Arnica

Arnica montana, Compositae

Names: Leopards Bane, European Arnica
Habitat: Native to Europe, Siberia and North West N. America.
Collection: The flowers are collected between June and August.
Part Used: Flower heads.

Constituents:

• Sesquiterpene lactones, including the pseudoguanolides arnifolin, the arnicolides, helenalin, and the recently isolated 6-0 isobutyryl-tetrahydrohelenalin and 2 b-ethoxy-6-0-isobutyryl-2,3-dihydrohelenalin.
• Flavonoids such as eupafolin, patuletin, spinacetin and the less common
  aciniatin, and methylated flavonoids including betuletol and hispidulin.
• Volatile oil, containing thymol and various ethers of thymol.
• Mucilage and polysaccharides.
• Misc. substances such as resins, bitters (arnicin), tannins, carotenes etc.

Actions: Anti-inflammatory, vulnerary.

Indications: Whilst this herb should not be taken internally as it is potentially toxic, it provides us with one of the best remedies for external local healing and may be considered a specific when it comes to the treatment of bruises and sprains. The homeopathic preparation is entirely safe to take internally, especially when taken according to homeopathic directions. The herb itself, used externally, will help in the relief of rheumatic pain, the pain and inflammation of phlebitis and similar conditions. It may in fact be used wherever there is pain or inflammation on the skin, as long as the skin is not broken.

Arnica has been shown to be an immuno-stimulant, as both the sesquiterpene lactone helenalin and the polysaccharide fraction stimulate phagocytosis. Sesquiterpene lactones are known to have anti-inflammatory activity and their biological effects appear to be mediated through immunological processes. As helenalin is one of the most active, this might help account for the use of Arnica for pain and inflammation.

Ellingwood considered it specific for bruised, sore, lacerated and contused muscular structures. In addition he recommends it for the following pathologies: muscular soreness, pain, soreness of the breasts, severe injury, old sores, abscesses.

Combinations: For a lotion it may be combined with distilled Witch Hazel.

Preparations & Dosage: You can prepare your own tincture of this herb as follows: pour 1/2 liter (one pint) of 70% alcohol over 50 grams (two ounces) of freshly picked flowers. Seal it tightly in a clear glass container and let it stand for at least a week in the sun or in a warm place. Filter it and it is ready for use. To store it, put the tincture in a sealed container and keep it out of direct sunlight.