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You’ve probably heard of arnica gel, a plant-based remedy applied to the skin that supposedly eases pain and relaxes sore muscles, among other uses. Arnica gel and a similar product, arnica cream, are available over the counter and can be bought online, at drugstore chains, or your local organic or natural grocery store.

Because it's a homeopathic remedy, you might not be sure that it's safe and really works. "Homeopathic products are regulated as drugs under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA)," states the National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. "However, under current agency policy, the FDA does not evaluate them for safety or effectiveness."

While some users have given arnica gel rave reviews online, it’s a good idea to get an overview of what it is, which conditions users claim it can treat, and what science says about it before trying it. Here’s what you should know about arnica gel before dabbing it on your skin.

What is arnica gel?
Arnical gel comes from the flowers of the arnica plant. “Arnica is an herb that mostly grows in mountain regions in Europe as well as in East Asia, Canada, and the northern U.S.," says Sonia Batra, MD, a dermatologist and co-host of the TV show The Doctors. "People use the plant’s flowers to decrease inflammation from ailments such as a sore throat, insect bites, swelling, bruising, muscle pain, arthritis, and other general pain.”

Arnica is a close relation to the sunflower and common daisy, says Kim T. Tran, PharmD, pharmacy manager at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. “The plant contains an active ingredient, helenalin, which in small concentrations can be beneficial as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic,” she says.

Does arnica gel work?
Arnica gel's effectiveness is controversial. Some homeopathic doctors swear by its efficacy, as do many users. But there is limited scientific evidence. “Overall, studies do not show arnica gel to be a sufficient treatment for pain management or prevention of muscle damage,” says Dr. Batra.

Is arnica gel safe?
Though arnica gel has not been widely studied, says Tran, she says it is generally safe for use. Side effects of topical arnica are very rare, she adds; these include redness, itching, and skin irritation. If you notice these symptoms, stop using arnica gel.