Arnica the Herb

Arnica is deadly in large quantities. Do not ingest the herb or the essential oil.

Do not use the undiluted essential oil externally.

It contains a compound that acts in the same way as oxytocin, which is used to induce labor and for this reason pregnant mothers should not use arnica in any form or way.

The extremely dilute homeopathic preparation of arnica is considered safe for internal use in proper therapeutic dosages.

Overdose of arnica extract has resulted in poisoning, with toxic symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and hemorrhage, even death.

Use externally with caution, and only in dilute preparations.

Only the homeopathic tincture can be safely ingested.

Discontinue if a skin rash results, and do not use on broken skin.

Research has confirmed that alcoholic extracts of arnica have a toxic action on the heart, and can cause an increase in blood pressure.

Arnica contains a compound known as helenalin, an allergen that may cause contact dermatitis in some persons.

If a rash develops discontinue use of the herbal preparation.

Prolonged external use of arnica extract in high concentrations can result in blistering, skin ulcers, and surface necroses.

The use of arnica is subject to legal restriction in some countries, and the pure essential oil extracted from this herb is classified as toxic - although the macerated oil is not classed as such.

DISCLAIMER:

These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals.

One final note:

Many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.

In the case of any and all alternative healing topics here (and anywhere else on the Internet), we strongly recommend your physician is aware of any methods you are applying. Alternative healing, holistic healing, homeopathic health care and all other related subjects should not be considered a replacement for a doctor's care but rather as a possible aid to such care.

If you are uncertain on the safety of using any information please be sure to consult your doctor prior to proceeding.

From the catwalk to the cosmetic surgeon, arnica is being touted as the new beauty hero.

The fashion set is forever searching for new ways to look more beautiful: goji berries, noni juice....the list goes on.

So when reports surfaced recently that some designers and models in New York were taking the homeopathic herb arnica to slim down and clear their skin before a bib event, it was hardly a surprise. But is it a good idea?

Arnica is a pretty, yellow, daisy-like flower that grows mostly in mountainous areas of Europe, and is a favourite traditional medicine for alternative health practiktioners and sports stars alike.

"Arnica's traditional use in homeopathy is for injury and trauma," says Kira Sutherland, naturopath, homeopath and member of the Biotherm Energy Team. "If you take it soon after bumping yourself, you will have minimal brusing because it stops the bleeding under the skin. It also aids recovery by reducing inflammation."

Sutherland regularly takes arnica - in both oral and topical cream form - to combat the effects of a sporty lifestyle.

Arnica is one of homeopathic brand Brauer Natural Medicine's most popular products. "It's arguably the most widely used natural product on the planet", says Brauer's naturopath Robert Medhurst. "It has broad appeal, from the mums and dadas who select it for their children's and their own bumps and bruises, through to teenagers and adults who use it after sporting activities, all the wy through to retirees with bumps and body aches."

SLIMMING SECRET?

What about the fasion types using it to slim down and fit into a dress by Friday night?

"It is an interesting application of the product," Medhurst says.

Sutherland is more sceptical. "Arnica has no traditional application for slimming or puffiness. It's used to calm down swellking, but that's from an injury. You could have inflammation and bloating due to food allergies or sensitivities, but the most effective remedy in this case would be to simply eliminate those foods."

Dermatologist Dr. Chris Kearney, from Sydney Specialist Dermatology, says: "there are other properly tested agents that can reduce puffiness such as anti-inflammatory medications. I prefer to recommend these if necessary as we have the correct amount of scientific data regarding their effectiveness and potential side effects."

Dr. Kearney questions arnica's effectiveness in general. "the data in this area is conflicting; some studies show measurable effectiveness and others show none. The general consensus is it doesn have some anti-inflammatory and anti-bruising properties but they are probably quite mild."

HEALING POWERS:

Still, arnica has many devotees in the beauty industry.

"We use both topical and oral arnica before and after any facial cosmetic operation and, in some cases, before injectables,." says surgeon Dr. William Mooney. "We have used it for many years and it works. There is a radical reduction in the amount and length of time of post-surgery bruising."

Arnical serves various other beauty purposes. Jurlique, which has sold a skin-calming Arnical Cram and Loltion since the company's 1985 beginnings, has added the ingredient to all three of its eye creams "because of arnica's soothing and cooling effects," says national education manager, Anya Rogers.

Sutherland says: "I think it can be effective in skincare and it's very much on trend. My only concern is it is an endangered plant and is hard to cultivate. We use tiny amounts in homeopathy, but as for skincare, let's just say I hope it doesn't become too popular!"

Parts Used:

The flowers are harvested when in full bloom. The rhizomes are harvested after the plant has died back in autumn.

The flowering heads are normally used, while the rhizomes are very rarely used.

Arnica (Arnica montana L.), known also as leopards-bane, wolfsbane, and European arnica, is a member of the Compositae (Asteraceae) family.

This attractive herb is native to the mountains of Siberia and central Europe, where the leaves were smoked as a substitute for tobacco. This practice led to a common name for the herb: mountain tobacco.

Arnica thrives in the northern mountains of the United States and Canada, in high pastures and woodlands.

Arnica grows from a cylindrical, hairy rhizome with a creeping underground stem.

First year leaves are downy and grow in a flat rosette at the base of the stem.

In the second year, arnica sends up a round, hairy stem with smaller, sessile leaves growing in one to three opposite pairs. This central stem may branch into three or more stems each with a terminal composite blossom.

Arnica's aromatic, daisy-like flowers have 10-14 bright yellow rays, each with three notches at the end. Flower rays are irregularly bent back.

The rhizome is dark brown, cylindrical, usually curved, and bears brittle wiry rootlets on the under surface.

Arnica blooms from June to August. The flowerheads, when crushed and sniffed, may cause sneezing, resulting in another of arnica's common names: sneezewort.

Arnica is a fragrant, bitter and astringent herb that stimulates the immune system and heart, relieves pain and inflammation and clears fungal and bacterial infections.

It contains the anti-inflammatory sesquiterpene lactone helanalin, as well as flavones, flavonols, triterpenoids phenolic acid, polysaccharides and an essential oil containing thymol, thymolmethylether and azulene.

It is seldom used internally, because of its irritant effect on the stomach.

Arnica should only be used internally by licensed medical practitioners, and a tincture made from the plant material can be used in the treatment of heart failure and coronary artery disease.

It can be used as a mouth wash and gargle when fighting inflammation of the mucus membranes.

Arnica is currently used in liniment and ointment preparations.

Arnica is an anti-inflammatory, pain reliever and a local antibiotic, that is used in liniments and creams for dislocations, sprains, bruises, chilblains, and varicose ulcers.

It helps to prevent bruising and swelling after traumatic skin injuries and prevents the blood platelets from gathering to the site of injury.

Furthermore, it reverses the effect of pain causing prostaglandins and thereby has a pain relieving effect, which is further enhanced by the sesquiterpene lactones, helanalin and dihydrohelanalin contained, which also reduces inflammation and fights bacteriia

It is particularly useful for joint, muscle and rheumatic pain and it has also been found to prevent muscle stiffness and reduce pain when applied before athletic events.

When an arnica compress is applied to any injury - including broken bones, it can have a most amazing healing result.

It can also be used successfully for burns, including sunburn.

Topical forms of arnica are generally rubbed on the skin at the site of pain or injury.

Arnica salves are available for treatment of chapped lips and skin, eczema, and acne.

You can also purchase tinctures or even dried arnica flowers-add them to a relaxing bath for relief of tight, tired muscles and sore feet at the end of the day.

Arnica is seldom used internally, because it is irritating to the stomach, and can be poisonous if consumed in large amounts. Signs of arnica toxicity include vomiting, weakness, increased heart rate and nervous disturbances.

However, an arnica tincture is sometimes recommended by homeopathic practitioners to treat motion sickness and seizure disorders (of course, if you have a seizure disorder you should be under a doctor's care, and consult your physician before taking any supplementation, including arnica).

Arnica contains sesquiterpene lactones, substances that are known to reduce inflammation and decrease pain.

Arnica prevents bruising by keeping stimulating the white blood cells to disperse trapped blood and fluid from the site of injury.

Arnica's effectiveness as a treatment for bruising, sports injuries, and inflammation is well established and many commercial creams used for treatment of pain, bruising, and swelling contain arnica as an active ingredient.

Arnica creams are also used to treat pain and inflammation resulting from carpel tunnel syndrome and arthritis.

Arnica can also be used externally to treat tired, overstressed muscles. One study performed in Norway showed that marathon runners who applied arnica to their skin before the event experienced less pain and stiffness afterward.

Arnica is a relaxing addition to the bath, and has been shown to be particularly helpful for soaking tired, aching feet.

Arnica's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect may be of some benefit to those with inflammatory skin disorders.

This herb is traditionally used as a topical treatment for burns, eczema, and acne. However, arnica should not be applied to an open wound, as it could cause painful irritation.

Arnica is known to stimulate blood circulation and can raise blood pressure, especially in the coronary arteries. People with high blood pressure or heart disease should consult a physician before using arnica.

Topical forms of arnica are generally rubbed on the skin at the site of pain or injury.

Arnica salves are available for treatment of chapped lips and skin, eczema, and acne.

You can also purchase tinctures or even dried arnica flowers-add them to a relaxing bath for relief of tight, tired muscles and sore feet at the end of the day.

Many herbalists consider arnica to be a specific remedy for bruises, sprains, and sore muscles.

The herb is known by some as "tumbler's cure all," reflecting this common medicinal use.

A compress soaked in an arnica infusion may relieve 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 prepared with arnica extract has been used to treat alopecia neurotica, an anxiety condition leading to hair loss.

The very dilute homeopathic preparation ingested following a shock or muscle/soft tissue trauma is said to be beneficial.

The homeopathic preparation is also used to relieve vertigo, hoarseness, and seasickness.

In the United States, arnica is widely used in topical application for bruises, aches, sprains, and inflammations.

Very effective in healing bruising, muscle strains and sprains, swelling and cramps.

Helps damaged, inflamed tissue recover quickly.

A macerated oil (where the plant material is infused into a base oil) is useful for treating bruises, strained muscles and swelling.

PLEASE NOTE - the pure essential distilled oil of Arnica is poisonous, and MUST be used in a carrier oil at a low dilution rate.

Arnica is available commercially in the form of liniments and massage oil for external application, and in very dilute homeopathic preparations considered safe for internal use.

Arnica tincture should not be ingested without supervision of a qualified herbalist or physician.

Ointment:

Simmer one ounce of dried and powdered arnica flowers with one ounce of olive oil for several hours on very low heat.

Combine this medicinal oil with melted beeswax to desired consistency.

Pour into dark glass jars while still warm. Seal with tightly fitting lids when cool and label appropriately.

Infusion:

Place two to three teaspoons of chopped, fresh arnica blossoms in a warmed glass container.

Bring two cups of fresh, nonchlorinated water to the boiling point, add it to the herbs. Cover. Simmer for about 10 minutes. Strain.

The prepared tea will store for about two days in the refrigerator.

The infusion may be used to bathe unbroken skin surfaces and to provide relief for rheumatic pain, chillbains, bruises, and sprains. Because of the toxicity of arnica, it is best to avoid internal use without qualified medical supervision.

Arnica is versatile and requires only partial sun and normal watering conditions. The arnica herb does not bloom during the heat of the summer but flowers again the next year.

Arnica thrives in a mixture of loam, peat, and sand. It may be propagated by root division or from seed.

Plant your seeds a few inches from the top of the soil. Arnica plants grow well intermingled with bulb flowers.

Water your Arnica leopard bane once a week as needed. These types of plants only require watering when the soil becomes dry.

Feed and fertilize the arnica using a fertilizer with no nitrogen every 7 to 14 days during the flowering season.

Protect your herb against pests and diseases. The most common disease for this type of plant is powdery mildew or root rot if the plant gets too wet.

Grow new plants from cuttings of the pre-existing plant. Do this during the early spring in a cold frame or green house. Move the plant outdoors after spring arrives.

Arnica grows from a cylindrical, hairy rhizome with a creeping underground stem.

First year leaves are downey and grow in a flat rosette at the base of the stem. In the second year, Arnica sends up a round, hairy stem with smaller, sessile leaves growing in one to three opposite pairs. This central stem may branch into three or more stems each with a terminal composite blossom.

Arnica's aromatic, dairy-like flowers have 10-14 bright yellow rays, each with three notches at the end. Flower rays are irregularly bent back. The central disk is composed of tubular florets.

The flowers are collected entire and dried, but the receptacles are sometimes removed, as they are liable to be attacked by insects. The root is collected in autumn after the leaves have died down.