, 3]

Pentacyclic triterpenoids (ursolic, oleanolic and betulinic acids), the phenolic acid rosmarinic acid, coumarins (umbelliferone, scopoletin, esculetin) and the flavonoid luteolin are the main bioactives behind self-heal's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity.

Rosmarinic acidPhenolic acidsCoumarinsFlavonoidsLuteolin
Sulphated and polyphenol-conjugated polysaccharides[4, 29, 30, 31]

Water-extracted polysaccharides — including a partially sulphated arabinogalactomannan (PSP-2B) and polyphenolic-protein-polysaccharide conjugates (PVG/PVE30) — are the principal antiviral and immunomodulatory constituents, blocking herpes simplex virus attachment and modulating innate immune signalling.

PolysaccharidesPhenolic compounds

Pharmacological Actions

Analgesic (pain relief)[4, 5, 15]

Topical analgesic for muscle soreness and pain

Anti-inflammatory[2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 15]

Topical anti-inflammatory for bruising, swelling and sprains

Anticancer (preclinical)[11, 16, 17]

Helenalin, the sesquiterpene lactone of Arnica montana, shows anticancer activity against multiple tumour types in vitro and in vivo, largely by covalently inhibiting NF-kappaB p65 and inducing apoptosis (preclinical).

Antimicrobial[4, 11]

Antimicrobial and antioxidant (in vitro)

Antioxidant[4, 11, 13]

Antimicrobial and antioxidant (in vitro)

Vulnerary (wound healing)[4, 9, 10]

Antiecchymotic / vulnerary (helps disperse bruises)

Anti-inflammatory[1, 2, 3, 4, 12, 15, 18, 20, 26, 27, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35]
Antimicrobial[1, 3, 32, 33, 34]
Antioxidant[1, 2, 5, 9, 12, 17, 32, 33, 34]
Antiviral[2, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36]
Immunomodulator / immune support[4, 5, 9, 10, 15, 23, 26, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36]
Vulnerary (wound healing)[1, 27, 32, 33, 34]
Anticancer (preclinical)[6, 7, 10, 13, 14, 16, 21, 22, 28]
Neuroprotective / cognition support[11, 25]
Hepatoprotective (liver support)[12, 16, 17]
Antidiabetic (blood-sugar lowering)[19, 20, 24]

Traditional & Indicated Uses

Arthritis / joint pain[4, 15]Good · 7/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 7
Label: Arthritis / joint pain
Back pain[4, 15]Good · 7/10

inferred from analgesic action

Evidence: 7
Label: Back pain
Bruising[4, 15]Good · 7/10

Antiecchymotic / vulnerary (helps disperse bruises); Topical anti-inflammatory for bruising, swelling and sprains

Evidence: 7
Label: Bruising
Cancer (anticancer research)[11, 16, 17]Traditional · 2/10

Arnica montana and its constituent helenalin exert anticancer activity against several tumour types in vitro and in vivo, inhibiting NF-kappaB (p65) signalling, inducing apoptosis and synergizing with other anticancer agents (preclinical).

Evidence: 2
Label: Cancer (anticancer research)
Headache[4, 15]Good · 7/10

inferred from analgesic action

Evidence: 7
Label: Headache
Infection (general)[4]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 1
Label: Infection (general)
Inflammation (general)[4, 15]Good · 7/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 7
Label: Inflammation (general)
Muscle soreness[4, 15]Good · 7/10

Topical analgesic for muscle soreness and pain

Evidence: 7
Label: Muscle soreness
Pain (general)[4, 15]Good · 7/10

Topical analgesic for muscle soreness and pain

Evidence: 7
Label: Pain (general)
Skin irritation[4, 15]Good · 7/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 7
Label: Skin irritation
Swelling / fluid retention[4, 15]Good · 7/10

Topical anti-inflammatory for bruising, swelling and sprains

Evidence: 7
Label: Swelling / fluid retention
Wounds[4]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from vulnerary action

Evidence: 1
Label: Wounds
Arthritis / joint pain[1, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 2
Label: Arthritis / joint pain
Bruising[1, 32, 33, 34]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from vulnerary action

Evidence: 2
Label: Bruising
Cold & flu[29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from antiviral action

Evidence: 2
Label: Cold & flu
Immune support[10, 15, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36]Traditional · 2/10
Evidence: 2
Label: Immune support
Infection (general)[1, 32, 33, 34]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 2
Label: Infection (general)
Inflammation (general)[1, 12, 15, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 2
Label: Inflammation (general)
Skin irritation[1, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 2
Label: Skin irritation
Wounds[1, 27, 32, 33, 34]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 2
Label: Wounds
Cancer (anticancer research)[6, 7, 10, 13, 14, 16, 21, 22, 28]Good · 7/10

inferred from anticancer action

Evidence: 7
Label: Cancer (anticancer research)
Blood sugar / diabetes support[19, 20, 24]Traditional · 2/10
Evidence: 2
Label: Blood sugar / diabetes support
Cardiovascular / heart health[18, 19]Traditional · 2/10
Evidence: 2
Label: Cardiovascular / heart health
Cognitive function[25]Traditional · 2/10
Evidence: 2
Label: Cognitive function

Safety, Cautions & Contraindications

Safety note[4, 18]Info

EXTERNAL USE ONLY on unbroken skin. Arnica is toxic if swallowed and can cause stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, breathing difficulty, irregular heartbeat and, in serious cases, cardiac arrest; the only safe oral form is the highly diluted homeopathic preparation.

Safety note[18]Caution

Do not apply to broken or damaged skin, open wounds, eyes or mucous membranes.

Safety note[4]Info

As a member of the daisy family (Asteraceae) it can cause allergic contact dermatitis; prolonged topical use can also irritate the skin.

Safety note[15, 18]Caution

Avoid medicinal use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Safety note[32, 33, 34]Caution

Generally very safe and well tolerated. No significant known toxicity or drug interactions. Safe for topical and internal use in normal medicinal doses. Suitable for most adults including children in appropriate doses.

Safety note[32, 33, 34, 37]Info

Duke (2002) rates self-heal as +++ and notes antioxidant (score 2), anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and COX-2 inhibitory activities. The plant contains luteolin, rosmarinic acid, and hyperoside — all with well-documented bioactivities. Hepatoprotective activity has been experimentally demonstrated. Duke notes that self-heal has a broad antimicrobial spectrum and an impressive antioxidant profile, supporting its traditional reputation as a versatile wound-healing herb. No significant safety concerns at normal herbal doses (Duke, 2002).

External Ids

Gbif: 5405976
Wikidata: Q207848
Gbif: 5341297
Wikidata: Q158469

Botanical Description

Aromatic mountain perennial herb with a basal rosette of oval, hairy leaves and one or two pairs of smaller opposite leaves on an erect, softly hairy flowering stem. Each stem bears one or a few large, bright golden-yellow, daisy-like flower heads with narrow, slightly twisted ray florets.[4]

Height: 20-60 cm
Habit: Erect, aromatic mountain perennial herb
Leaves: Basal rosette of oval, hairy leaves; one or two pairs of smaller opposite stem leaves
Flowers: Large, bright golden-yellow, daisy-like flower heads with narrow, slightly twisted ray florets
Stem: Erect, softly hairy, sparsely leaved flowering stem
Root: Short, blackish rhizome with fibrous roots
Fruit: Small, hairy achene with a pappus
Flowering Period: June-August

Low, creeping to semi-erect perennial herb (Lamiaceae), 5-30 cm tall, with square, often purplish stems. Leaves are opposite, ovate with slightly toothed margins. Small, two-lipped, violet-purple flowers are densely packed into a compact, club-shaped terminal spike subtended by purplish bracts.[1]

Height: 5-30 cm
Habit: Low, creeping to semi-erect perennial herb
Leaves: Opposite, ovate, slightly toothed
Flowers: Small, two-lipped, violet-purple, in a compact club-shaped terminal spike
Stem: Square, often purplish
Root: Fibrous, spreading perennial rootstock
Fruit: Four small nutlets (typical Lamiaceae schizocarp)
Flowering Period: June-September

Habitat

Grows in acidic, nutrient-poor mountain meadows, pastures and open woodland, typically at moderate to high elevations across central and northern Europe; increasingly scarce in the wild due to habitat loss and overharvesting.[4]

Native throughout Europe, Asia and North America (circumboreal), extremely common in lawns, meadows, woodland clearings, roadsides and waste ground, tolerating mowing and a wide range of soils.[1]

Harvesting

The flower heads are picked by hand as they open, in mid- to late summer, and dried quickly in a warm, shaded, airy place; wild populations are protected in many regions, so cultivated or sustainably wildcrafted material is preferred.[4]

Parts: Flower head (topical preparations)
Season: Mid- to late summer, as flowers open

Whole flowering aerial parts (flower, leaf and stem) are cut during flowering (summer) and dried.[1]

Parts: Flower, Leaf, Stem
Season: Summer, during flowering

Traditional Uses

Arnica flower has a long central European folk reputation, reflected in the name 'leopard's bane' and 'mountain tobacco', as a topical remedy for bruising, sprains, muscle soreness and swelling after minor injury, applied only to unbroken skin. Internal use of the whole herb has always been considered dangerous and is confined to highly diluted homeopathic preparations.[4]

Selfheal has an extremely broad folk-medicine reputation across European, North American and Traditional Chinese Medicine traditions - as its name suggests, used as an all-purpose wound herb, gargle for sore throat, and internal remedy for fevers and inflammation. Modern research on its triterpenoid, phenolic and polysaccharide constituents supports wide-ranging antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiviral activity.[1]

Preparations

Topical cream/gel/ointment[4]

Standardised flower extract formulated into a cream, gel or ointment for external application to bruises, sprains and muscle soreness on unbroken skin.

Diluted tincture (topical)[4]

Alcoholic tincture of the dried flower heads, diluted before topical application as a compress; never taken internally in this form.

Infusion (tea)[1]

Dried aerial parts steeped in hot water, taken internally or used as a gargle or wash.

Dosage

Topical cream/gel[14]

The EU herbal monograph gives cutaneous use only, in adolescents, adults and elderly - a semi-solid preparation containing 20-25% tincture applied as a thin layer 2-3 times daily, a 50% liquid-extract preparation 2-4 times daily, or 2.5 mL of a liquid preparation as an impregnated dressing 3-4 times daily. Apply to unbroken skin only. If symptoms persist after 3 to 4 days a healthcare practitioner should be consulted. Not recommended under 12 years. Never taken by mouth except as a highly diluted homeopathic preparation. Educational reference only, not a prescription.

Infusion (tea)[1]

Traditional guidance suggests roughly 2-4 g dried herb per cup as an infusion, up to three times daily, or an equivalent tincture; used topically as a wash or gargle at similar strength. Educational reference only, not a prescription.

References

REF-0725, REF-0726, REF-0727, REF-0398, REF-2098, REF-2099, REF-2100, REF-2101, REF-2102, REF-2103, REF-2104, REF-2105, REF-2106
REF-0659, REF-2422, REF-2423, REF-2424, REF-2425, REF-2878, REF-2879, REF-2880, REF-2881, REF-2882, REF-2883, REF-2884, REF-2885, REF-2886, REF-2887, REF-2888, REF-2911, REF-2912, REF-2913, REF-2914, REF-2915, REF-2916, REF-2917, REF-2918, REF-2919, REF-2920, REF-2921, REF-2922

Lookalikes Review

Outcome: none-known
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-07
Outcome: none-known
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-07

References & Sources

  1. Toma, C.C., Marrelli, M., Puticiu, M., Conforti, F. and Statti, G (2024) 'Effects of Arnica montana Phytotherapeutic and Homeopathic Formulations on Traumatic Injuries and Inflammatory Conditions: A Systematic Review', Plants (Basel), 13(21), pp. 3112. doi:10.3390/plants13213112 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13213112
  2. Schmidt, T.J (2023) 'Arnica montana L.: Doesn't Origin Matter?', Plants (Basel), 12(20), pp. 3532. doi:10.3390/plants12203532 Traditional / reference
    https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12203532
  3. Dragos, D., Gilca, M., Gaman, L., Vlad, A., Iosif, L. et al (2017) 'Phytomedicine in Joint Disorders', Nutrients, 9(1), pp. 70. doi:10.3390/nu9010070 Traditional / reference
    https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010070
  4. Kriplani, P., Guarve, K. and Baghael, U.S (2017) 'Arnica montana L. - a plant of healing: review', Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, pp. 12724. doi:10.1111/jphp.12724 Traditional / reference
    https://doi.org/10.1111/jphp.12724
  5. Iannitti, T., Morales-Medina, J.C., Bellavite, P., Rottigni, V. and Palmieri, B (2016) 'Effectiveness and safety of Arnica montana in post-surgical setting, pain and inflammation', American Journal of Therapeutics, 23(1), pp. e184-e197. doi:10.1097/MJT.0000000000000036 Meta-analysis / review
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  6. Verre, J., Boisson, M., Paumier, A., Tribolo, S. and Boujedaini, N (2023) 'Anti-inflammatory effects of Arnica montana (mother tincture and homeopathic dilutions) in various cell models', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 318(Pt B), pp. 117064. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2023.117064 Preclinical
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  7. Rohrl, J., Pique-Borras, M., Jaklin, M., Werner, M., Werz, O., Josef, H., Holz, H., Ammendola, A. and Kunstle, G (2023) 'Anti-inflammatory activities of Arnica montana planta tota versus flower extracts: analytical, in vitro and in vivo mouse paw oedema model studies', Plants, 12(6), pp. 1348. doi:10.3390/plants12061348 Preclinical
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  8. da Silva Prade, J., Balsamo, E.C., Machado, F.R., Poetini, M.R., Bortolotto, V.C., Araujo, S.M., Londero, L., Boeira, S.P., Sehn, C.P., de Gomes, M.G., Prigol, M. and Cattelan Souza, L (2020) 'Anti-inflammatory effect of Arnica montana in a UVB radiation-induced skin-burn model in mice', Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 39(2), pp. 126-133. doi:10.1080/15569527.2020.1743998 Preclinical
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  9. Zacarias, C.A., de Mendonca Florenziano, R.F., de Andrade, T.A.M., de Aro, A.A., do Amaral, M.E.C., Dos Santos, G.M.T. and Esquisatto, M.A.M (2023) 'Arnica montana L. associated with microcurrent accelerates the dermis reorganisation of skin lesions', International Journal of Experimental Pathology, 104(2), pp. 81-95. doi:10.1111/iep.12469 Preclinical
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  10. Chaiet, S.R. and Marcus, B.C (2016) 'Perioperative Arnica montana for reduction of ecchymosis in rhinoplasty surgery', Annals of Plastic Surgery, 76(5), pp. 477-482. doi:10.1097/SAP.0000000000000312 Randomized trial
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  11. Zitek, T., Postruznik, V., Knez, Z., Golle, A., Daris, B. and Knez Marevci, M (2022) 'Arnica montana L. supercritical extraction optimization for antibiotic and anticancer activity', Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 10, pp. 897185. doi:10.3389/fbioe.2022.897185 Preclinical
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  12. Sutovska, M., Capek, P., Kocmalova, M., Pawlaczyk, I., Zaczynska, E., Czarny, A., Uhliarikova, I., Gancarz, R. and Franova, S (2014) 'Characterization and pharmacodynamic properties of Arnica montana complex', International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 69, pp. 214-221. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2014.05.051 Preclinical
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  13. Merfort, I. and Wendisch, D (1987) 'Flavonoid glycosides from Arnica montana and Arnica chamissonis', Planta Medica, 53(5), pp. 434-437. doi:10.1055/s-2006-962766 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2006-962766
  14. European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (2012) 'Community herbal monograph on Arnica montana L., flos'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-arnica-montana-l-flos_en.pdf Traditional / reference
    https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-arnica-montana-l-flos_en.pdf
  15. Gaertner, K., Baumgartner, S. and Walach, H (2021) 'Is Homeopathic Arnica Effective for Postoperative Recovery? A Meta-analysis of Placebo-Controlled and Active Comparator Trials', Frontiers in Surgery. doi:10.3389/fsurg.2021.680930 Meta-analysis / review
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  16. Kriplani, P. and Guarve, K (2020) 'Recent Patents on Anti-Cancer Potential of Helenalin', Recent Patents on Anti-Cancer Drug Discovery, 15(2), pp. 132-142. doi:10.2174/1574892815666200702142601 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.2174/1574892815666200702142601
  17. Drogosz, J. and Janecka, A (2019) 'Helenalin - A Sesquiterpene Lactone with Multidirectional Activity', Current Drug Targets, 20(4), pp. 444-452. doi:10.2174/1389450119666181012125230 Preclinical
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    https://www.poison.org/articles/caution-when-using-arnica-products-193
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Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.