Arnica

What is arnica and what is it used for?

Many experts consider arnica (Arnica montana) as the best anti-inflammatory for external use that nature provides. Herbalists and homeopathic doctors put the use of this medicinal plant before any other remedy for the treatment of inflammations caused by blows and small accidents.

Arnica, also known as sneezing, talpica or mountain tobacco, is a plant of European origin that grows in moist mountain meadows, often on the banks of streams and lagoons. In Spain we find it in the Pyrenees and in some mountainous areas of the Cantabrian Sea and Galicia.

Is a easy to identify plant, especially for its flower. The plant is slender, with rosette-shaped basal leaves and smaller, smooth upper leaves covered with a very fine hair. Its beautiful flowers appear from the month of June, a little earlier in some low areas. They are some big yellow flowers.

For medicinal purposes, to take advantage of its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, the flower heads are harvested in summer, in full bloom. The rhizome is extracted before the first snowfall falls, once the plant is dead.

It must be taken into account that it is a plant that is in decline, so when it is seen in the mountains it is important to respect the plant. Is preferable not to tear it off and rely on the provisions available to the herbalists.

Except in homeopathic formulations, which use infinitesimal doses, used exclusively externally. Its high toxicity means that it should never be ingested, neither in infusion nor maceration in oil or any other preparation.

Arnica properties

In the arnica composition we find essential oil, flavonoids, coumarins, sesquiterpene lactones, tannins, phytosterols and a certain proportion of alkaloids. This combination provides you with your well-known anti-inflammatory propertiesas well as its analgesic, antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, antihistamine and healing effects.

Due to its toxic potential, as we have seen, oral arnica is reserved for homeopathic remedies. In phytotherapy it is intended only for external applications. It is considered the most powerful anti-inflammatory externally, as it is very effective for combat muscle pain and reduce all kinds of inflammation.

Specifically, it is used in external applications for the following purposes:

To reduce inflammation and stop infection on wounds, bruises, skin irritations, scratches and tears, dislocations, abrasions and minor burns. This makes her a excellent natural remedy for hikers and athletes. Hence, we find it in numerous creams and ointments to apply to the affected area.For small bleeding under the skin in the form of spots or ecchymosis, since it favors local blood supply and accelerates wound healing. As a precaution, it should not be applied directly to an open wound.For the treatment of eczema, boils, acne, pimples, itching and hives caused by allergic processes and food poisoning, since it has some antihistamine action. Living4Media

How is arnica used?

In the event of a blow or bruise, applying arnica with a massage calms the pain and reduces inflammation. In herbalists you can find the dry plant for infusion, with which plasters can be prepared and applied externally. They also have it in the form of tincture, liquid extract, oil and, both in herbalists and pharmacies, as an ingredient in ointments, creams, gels, lotions and balms, even in the form of sticks.

Infusion

The simple infusion of arnica, or associated with calendula and lavender, is applied, soaking with it some compressesto relieve muscular tension in general and to relax the muscles in case of cervical contracture, tired legs and aching back, or as relaxation prior to a massage with essential oils.

can be applied too in the form of a bath for tired and sore feet.

Oil

Arnica oil is a vegetable oil ideal for decontracting massages and to apply on sore muscles and joints. The oil can be used pure or combined with other oils, such as calendula or hazelnut.

According to aromatherapy expert Dominique Baudoux, it also creates good synergies with essential oils such as perpetua, peppermint, or bay leaf.

creams and ointments

Arnica creams and ointments are another practical way to apply this plant on contracturesbumps and swollen joints.

fresh plant

Another way to use arnica is by using the fresh plant to make poultices, whether the flowering tops or the machada root. Also can be macerated in alcohol to use it in massages, together with rosemary, lavender and camphor, for example.

home remedies with arnica

Remember that you should avoid collecting arnica on the mountain. Use the dry plant reserves of herbalists.

Arnica tincture for first aid

This tincture is ideal for relieving blows, bruises and bruises. applies with a massage or friction on the painful area, 2 or 3 times a day. It should not be applied to open wounds.

How to do it: 33 g of dried plant are macerated in one liter of alcohol for 27 days, shaking from time to time. After this time, it is filtered into a translucent glass bottle.

muscle pain lotion

For this lotion, arnica is combined with other plants with anti-inflammatory, analgesic and relaxing properties. applies on the painful area with a gentle circular massageevery day in the morning and before going to bed, while the pain lasts.

How to do it: 15 grams of each of these plants are mixed: arnica, rosemary, hypericum, lavender and devil’s claw. Then this combination is mixed with half a liter of 96 degree alcohol, 100 grams of grated carrot and a glass of lemon juice. Finally, the mixture is poured into a sterilized, translucent glass container and left to rest for 15 days. Once this time has elapsed, it is filtered and can now be used. You can replace the carrot and lemon juice, included to aid preservation, with a dose of vitamin E.

Balm for strains and sprains

You can prepare an ointment with wax and apply it in a gentle massage to the painful area three times a day. 60 g of arnica and wax tops are needed.

How to do it: The wax is melted in a saucepan in a bain-marie and then the chopped grass is added. Filter and squeeze to extract all the liquid. It is poured into translucent glass jars and left to rest, covered, so that it gains consistency.

Homeopathy

Arnica is a classic homeopathic remedy, widely prescribed to treat pain and inflammation. It is used as an emergency remedy after a blow, surgery or dental treatment. Also to relieve joint pain. According to Andrew Lockie’s Encyclopedia of Homeopathy, these are the most common indications in homeopathy, especially when symptoms are improved by lying down and worsened by cold, movement, and damp:

In concussions, wounds and surgical procedures, It is considered useful to reduce bruising, swelling and pain, and when the body is bruisedFor the postpartum pain.For him toothache and gums.In muscle and joint painto relieve swelling, bruising and pain after a torn ligament, to soothe swollen and tender joints, or to relieve muscle pain when cramping or after physical overexertion.

contraindications

In homeopathic doses, arnica is excellent for relieving trauma, bruises, aches, sprains, bleeding, etc. But orally It can be very irritating to the mucous membranes and in high doses it can cause nervous disturbances, dizziness and hallucinations. It should be avoided ingesting it.

It should not be applied on open wounds or on skin with dermatitis.

Jordi Cebrian. Advisor: J Ma Teixé, herbalist at “El Manantial de Salud”