Health Tips

Arnica Benefits:-

Alternative Names:-
Arnica montana, Leopard's bane

Introduction:-
Arnica (Arnica montana) is used for medicinal purposes since 1500 and is still popular today. Applied locally as a cream, ointment, liniment, ointment or tincture, Europeans and Indians have used Arnica to relieve muscle pain, reduce inflammation, and wound healing. It is often the first drug is used for injuries such as sprains and bruises. Arnica in herbal form is mainly limited to the actual (external) use because of the serious adverse reactions taken internally can cause. Arnica is often used in homeopathy, and should only be taken internally in the extremely diluted form common to homeopathic remedies. If you have questions about whether the herbal or homeopathic form of arnica, talk to your doctor before you.

Plant Description:-
Arnica is a perennial that grows to a height of 1 to 2 meters with yellow-orange flowers similar to daisies. Stems are round and hairy, ending in one to three flower steal, with flowers 2 to 3 cm diameter. Leaves are bright green. The upper leaves are toothed and slightly hairy, while the lower leaves have rounded ends. It is native to the mountains of Europe and Siberia, and is cultivated in North America.

Parts Used:-
Fresh or dried flower heads are used in medicines.

Medicinal uses and indications:-

• Arnica is used locally for a wide range of conditions, including bruises, sprains, muscle pain, wound healing, superficial phlebitis, rheumatic pain, inflammation and swelling of insect bites because of fractures.

• Homeopathic preparations are also used to treat sore muscles, bruises, and other conditions caused by overload or trauma. Homeopathic doses are extremely diluted. They have no detectable amount of the plant in them and are generally regarded as safe for internal use when taken as directed on the product labeling.

Available forms:-
Arnica is available in topical creams and ointments on the market. It is usually prepared as a tincture, which can also be used as a basis for compresses and poultices. Arnica oil may also be used in topical preparations.

A number of homeopathic remedies are available in pill, topical, or injectable forms.

How to Take It:
Arnica should not be taken internally without direct medical supervision, except in diluted form as a homeopathic remedy, because side effects can be severe .

Homeopathic products are used according to directions on the label or as your homeopathic doctor. Caregivers may give homeopathic preparations by injection.

When using local arnica, never place in an open wound without medical supervision.

Pediatric:-
Homeopathic preparations can be used to treat bruises, swelling, and trauma to soft tissues. Follow the dosage instructions on the label or consult a homeopath recognized.

Adult:-
Current preparations of arnica can be prepared as follows:

• Tincture: 1:10 a tincture prepared with 70% ethanol

• Creams and ointments: 20 to 25% tincture or a maximum of 15% arnica oil made from one part dried arnica flower head and five parts vegetable oil

• Compresses: tincture diluted 3 to 10 times with water

• Compresses: tincture diluted 3 to 10 times with water

• Mouth Wash: tincture diluted 10 times with water (not to be swallowed)

Precautions:-
Arnica is generally safe when used locally (external). However, prolonged use can irritate the skin, making acne, peeling, blistering or other skin conditions. Arnica should not be used on broken skin, such as leg ulcers. Even people who are hypersensitive or allergic to the herb should be avoided.

Arnica is rarely used as an internal herbal remedy because the dizziness, can cause tremors and heart irregularities. It can also irritate mucous membranes and cause vomiting. Large doses can even be fatal. Do not take arnica internally except under close supervision of your doctor. Homeopathic, very small quantities of arnica can usually safe operation.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking any medicine, including herbs.

Possible interactions:-
Where locally or using a homeopathic remedy, arnica then does not interact with conventional drugs.