Arnica
Montana has been used against different ailments: from back pain to rheumatism,
including skin regeneration and stimulation of blood circulation.
If
you want to know what arnica is good for, how to use it in natural remedies,
and its possible contraindications, in this article, we tell you all about it.
What
is Arnica?
Arnica,
Arnica Montana L, also popularly known as mountain betony and mountain tobacco,
is a medicinal plant used in folk medicine for hundreds of years.
Arnica
is a plant native to Europe and belongs to the botanical family of Composite or
Asteraceae like Artichokes, Lettuce, Dandelion, Marigold, Sunflower, and
Chamomile.
It
can reach half a meter in height, with leaves covered with hairs and
orange-yellow flowers. It is a plant that grows wild in the mountains and has
an aroma similar to chamomile.
For
medicinal purposes are mainly used the flowers of arnica because are the ones
that have more excellent therapeutic action. However, the roots and rhizomes
are also used but to a lesser extent.
This
medicinal plant has many benefits for our health; let's see what arnica is good
for.
Medicinal
Properties of Arnica
This
medicinal plant has flavonoids, carotenoids, curmarins, lignans, phenolic
acids, diterpenes, bitter principles, volatile oils, and amacin, among other
components, which give this medicinal herb property:
- Analgesic
- Rubefacient
- Anti-inflammatory
- Immunomodulatory
- Antioxidant
- Uterotonic
- Antibacterial
- Positive inotropic
- Astringent
- Fungicide
- Platelet antiaggregant
- Healing
- Antitumor
- Hepatoprotective
- Antirheumatic
- Bronchodilator
- Choleretic
- Anxiolytic
- Vulnerary
- Cytoprotective
- Antitussive
Suppose you want to have the peace of mind of taking advantage of the properties of arnica without the dangers of ingesting pesticide residues.
In that case, we
always recommend you to choose Organic Arnica, the best option to take care of
your health.
Benefits
and Uses of Arnica
❋ It prevents the formation of bruises or helps to eliminate them.
❋ It strengthens hair and can help prevent hair loss.
❋ It helps relieve pain in bruises, trauma, sprains ...
❋ Reduces swelling.
❋ Improves the contraction of the heart muscle, being positive to take care of the heart.
❋ Prevents the formation of thrombi and blood clots in blood vessels (such as arteries and veins).
❋ It can be helpful in cases of chronic venous insufficiency.
❋ Arnica helps to improve our defenses and our immune system to function correctly.
❋ It fights to cough episodes.
❋ Arnica can contribute to improving skin problems.
❋ It stimulates the absorption of calcium from the bone, and this strengthens it, being helpful to help prevent osteoporosis.
❋ It improves muscle and joint stiffness.
❋ Prevents infections in skin and mouth wounds, etc.
❋ For osteoarthritis, it can be an ally.
❋ It is indicated in cases of frostbite.
❋ It improves our mood, being useful to help in cases of anxiety.
❋ Promotes breathing.
❋ Reduces pain when there are tears or muscle strains.
❋ Stimulates blood circulation, especially interesting for people with diabetes.
❋ Accelerates recovery in dislocations and sprains.
❋ It protects our cells against oxidative damage from free radicals. Therefore, it is interesting to help prevent diseases.
❋ Apply arnica locally to prevent the appearance of stretch marks on the skin.
❋ It is useful in cases of respiratory tract conditions.
❋ Improves rheumatoid arthritis.
❋ Combat’s acne and improves the general condition of the skin by applying arnica infusion with cotton or gauze.
❋ It is used to treat angina and pharyngitis.
❋ Eliminates fungus.
❋ Promotes good gum health and prevents pyorrhea.
❋ It may help prevent travel sickness.
❋ It helps to heal wounds.
❋ Arnica can be our ally in cases of fungal and bacterial infections.
❋ It relieves cases of arthritis thanks to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory action.
Home
Remedies with Arnica
Arnica
can be used internally by taking the infusion or taking a tincture of the
plant. But it can also be added in the preparation of creams, ointments, and
poultices to apply externally and topically.
To
prepare the arnica infusion, add a teaspoon of dried flowers in a cup and add
200 ml of boiling water (it is not necessary to boil). Cover and let stand for
3 or 4 minutes, then filter and drink when it has cooled to room temperature.
❋ To improve sprains, blows, dislocations, or bruises, rub or put plasters on the affected area.
❋ It can be used externally by including it to prepare creams and tonics to stimulate blood circulation.
Contraindications
for The Use of Arnica
It
is not advisable to take it during pregnancy because of its tonic stimulant
action and its potential miscarriage:
- Arnica should not be taken
during the lactation period.
- Arnica shouldn't be used in
children under 12 years of age.
- Arnica should not be applied on
open wounds or irritated skin.
- It can interact with medicines.
If you are under pharmacological treatment, consult your doctor before
taking arnica.
- Medicinal plants should not be
consumed for more than 15 days in a row. After this period, you should
rest for a week before retaking it.
This is general information. As with any medicinal plant, consult a doctor before taking it to know if it can be useful in your case and if it is compatible with your medical history.