Arnica Montana..... The Mountain Daisy is a perennial plant also known as
leopard's bane, wolf's bane, mountain tobacco and mountain arnica. Arnica
products have become very popular these days as a natural alternative when
managing extreme sports related injuries to the everyday simple lumps and
bumps encountered by both equine and human.
Witch Hazel base is the best medium to extract the benefits contained within
each of the components making up the arnica plant as evidenced by Equilite´s
world famous Sore No More® line of herbal cooling liniments. Common uses
include application for leg, muscle, hoof, bath, edema, and the overall feel
good effect we expect in order to counter the effects of sprains, strains,
spasms, arthritis, bruises and many more afflictions.
The active components derived from arnica include;
Arnicin (a yellow crystalline bitter resin)
Sesquiterpene lactones (known to reduce inflammation and decrease pain)
Thymol (an antiseptic, disinfectant, fungicide and antiseptic essential
oil also found in the plant Thyme)
Flavonoids (produce yellow or red/blue pigmentation flowers and protect
them from attack by microbes and insects)
Inulin (are a group of naturally occurring oligasaccharides which are
several simple sugars linked together belonging to a class of carbohydrates
known as fructans)
Carotenoids (naturally occurring organic pigments associated with an
orange to yellowish color)
Tannins (are astringent bitter-tasting plant polyphenols- plant substances
that have antioxidant properties with potential health benefits)
Common external uses for ARNICA;
arthritis and rheumatism
bruises
muscle spasms or aches
sore or painful joints
sprained or pulled muscles
tendon strain
swelling due to fractures
wound healing
helps disperse trapped fluids from traumatized tissue, joints, muscles
stimulates white blood cell activity to relieve congested blood cells
helps reduce bleeding from trauma to an area
pre or post surgery to reduce bleeding and inflammation from the process
HOW IT WORKS
Arnica works by stimulating the activity of white blood cells that perform much of the digestion of congested blood, and by dispersing trapped, disorganized fluids from bumped and bruised tissue, joints and muscles. Arnica is known to stimulate blood circulation which flushes out inflammation and speeds healing to an area. It has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities that can reduce pain, swelling, and improve the potential for quicker wound healing.
Arnica in the raw plant state is considered to be toxic and can possibly induce vomiting, weakness, increased heart rate and nervous disturbances. If ingested, it should always be ingested in a homeopathic preparation form only, where none of the original substance is present to be absorbed. Topically it is safe to use, however, we should caution that although rare, some animals may have an allergic reaction to the plant.
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Herb Profile: Arnica
Source: University of Maryland Medical Center
Overview:
Arnica (Arnica montana) has been used for medicinal purposes since the 1500s and remains popular today. Applied topically as a cream, ointment, liniment, salve, or tincture, Europeans and Native Americans have used arnica to soothe muscle aches, reduce inflammation, and heal wounds. It is often the first remedy used for injuries such as sprains and bruises. Arnica in herbal form is primarily restricted to topical (external) use because it can cause serious side effects when taken internally. Arnica is often used in homeopathy, and should be taken internally only in the extremely diluted form common to homeopathic remedies. If you have any question about whether you have the herbal or homeopathic form of arnica, talk to your doctor before taking it.
Plant Description:
Arnica is a perennial that grows to a height of 1 - 2 feet with yellow-orange flowers similar to daisies. Stems are round and hairy, ending in one to three flower stalks, with flowers 2 - 3 inches across. Leaves are bright green. The upper leaves are toothed and slightly hairy, while lower leaves have rounded tips. It is native to the mountains of Europe and Siberia, and is cultivated in North America.
Parts Used:
Fresh or dried flower heads are used in medicinal preparations.
Medicinal Uses and Indications:
* Arnica is used topically for a wide range of conditions, including bruises, sprains, muscle aches, wound healing, superficial phlebitis, rheumatic pain, inflammation from insect bites, and swelling due to fractures.
* Homeopathic preparations are also used to treat sore muscles, bruises, and other conditions caused by overexertion or trauma. Homeopathic doses are extremely diluted. They have no detectable amount of the plant in them and are generally considered safe for internal use when taken according to the directions on the product labeling.
Available Forms:
Arnica is available commercially in topical creams and ointments. It is most commonly prepared as a tincture, which can also be used as the base for compresses and poultices. Arnica oil may also be used in topical preparations.
A number of homeopathic remedies are available in pill, topical, or injectable forms.
How to Take It:
Arnica should not be taken internally without direct medical supervision, except in dilute form as a homeopathic remedy, because side effects may be severe (see "Precautions" ).
Homeopathic products should be used according to directions on the label or the advice of your homeopathic practitioner. Health care providers may give homeopathic preparations by injection.
When using arnica topically, never place on an open wound without a doctor's supervision.
Pediatric
Homeopathic preparations may be used to treat bruising, swelling, and trauma to soft tissues. Follow the dosage instructions on the product label or consult a licensed homeopath.
Adult
Topical preparations of arnica may be prepared as follows:
* Tincture: a 1:10 tincture prepared with 70% ethanol
* Creams and ointments: 20 - 25% tincture or a maximum of 15% arnica oil made from one part dried arnica flower head and five parts vegetable oil
* Compresses: tincture diluted 3 - 10 times with water
* Poultices: tincture diluted 3 - 10 times with water
* Mouthwash: tincture diluted 10 times with water (should not be swallowed)
Precautions:
Arnica is generally safe when used topically (externally) . However, prolonged use may irritate the skin, causing eczema, peeling, blisters, or other skin conditions. Arnica should not be used on broken skin, such as leg ulcers. Also, people who are hypersensitive or allergic to the herb should avoid it.
Arnica is rarely used as an internal herbal remedy because it can cause dizziness, tremors, and heart irregularities. It may also irritate mucous membranes and cause vomiting. Large doses can even be fatal. Do not take arnica internally except under close supervision of your doctor. Homeopathic remedies, which use very small amounts of arnica, can usually be taken safely.
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, talk to your doctor before taking any medication, including herbs.
Possible Interactions:
When used topically or in a homeopathic remedy, arnica does not interact with any conventional medications.
Alternative Names:
Arnica montana; Leopard's bane
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