Arnica
DEFINITION
Arnica is a herb with the botanical name of Arnica montana. It
is also known as Leopard’s Bane, Wolf’s Bane and Mountain Tobacco,
and Mountain Snuff.
is also known as Leopard’s Bane, Wolf’s Bane and Mountain Tobacco,
and Mountain Snuff.
DESCRIPTION
The herb occurs naturally in Europe (except for Great Britain)
and is also grown commercially in northern India. The leaves form a
flat rosette from the centre of which arises a flower stalk some
half a metre tall bearing orange yellow flowers.
and is also grown commercially in northern India. The leaves form a
flat rosette from the centre of which arises a flower stalk some
half a metre tall bearing orange yellow flowers.
The flower heads are used to obtain the main ingredient, a
volatile oil. Other ingredients include a bitter glycoside, an
alkaloid and tannin. Coumarins, carbohydrates and flavonoids are
also found.
volatile oil. Other ingredients include a bitter glycoside, an
alkaloid and tannin. Coumarins, carbohydrates and flavonoids are
also found.
INTERACTIONS
Herbal supplements can alter the effects of certain drugs,
including prescription medications. Always tell your Doctor about
any prescription medications, non-prescription medications, herbs
or other dietary supplements you are taking.
including prescription medications. Always tell your Doctor about
any prescription medications, non-prescription medications, herbs
or other dietary supplements you are taking.
- Internal use of Arnica (at levels much higher than those used
in homeopathic preparations) should be avoided by people taking
anticoagulant medications such as warfarin, as Arnica can reduce
the clotting ability of the blood.
MEDICAL USE
Always consult your Health Professional to advise you on
dosages and any possible medical interactions.
dosages and any possible medical interactions.
Arnica is potentially toxic if taken internally. It is generally
used externally as a lotion, or in ointment form for the relief of
symptoms of sprains, wounds and bruises.
used externally as a lotion, or in ointment form for the relief of
symptoms of sprains, wounds and bruises.
Chilblains with unbroken skin and hair loss may be relieved by
using Arnica.
using Arnica.
Any pain or inflammation of the skin (providing the surface of
the skin is not broken) may improve with application of
Arnica.
the skin is not broken) may improve with application of
Arnica.
Add the dried herb or essential oil to a relaxing foot bath to
help soothe aching and swollen feet.
help soothe aching and swollen feet.
PROPERTIES
Anti-inflammatory, wound healer and anti-irritant.
NOTES
- Arnica is potentially toxic if taken internally unless it is
taken in suitable homoeopathic dilutions. - Repeated applications may cause severe irritation.
- Arnica should only be used on unbroken skin.
- Pregnant women should not use Arnica.
- Possible side effects include allergy, headache, stomach upset,
liver failure, irregular heartbeats and muscle weakness.