[This article contains information on medicinal herbalism, read our Medical Disclaimer here.]
Botanical name: Arnica Montana
Family Asteraceae
Origin
Arnica is native to western North America, Europe, growing in high-altitude mountain regions.
Botany
Grows mainly in Siberia and central Europe. And temperate climates in North America. Perennial. Yellow flower, grows 1-2 feet in height
Parts used
Flowers, roots, leaves
Historical use
Arnica has recorded use in 16th century European folk medicine to treat inflammation, burns, blisters and sores.
Energetics
Warming
Arnica
Arnica montana
Therapeutic actions
Anti-septic: inhibits microbial growth
Vulnerary: enables the healing of wounds
Analgesic: relieves pain
Immuno-stimulant: increases the function of the immune system
Astringent: tones and tightens the skins connective tissue
Anti-rheumatic: used in the treatment of inflammatory arthritis
Anti-neuralgic: counteracts pain that travels along the nerve
Uses
Musculoskeletal System
Arnica reduces inflammation of the skin and underlying tissue
Speeds the healing of bruises
Reduces joint pain in arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, reduces stiffness and increases function of the joints.
Sprains
Relieves muscle soreness and stiffness after exercise.
Relieves backache
Sore and strained tendons and ligaments
Surgery
Used after surgery to reduce pain and swelling.
reduces pain and bleeding during and after surgery and facilitates recovery.
Nerves
Arnica counteracts pain that travels along the nerves.
Haircare-
Anti-dandruff
Post-partum-
Discomfort and muscle soreness
Sore throat
Gargle for sore throat or laryngitis
Insect bites
Decreases swelling and itching of insect bites. Do not apply to broken skin.
Emotions
Emotional trauma.
Sadness and depression.
Circulatory system
Heart strain and debility of heart muscle due to over-excitement or over-activity;
Poor blood circulation.
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Psychological and metaphysical uses
Powers: Arnica is beneficial for healing emotional trauma, sadness, depression, and dissociative disorders. Aids in the reconnection to our Higher Self, allowing us to maintain conscious embodiment during stress.
Safety
Excessive doses can cause excitement of the nervous system, throat and stomach irritation. Prolonged topical use, or the application on broken skin, may cause irritation. Discontinue use if this happens.
Topical use only! Do not ingest arnica, except for very small amounts sometimes used in food. But even Canada has prohibited the use of arnica in culinary for this reason.
Don't apply over large areas of broken skin
With prolonged external use, edematous dermatitis may result with the formation of small vesicles.
Considered possibly unsafe to take internally and externally by those who are pregnant or nursing.
Arnica may cause an allergic reaction in those who are allergic to the Asteraceae or Compositae plant families.
Don't take internally if you have digestive issues, arnica may irritation the digestive system.
Don't take if you have a fast heart rate, arnica may increase heart rate or high blood pressure.
Do not take arnica 2 week before surgery, arnica may cause excess bleeding.
Drug interactions
Arnica slows blood clotting, so taking a medication that slows blood clotting along with arnica may increase the chance of bruising and bleeding. anticoagulant and antiplatelet
Application
Topically- apply arnica infused oil, or compress by applying a cotton pad with 1 teaspoon of diluted extract in cool water. Renew every 1-2 hours.
To gargle, mix 5-10 drops of extract in half-cup water and gargle several times a day. It's best to take arnica at weak, well diluted doses.
Ointment containing 10-25% arnica extract
Tincture, liquid extract of dried flowers (1:10 herb/extract ratio)
Sincerely,
Emilee Wright
A Mercurial Consciousness