Arnica is a genus containing about 30 species of perennial herbaceous plants belonging to the family Asteraceae. The genus name Arnica comes from Latin and means “sheep’s clothing” (“arna” = lamb) particularly referring to the bristly texture of its leaves. They are soft, hairy leaves.
Arnica – Features
The plants of the species Arnica (as already mentioned), have hairy leaves and opposite with many ways. When sprayed, are esturnotorias. Its stems develop flowers slightly fragrant yellow or orange. It generally grows in temperate mountain. The Árnicas not tolerate calcareous soils, therefore it is non-existent in many parts of Spain, Italy and Greece.
Its species are protected in many European countries because of its scarcity due to their high ecological requirements and also be a kind being endangered due to poaching for marketing.
Arnica – Properties
Arnica (especially the variety Arnica Montana, the most widely used in medicine) is a plant with analgesic and anti-inflammatory with a high power rubefaciente ie reactive blood circulation in the area applied.
Arnica compounds can not be ingested because of their toxicity, except in trace concentrations, as in the case of homeopathy, therapeutic technique widely used as an ingredient arnica.
There are several species of Arnica, Arnica montana and Arnica as chamissonis containing helenalin, a lactone which is an essential ingredient in anti-inflammatory preparations used mostly against bruises and cuts.
The medicinal use of Arnica to stimulate the nervous system and brain, has not been substantiated scientifically, but use as anti-inflammatory and circulation activator of the peripheral vessels. In rural settings applied directly to sprains and bruising blows a mixture made by steeping processed flowers in olive oil.
Given the toxicity of Arnica flower, harvesting is carried out after flowering, it should keep only the leaves.
The variety Arnica Montana has been used medicinally for centuries, however, there are no scientific studies proving its medical efficacy, as they have not done.
Arnica roots contain derivatives of thymol, used as a fungicide and preservative. Currently used in the development and preparation of liniments and ointments for sprains, strains and bruises.
Thymol derivatives focused on the roots of the plants have been clinically proven highly effective as vasodilators subcutaneous blood capillaries.
Arnica – External use:
Arnica Montana has rubefacient properties, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that are exploited for the following purposes:
Beats and bruises, because its use prevents bruising, bumps and reduces pain.
For use as reactive capillary circulation and helps in the process of hair loss.
Frostbite. If there were blisters (not open), arnica cream is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial and reduces the sensation of pain.
Tears or sprains and muscle aches.
Tired legs and varicose legs
Bruising on the eyes.
Sprains and dislocations.
Rheumatoid arthritis.
Stretch marks.
Unopened ulcers, eczema and acne skin le.
Preparing natural shampoos.
In mouthwash to cure mouth sores, periodontal problems, etc..
Gargarismos by eliminating bacteria affecting oropharyngeal region
Wash genital area if vaginal itching.
Arnica – Internal use:
In homeopathy is used to combat epilepsy and motion sickness sea voyages.
In internal medicine to increase blood flow through the coronary arteries after someone has suffered angina (under medical supervision).
Arnica – Other uses:
At Arnica Montana is also called “Mountain Snuff and is due to the fact that the mountain smoking their dried leaves to treat respiratory problems, especially bronchitis and cough, although this usage often irritated their mucous.