Arnica

Species Name: arnica montana.

Also known as: Mountain Arnica.

Although there are a number of different species of the Arnica plant, using the general name of Arnica usually refers to Mountain Arnica.

The genus, Arnica, includes approximately 30 different species, whose name may be derived from the Latin word for lamb in reference to the soft, hairy leaves that are on the plant.

Though most of the circumboreal and montane genus occurs in western North America, two are native to Eurasia.

Several of the species including Arnica montana and Arnica chamissonis contain helenalin, a major ingredient in anti-inflammatory medications, mostly those that protect against bruises. All species are used as food plants by the larvae of some of the Lepidoptera species.

Home Remedies using Arnica:

Benefits of Arnica:

Because of Arnica’s unique ability to reduce or eliminate bruising and aid in the healing of wounds, it is touted as a beneficial herbal treatment for some surgeries, especially that of cosmetic surgery.

In fact, the results have been so positive that thousands of surgeons are including it as part of their routine surgical procedures.

Arnica has wound-healing, disinfecting, and anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps regenerate the tissue and is an effective treatment for all injuries that occur because of impact, falls, stabs, and cuts.

As a gargle, it is useful as a gargle for mouth and gum infections. To relieve fatigue and soothe sore feet, add a few drops of Arnica tincture to warm water in a footbath.

Because Arnica relaxes the tissue and makes it supple, its benefit for the treatment and prevention of sore musicales is unsurpassed by anything else. As an ointment, it is excellent for the prevention and treatment of phlebitis.

Uses of Arnica:

• Relief of bruises
• Stiffness
• Muscle soreness
• Treatment of tender feet
• Scalp stimulant for hair growth
• Acne
• Angina
• Arteriosclerosis
• Insect bites and stings
• Sprains and strains
• Wounds
• In gel form, it is applied to the affected area three times a day
• In salve form, it is a treatment for bruises and sprains
• Sometimes in tincture form, it is used as an anti-inflammatory and pain relieving agent

Side Effects of Arnica:

• Repeated applications of Arnica may produce severe inflammation
• Internal use may irritate the stomach lining and is only used as a stimulant and dietetic or in low grade fevers and paralytic conditions
• Internal use may cause poisoning
• Irritation may result for those who are sensitive to the plant