Arnica is a natural plant known for its anti-inflammatory and pain reducing properties. Many athletes and those suffering from diseases like arthritis or chronic pain use it as a homeopathic remedy. What’s more, it can be grown in your backyard.
The Roots of Arnica
Arnica Montana, also known as Leopard’s Bane and mountain tobacco, is a native flower to Europe, though species are also found widely in western North America as well as Mexico and Asia. There are 29 known species of the plant and many are found in mountainous regions. Arnica looks like a daisy with orange-yellow flowers and they are a member of the sunflower family. It’s a perennial and is usually one to two feet tall maximum.
The flower heads, and roots in some cases, are the part of the plant used in medicinal preparations.
Arnica as a Homeopathic Remedy
Arnica is well known in the natural health community for its effectiveness in reducing pain and swelling associated with sprains and bruises. Many arthritis sufferers also find it relieves pain symptoms. Many professional athletes have turned to arnica post and pre-game.
As a homeopathic treatment, arnica can be found as a gel, cream, salve, tincture and can also be made as a home-remedy poultice by soaking the herbs in water and directly applying it to the skin. It can also be applied externally prior to heavy exertion and will help fight swelling and pain before it even starts.
While oral forms of arnica such as tablets are available they’re not highly recommended as they can be toxic. The stomach can become very irritated, causing vomiting, diarrhea and nosebleeds. Only 25X or more diluted oral applications should be used to prevent this. Arnica, which has been used as a healer since the 1500s, was used in North America, Russia and Germany in the form of tea to reduce fever and pain. Some also claim it can be used to treat bronchitis and epilepsy.
Some Doubt the Effects of Arnica
The American Cancer Society claims arnica is not as useful as it seems, having studied various tests on surgery patients and others with bruising and swelling. It was found in many cases that arnica was no more helpful in healing than a placebo.
However it still seems many are flocking to natural health stores in search of arnica, among other organic remedies. According to a 2007 survey by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine 38 per cent of adults and about 12 per cent of children are using some form of complementary and alternative medicine. Arnica has also been regulated by the FDA since 1938 and is reported as safe for those using other medications.
Always Read Safety Labels
As with any type of medication always read the labels before using. Arnica is not to be used on open sores, and always test a small area of skin before applying over a large area in case of an allergic reaction.
In any case it seems it is safer than pharmaceutical medicine as it doesn’t cause addiction, is drug free and all natural.
If you’re interested in learning more about arnica products and other natural remedies visit:
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