Hello readers, here we bring you an informative article about Arnica. In it you will find: What is arnica, benefits and properties of it, side effects, precautions to take into account and even an easy and effective method to prepare the ointment that we mention in the title of the article. Once you finish reading, we ask you to please share it on your favorite social networks so that your friends can find out just like you.
Index
What is Arnica?
Arnica is an herb that grows primarily in Siberia and central Europe, as well as in temperate climates in North America. The flowers of the plant are used medicinally to temporarily relieve muscle pain and stiffness due to minor injuries, overexertion, and falls, as well as to reduce pain, swelling, and discoloration of bruises.
General use of Arnica
Arnica flowers, fresh or dried, are used medicinally. Arnica is considered by many herbalists to be a specific remedy for bruises, sprains, and muscle aches. The herb is known to some as a “cure all,” reflecting this common medicinal use. A compress soaked in an arnica infusion can ease the inflammation of phlebitis. A few drops of arnica tincture added to warm water in a foot bath will relieve fatigue and soothe sore feet. A hair rinse made with arnica extract has been used to treat neurotic alopecia, an anxiety condition that leads to hair loss. Highly diluted homeopathic preparation taken after muscle / soft tissue shock or trauma is said to be beneficial. The homeopathic preparation is also used to relieve vertigo, hoarseness, and dizziness. Studies have determined that arnica has properties that act as an immunostimulant. Arnica extract has been shown to stimulate the action of white blood cells in animal studies, increasing resistance to bacterial infections, such as salmonella.
Arnica benefits
- People take arnica by mouth for sore mouth and throat, pain like pain after surgery or removal of wisdom teeth, insect bites, painful and swollen veins near the surface of the skin (superficial phlebitis), bruising, muscle pain, vision problems due to diabetes, stroke and to cause miscarriages.
- Arnica is applied to the skin (through the ointment modality that we explain in this article) for pain and inflammation associated with bruises, pain and sprains. It is also applied to the skin for insect bites, arthritis, muscle and cartilage pain, chapped lips, and acne.
- In foods, arnica is a flavor ingredient in beverages, frozen dairy desserts, candy, baked goods, jellies, and puddings.
- In manufacturing, arnica is used in hair tonics and anti-dandruff preparations. The oil is used in perfumes and cosmetics.
Preparation of Arnica ointment
Simmer one ounce of dried and powdered arnica flowers with one ounce of olive oil for several hours over very low heat. Combine this medicinal oil with melted beeswax to the desired consistency. Pour into dark glass jars while still warm. Seal with tight-fitting lids when cool and label appropriately.
Precautions when using Arnica
Arnica is recommended for external use only. Do not put arnica in your mouth or swallow it. The plant is poisonous and, if ingested, can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, shortness of breath, cardiac arrest, and death.
Do not use arnica if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use it on open wounds or broken skin. Stop using arnica if you develop a skin rash.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate arnica in the same way that it regulates medicine. It can be sold with little or no research on how well it works or on its safety.
Always inform your doctor if you are using an alternative product or if you are considering combining one with your conventional medical treatment. It may not be safe to forgo your conventional medical treatment and rely solely on an alternative product.
Arnica side effects
Arnica contains a compound known as helenalin, an allergen that can cause contact dermatitis in some people. If a rash develops, discontinue use of the herbal preparation. Prolonged external use of arnica extract in high concentrations can cause blisters, skin ulcers and surface necrosis.
Arnica history
Arnica has a history of folk medicine use in many places, including North America, Germany, and Russia. The herb has been used in home remedies since the 16th century. An indigenous tribe in North America, the Cataulsa, prepared a tea from arnica roots to relieve back pain. The German writer Goethe credited arnica with saving his life by causing a persistent high fever. Arnica preparations are widely used in Russia. Popular use includes external treatment of wounds, black eye, sprains and bruises. Arnica has been used in Russian folk medicine to treat uterine bleeding, myocarditis, arteriosclerosis, angina pectoris, heart failure, and in many other unproven applications.
Dr. Samantha Robson ( CRN: 0510146-5) is a nutritionist and website content reviewer related to her area of expertise. With a postgraduate degree in Nutrition from The University of Arizona, she is a specialist in Sports Nutrition from Oxford University and is also a member of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.
