Mountain Arnica can boast being one of the most widely used herbs for centuries in the preparation of homeopathic and phytotherapeutic remedies.
Mountain Arnica is a medicinal plant that grows wild in mountainous regions. The populations of the European Alpine region have long known it as a natural remedy, especially for trauma, muscle pain, and joint pain. Dioscorides, a physician and pharmacist who lived during the time of Nero, called it “alcimos,” a Greek term meaning “beneficial.”
Over the last three decades, scientific research has identified the active compounds contained in arnica flowers and conducted various studies on their pharmacological activities. Its yellow-orange flowers, resembling large daisies, are used to produce medicinal products.
Properties of Mountain Arnica
Mountain Arnica has numerous properties, making it one of the most widely used herbs for centuries in the preparation of homeopathic and herbal remedies. Its anti-inflammatory action is well-known, as are its antimicrobial, antineuralgic, analgesic, and especially anti-traumatic properties in cases of bruises and pain. The most characteristic compounds are sesquiterpene lactones: among these, helenalin is attributed with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, and to a lesser extent, dihydrohelenalin.
In addition to lactones, around 150 active therapeutic substances have been identified in arnica so far, including flavonoids, essential oils, carotenoids, and caffeic acid. As a natural solution particularly effective for treating inflammation, muscle pain, and bruises, arnica is commercially available in the form of gels, ointments, creams, pain-relief patches, tablets, or teas. It is also attributed with antibiotic properties.
When applied to the skin, it is used to reduce pain and swelling, for example, in cases of sprains, arthritis, muscle and cartilage issues, acne, insect bites, and chapped lips. Arnica is also an ingredient in hair tonics and anti-dandruff preparations. In oral form, it is proposed for sore throats, superficial phlebitis, and gum discomfort associated with wisdom tooth extraction.
However, a significant obstacle to the development of arnica-based medicines is the plant’s toxicity when ingested, particularly due to helenalin. External topical use, on the other hand, has no particular contraindications, except for the recommendation not to use it on broken skin or bleeding wounds.
Precautions
The use of arnica is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, in cases of irritable bowel syndrome, gastrointestinal ulcers, Crohn’s disease, or other gastrointestinal disorders, as well as in cases of rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, or scheduled surgeries. In such cases, or if there are doubts about its safety, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
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