Amazing Arnica
Arnica Montana, also known as Leopards-bane, Wolfsbane and European
Arnica, is a wonderful plant very much used in Homeopathy and also in
essential oil, creams and tinctures.
It is also
sometimes referred to as ‘mountain tobacco’ due to the leaves being
smoked as a tobacco substitute in it’s native areas of Siberia and
central Europe.
Arnica has a history of being used in
folk medicine since 16 century and has been used for many varied health
issues with success and today, physicians from over 80 countries around
the globe acknowledge its effectiveness in reducing pain and swelling.
Studies have determined that arnica has properties that act as an immuno-stimulant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic.
The
extract of arnica has been shown to stimulate the action of white blood
cells in animal studies, increasing resistance to bacterial infections,
and in its homeopathic form, it is used for vertigo, sea-sickness and
hoarseness, aswell as soft tissue damage, sprains, sore muscles and
pain relief to name but a few.
Arnica should never be
ingested unless in homeopathic form, unless directed by aqualified
herbalist, as it can be deadly in large quantities but in homeopathic
form and cream, should certainly have a place in your first aid
cupboard.
Arnica should not be used on broken skin,
and can, in some raise a rash, but for many is a truly wonderful herb
they would not be without, and in homeopathy, there exist no records of
bad side effects from using it in safe doses and it can be used at any
age and any state of wellness.
General Description:As
a first aid remedy Arnica has brought many converts to homeopathy by
minimizing bruising, bleeding, swelling, shock, pain and recovery time
following strains, injuries, dental work, surgery, childbirth, exercise…
Even without bruising or obvious signs of injury after trauma, Arnica
relieves the aftershock, soreness and pain that follows.
Sprains: Whenever
backs are lifting and joints are twisting, Arnica can minimize the
swelling, bruising and pain. In homeopath Asa Hershoff’s book on
Musculoskeltal Healing, his perfect formula for sprains begins with
Arnica to reduce swelling, bruising and trauma.
Broken bones: Arnica
given in the first stage can minimize the swelling and get you in the
final cast much sooner. Once the bone is well set, low doses of
Symphytum should take Arnica’s place.
Skin: On
the skin and soft tissues everywhere, Arnica can help the body reduce
bruising, minimize bleeding of minor cuts, plus ease tender sore spots
like boils, acne or blood blisters.
Muscles: For
aches and muscles, Arnica can bring much comfort when a strong cough
has your ribcage feeling sore, or a flu has your muscles aching. A dose
before and after a workout can minimize the next day’s stiffness and
help the muscles heal.
Arnica is an excellent all-around remedy, for owners and animals alike.
