Name
Arnica montana (Arnica)
Medical Indication
Part of the plant which can be used
- The flower
Present in the market
- Ointment.
- Gel.
- Cream.
- Tincture.
Medical Use and Dosage – mode of administration
ARNICA MONTANA is mainly used to treat many conditions such as stiffness, muscular aches, pains and sprains, bruises and swelling after contusions, cases of injury such as hematomas, oedemas, furunculosis, veins inflammation, inflammation caused by insect bites, and rheumatic complains.
Arnica is used in heart failure and ischemic heart disease. It possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action. Also, its action is stimulant and diuretic.
In case of dealing with muscular aches, pains and sprains, bruises and swelling after contusions, can be used ointment or gel. Ointment is applied for external use at blunt traumas, sprain, bruise, contusion and dislocation, and at painful muscle and joint disorders. It can be applied 3 – 5 times daily to the affected area in slight massage. In the above cases, gel can be applied 2 – 4 times daily, to the affected area in slight massage.
In case of dealing with insect bites, hematomas, sprains, bruises, oedemas, furuncolosis, veins inflammation, inflammation caused by insect bites, and rheumatic complains, Arnica can be used in tincture.
In case of dealing with symptomatic treatment of ecchymosis, Arnica can be applied in cream, 2 – 3 times daily.
Arnica is also used externally (as a tincture or gel) to treat boils, burns and sprains, hemorrhoids, as it improves blood flow in situ and this leads to a rapid recovery. It should not be applied an open wounds, as this can cause painful irritation.
The plant is seldom used internally, because of its irritant effect on the stomach. Even in external application, the large doses of Arnica are toxic and its use must be consulted a licensed practitioner.
In addition it is used in cases of epilepsy, paralysis, bronchitis, shortness of breath.
Homeopathic preparations are used to treat muscular pain, bruises, sprains, irritation of injuries and burns, and other conditions caused by over-tension or trauma. Homeopathic doses are extremely sparse and generally considered safe for internal use when taken according to the pharmaceutical instructions.
For more information see:
http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Herbal_-_HMPC_assessment_report/2014/07/WC500170005.pdf
Combinations & Contraindications
Arnica montana can be combined in some cases as ointment with sunflower oil.
It can be combined with Hamamelis virginiana in creation of tincture.
Do not eternally use Arnica. It may provoke vomit, headache or hemorrhage.
It is contraindicated to be used during pregnancy without medical surveillance.
Recognized Ethnobotanical use
Arnica is used in cases of dealing with injury, as consequences of accidents, hematoma, distortions, contusions, against oedema due to fracture, in systematic treatment of rheumatic muscle and joint complaints, against furunculosis, inflammations caused by insect bites and superficial phlebitis, and to treat inflammations of the oral and throat region such as gingivitis and aphthous ulcers.