Arnica

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Arnica, also known as leopard’s bane and sometimes called mountain daisy, grows wild across the higher elevations of Europe, northern Asia, and parts of the United States.

It is a well known herb with yellow, daisy-like flowers, and is usually the first remedy to think of after an accident.

Mountain climbers in the Alps have traditionally chewed the herb after a long day’s hike to relieve muscle aches. It is used homeopathically as a first aid remedy for bruises, sprains, strains, and other types of accidents that are sudden and may induce shock.

The flowers, leaves, stem, and root of arnica are crushed to a pulp and soaked in alcohol. Then they go through the homeopathic dilution process, which renders the substance nontoxic. Arnica cream is available for application to bruises and swelling.

TARGET AILMENTS:

Take internally for:

* Emotional - Shock following an accident, fearful of being approached, or may be anxious about someone touching the injury - a characteristic reaction is the person saying nothing is wrong, wanting to be left alone.

* Headache - Migraine from an injury to the head. Face is hot, while the limbs are cold. Arnica can be given for any type of blow to the head.

* Loss of vision - Take after a blow to the eye.

* Nosebleed - Take after a blow to the nose.

* Toothache, bleeding gums - Take for pain in the teeth after head injury or tooth extraction. Gums bleeding after dental work and toothache after tooth extraction.

* Skin bruising - The most important remedy for bruising, sprains, strains, and other sudden injuries with swelling, tenderness, and pain. Arnica cream can be applied to the bruising area but should not be applied to broken skin.

* Injuries - This is the first remedy to think of in case of trauma, injury, and in any case of major or minor physical stress, such as a car accident, broken bones, falls, surgical procedures.

Overexertion, exhaustion from too much sports activity or exercise. Blood blisters that are caused by a blow to area of the body. Groin strain.

WOMEN

* Pregnancy - Soreness of the whole body during pregnancy or labor; backache during pregnancy and after childbirth.

* Childbirth - After pains when breastfeeding and soreness after labor.

SPECIAL APPLICATIONS:

Arnica, taken before surgery, helps strengthen the system; after surgery, and promotes recovery. Once there is recovery from the immediate trauma of surgery, other homeopathic remedies may follow according to the nature of the surgery and more specific indications.

It helps to reduce swelling and bruising from injuries that are so often caused by contact sports.

PREPARATIONS:

Arnica is available over the counter in various potencies, in both liquid and tablet form, at selected stores and pharmacies. Check with your practitioner for more precise information.

CAUTION: Arnica cream is available. It can help to speed the curative process after bruising. It must not be applied to broken skin. When skin is broken, apply Calendula or Hypercal cream instead.

SIDE EFFECTS:

None expected.