Medicinal Herbs
ArnicaDescription
Arnica Montana is a
medicinal herb which has been used from the oldest of times to cure wounds. Starting in the 16th century this herb has been used In North America, Germany and Russia due to its anti-inflammatory and calming effects. It should not be confused with Arnica Chamissonis, which is not a
medicinal herb, but a decorative one.
The active compounds contained by arnica are its :
- volatile oil,
- carotenoids,
- flavornoids, and
- triterpenic alcohol.
Its roots contain volatile oil (0.5 - 1.5 %), caffeic acid, inuline, thymol, and saccharose.
Arnica has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, decongestive and antifungal properties. It also stimulates the forming the granular tissues and thus accelerating the healing process. It eliminates micro-organisms and keeps bacteria and pathogenic funguses from multiplying.
The arnica flowers are used for treating the pale face skin complexion, wounds, bruises and burns. It should be noted however that the arnica flowers are not harmless because the arnica tincture can be an irritant when applied locally on skin or even internally in small doses can provoke gastro-enteritis or the paralysis of
central nerve system. Other
uses of this medicinal herb involve the treatment of :
- bruises,
- dislocations,
- bacterial infections,
- skin cancer,
- bronchitis,
- tonsillitis,
- pharyngitis,
- flu,
- lung virosis,
- cystitis,
- nephritis,
- kidney infections,
- coronary insufficiencies,
- hypertension,
- breastplate angina,
- cerebral trauma,
- headaches,
- paresis,
- semiparesis,
- insomnia,
- heart palpitations,
- nightmares,
- night terrors,
- moral depressions,
- neurosis,
- hysteria etc.
The mixtures from arnica as a
medicinal herb are as follows:
* Tincture - recommended in cases of trauma, sprains, and wounds by applying a dab on the affected area. Internally, the arnica tincture is administrated in 3-4 doses daily. The usual dose consists of one spoon diluted in approximately 100 ml of water. It is also recommended in treating breathing disorders by completing the antibiotic effect recommended by the physician. Many satisfactory results are obtained in cases of poor health conditions and also in treating urinary renal illnesses. In treating throat infections, gargling with arnica is recommended. One to two spoons of arnica are dissolved in half a glass of water and caution should be employed as to not swallow the mixture. The tincture can also be used by the individuals highly sensitive to cold to energetically rub their feet numb with cold or the chest. A salve of chamomile is
usually applied on the rubbed spots. Warning! Arnica tincture is toxic if more than 30 drops are administrated in the same day. Over dosage of arnica is very dangerous, leading to digestion problems,
nausea and even diarrhea. For children younger than 7 years old arnica can only be administrated under medical surveillance.
* Oil - it is prepared in the following way: one handful of arnica flowers are grinded and then put into a jar, on top of which 200 ml of pumpkin or soybean oil is poured. For two weeks the mixture is left to heat in the sun and after that it gets strained.
* Powder - is obtained from dry arnica flower by grinding them with an electrical grinder and then strained to obtain the white powder. From this a white powder giving off a strong perfumed smell is obtained from which only a really small quantity is administered four times a day.
Ointments based on arnica and black bryony - have the same usages as the other products containing arnica. Arnica creams are renowned for their ability of treating acne.
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