Medicinal plants: ARNICA

Scientific name: Arnica montana

Fuente:

Arnica - from a Greek word meaning "lambskin", referring to the leaf texture- serves as both the scientific genus name and the plant's common name. It is an herbal medicine primarily associated with european species, especially the well-know Arnica montana. However, of the 29 species in the genus, only 2 occur in Europe - Arnica angustifolia and Arnica montana. One species is found in Japan, but the vast majority of arnicas, 26 in all. gron in western North America, ranging from Canada to Mexico. Several American species including A. chamissonis, A. cordifolia, A. latifolia, and A. soriaria, are used as substitutes for A. montana. Arnica grows from 10 to 22 inches tall. It basal rosette of leaves and stem leaves is egg shaped to lance shaped, densely hairy, about 3 to 7 inches long, and an inch wide. The daisy like flowers are yellow to yellow-orange. All of the aboveground parts, harvested in flower, are used in herbal medicine.

An alpine perennial with a creeping rootstock, it has a basal rosette of small, ovate, downy leaves and flowering stems growing to 1- 2ft. The daisy-like flowers are golden yellow and borne in midsummer. 

Found in mountainous regions of central and northern Europe and North America. A montana is becoming rare in the wild and its protected in many countries. Arnicas are locally protected in the wild, and the harvest of wild plants is discouraged. As a predominantly subalpine to aline plant group, arnicas succeed in cool climates and poor, acidic soils. They do best in well-drained,  humus-rich soil, with drainage improved by pea gravel added to the soil. Propagation is by root division early in the season or by seeds. The aboveground portions of the plant are harvested in full bloom and used fresh or dried.

Recent research has established both the therapeutic value of this herb and its toxicity. It has a stimulating effect on the heart muscle and the circulatory system, but effect are rapid and correct doses crucial, with a high risk of overdose. It has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory properties when applied externally and is available as a pharmaceutical ointment for bruises. It is also used in homeopathy, for range of conditions, including sprains, aching muscles, sore throats and sea sickness. In Britain it is legal only for external use and in the United States it is considerer unsafe.

Therapeutic uses:

Arnica is the herb to go to immediately after an injury. Whether for the pain and swelling after bumps and sprains or the resulting bruising, arnica salves, ointments, gels, and creams are a common externally applied herbal remedy.

How to use

Creams, gels, ointments, and salves: Arnica topical can be applied to an injury several times daily; or follow product instructions. Commercial arnica topical preparations are widely available.

Poultice: Steep 3 tablespoons of arnica flowers in a cup of hot water. Let stand for 10 minutes. Cool and apply saturated plant material to injury for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat 3 to 4 times daily for an acute injury,

Caution:

The arnica is highly toxic and should not be taken internally, except in homeopathic remedies when the dosage is very small. It may cause dermatitis when used externally - do noy apply to broken skin. Legally restricted in some countries. Use with advice from qualified medical practitioners.

Precautions
Arnica should not be taken internally. It can cause heart arrhythmias and possible respiratory collapse;this concern in avoided with homeopathic preparations, because the arnica has been significantly diluted. Applied externally, arnica is generally safe an is usually well tolerated; if a rash should appear  discontinue use.