Arnica--is it ok?

Arnica is not an NSAID. It uses a different pathway for healing, but is an anti-inflammatory and very good for helping bruising, sprains, and even joint pain. The reason NSAIDs are contra-indicated with IBDs is that they can affect enzymes used in blood clotting, so can exacerbate bleeding.

I know this thread is a little old, but I felt it important to add that Arnica is a blood thinner of sorts, so you need to keep that in mind when using it even topically. My Plastic surgeon prescribes it to help bruises go away fast and reduce the risk of clots after surgery. That being said I use the heck out of it when I am not on coumidin...I have a clotting disorder where I clot too easy so...How ever I once got a little carried away using arnica, fish oil and tumeric and really started bleeding. So be careful, if you are bruising easily, then back off on how much you use.