Arnica - A great healing herb
Arnica, also known as Arnica Montana, mountain tobacco, and leopard’s bane, is a large flowering plant that has often been used in herbal medicine. Arnica is native to Europe and grows from Spain to Eastern Europe, absent only from Britain and the regions of the south. The flowers of arnica are large and yellow, held on a single stalk that can reach as high as two feet. Both the flowers and the roots are commonly used to make herbal extracts and remedies.
Arnica is often used in herbal remedies, primarily to soothe painful muscle aches and to help reduce the swelling and recovery time of bruises and sprains. It can also be effective in treating arthritis, especially in the hands. Arnica preparations are not used on broken skin, as they can irritate wounds. Repeated use may cause skin inflammation, so care should be used especially with concentrated arnica products. Arnica has reportedly been in use since the 1500s, by both Europeans and Native Americans.
Various products containing arnica are marketed as healing aids. Arnica is believed to help reduce bruising and swelling, and is often recommended to be taken after surgery and operations. It is also claimed to help with reducing pain and discomfort as well as the recovery time usually associated with invasive surgery. Arnica can also be found in tincture form as well as an ingredient in topical creams. Creams are useful for many different types of inflammation, including insect bites, bruises, and sunburns. When applying arnica products to areas with open wounds, one should use caution as it could further inflame them.
Arnica is generally not consumed because it causes stomach irritation and can be even more dangerous in concentrated amounts. Despite this, it has traditional uses as a stimulant, in curing fevers, and as a diuretic. Arnica is often used in homeopathic remedies which are consumed in very low dosages that are safe. Some claim that a homeopathic tincture of arnica will prevent seasickness, and that applying it to one’s scalp will stimulate the regrowth of hair. Additionally, arnica may be helpful for those suffering from jetlag.
Commercially available preparations including arnica are safe, but caution should be used when preparing an arnica infusion on one’s own or when taking a homemade remedy including arnica. When arnica is ingested internally, it is usually in the form of a homeopathic remedy, which is greatly diluted. Although the entire plant can be used medicinally, if prepared incorrectly there are poisonous components in arnica that may cause death if ingested. If unsure of whether or not to consume an arnica preparation, one should always err on the side of caution by not ingesting any arnica.
Note: This information is a summary of data from books and articles by various authors. It is not intended to replace the advice or attention of health care professionals.
Sources
http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/a/arnic058.html
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/arnica-000222.htm
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