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Benefits |
Preparation |
Medicinal Uses |
Side Effects |
Plant |
Folklore |
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| Common Names |
| Arnica , leopard's bane,mountain tobacco |
| Botanical Name |
| Arnica montana |
| Family |
| ASTERACEAE or COMPOSITAE Sunflower family |
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Related Species |
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A.chamissonis, North America sp |
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Aches & Pains *
Bruises/Sprains *
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| Parts Used: roots,flowers |
| Constituents:Volatile oil (containing thymol), resins, a bitter principle (arnicin), carotenoids, flavonoids. |
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Arnica is an alpine herb with a long history use in the folk medicine of Russia and the Swiss Alps. Today, many plastic surgeons recommend that their patients use arnica creams to reduce post surgical bruising, and athletes often carry a tube in their gym bags to soothe sore muscles.
One of the best known herbal sports medicines, arnica has dramatic results if used immediately after an injury. Arnica helps speed the healing process by moving waste-bound fluids out and moving cleansing fluids and platelets into the affected area. You can buy arnica oils ready made, or easily make a homemade arnica infused oil with the dried flowers. I have found it wonderfully soothing as a shoulder rub when my arthritis acts up. |
Prep Methods :Tincture, infused in oil or extract. Homeopathic ointments and other preparations available.
Remedies using Arnica
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| The tincture of Arnica is used for external
application to sprains, bruises, and wounds,
and as a paint for chilblains when the skin is
unbroken. Repeated applications may produce severe inflammation. For tender feet a foot-bath of hot water
containing 2 oz. of the tincture arnica has brought
great relief. 352
(Grieve, Maude ) | | Homeopathic pain relief | | In a homeopathic capacity, arnica can be taken internally with good results and with a great margin of safety. The tiny while pellets are a great addition to any first aid kit. 528
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| Side Effects: |
| Great care must be exercised though, as
some people are particularly sensitive to the
plant and many severe cases of poisoning
have resulted from its use, especially if taken
internally. Repeated applications can cause skin irritation. |
Koehler's Medicinal-Plants 1887
Arnica is a classic sunflower with bright yellow daisylike flowers. In the North America variety, Arnica chamissonis, the flowers are used in preference to the rhizome.
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In countries where Arnica is indigenous, it has long been a popular remedy. In the North American colonies the flowers are used in preference to the rhizome. The tincture is used for external application to sprains, bruises, and wounds, and as a paint for chilblains when the skin is unbroken. (Grieve, M.) This alpine herb is has a long history of use in Russian folk medicine and the Swiss Alps. Goethe claimed this remedy saved his life when he was struck down with an otherwise uncontrollable high fever |
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