Vitellaria Paradoxa vs Arnica

West African tree whose seeds produce shea butter, used widely in traditional medicine for skin conditions, anti-inflammatory applications, and food.

Arnica is a European mountain plant used topically for centuries to treat bruises, sprains, and muscle pain. It is one of the most popular homeopathic remedies worldwide and is also used as a conventional herbal topical preparation. Internal use of non-homeopathic arnica is toxic and should be avoided.

triterpene alcohols, allantoin, cinnamic acid esters, stearic acid, oleic acid

Helenalin, Dihydrohelenalin, Arnifolin, Thymol derivatives, Flavonoids

skin conditions, wound healing, inflammation, muscle pain, sun protection

Bruise treatment, Sprain and strain relief, Muscle pain, Wound healing, Anti-inflammatory

skin moisturizing, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, UV protection

Bruises and contusions, Post-surgical swelling, Muscle soreness, Sprains and strains, Osteoarthritis (topical)

Shea butter applied topically as needed

Topical gel or cream applied 2-4 times daily to unbroken skin only

allergy to shea

Open wounds or broken skin, Internal use (toxic), Allergy to Asteraceae family, Pregnancy

rare allergic contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis, Skin irritation, Eczema on prolonged use, TOXICITY IF INGESTED (cardiac arrest, organ failure)