Puffs' Palace
Do Not Use without Medical Supervision.
ARNICA
arnica montana L.
Family: Asteraceae & N.O. Compositae
NOT FOR INTERNAL USE
AKA
Leopard’s Bane
Mountain Tobacco
Sneezewort
Mountain Arnica
Common Arnica
Contraindications/Notes
Toxic, only to be used externally and homeopathically.
Only use external applications of appropriate
concentrations to avoid toxicity.
Precautions Arnica is deadly in large quantities.
Do not ingest the herb or the essential oil.
Do not use the undiluted essential oil externally.
The extremely dilute homeopathic preparation of arnica
is considered safe for internal use in proper therapeutic dosages.
Overdose of arnica extract has resulted in poisoning, with toxic
symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea , and hemorrhage, even death.
Use externally with caution, and only in dilute preparations.
Only the homeopathic tincture can be safely ingested.
Discontinue if a skin rash results, and do not use on broken skin.
Research has confirmed that alcoholic extracts of arnica have
a toxic action on the heart, and can cause an increase in blood pressure.
Side effects Arnica contains a compound known as helenalin,
an allergen that may cause contact dermatitis in some persons.
If a rash develops discontinue use of the herbal preparation.
Prolonged external use of arnica extract in high concentrations
can result in blistering, skin ulcers, and surface necroses.
PARTS USED
flower heads and Root
HABITAT
Europe, Russia, and Central Asia
Arnica montana or Leopard's Bane is a perennial herb,
indigenous to Central Europe, in woods and mountain pastures.
It has been found in England and Southern Scotland,
but is probably an escapee.
DESCRIPTION
The leaves form a flat rosette, from the centre of which rises
a flower stalk, 1 to 2 feet high, bearing orange-yellow flowers.
The rhizome is dark brown, cylindrical, usually curved, and bears
brittle wiry rootlets on the under surface.
CULTIVATION
Arnica thrives in a mixture of loam, peat, and sand.
It may be propagated by root division or from seed.
Divide in spring.
Sow in early spring in a cold frame, and plant out in May.
The flowers are collected entire and dried, but the receptacles
are sometimes removed as they are liable to be attacked by insects.
The root is collected in autumn after the leaves have died down.
CONSTITUENTS
A bitter yellow crystalline principle, Arnicin, and a volatile oil.
Tannin and phulin are also present.
The flowers are said to contain more Arnicin than the rhizome, but no tannin.
MEDICINAL ACTION AND USES
In countries where Arnica is indigenous, it has long been a popular remedy.
In the North American colonies the flowers are used in preference to the rhizome.
They have a discutient property.
The tincture is used for external application to sprains,
bruises, and wounds, and as a paint for chilblains when the skin is unbroken.
Repeated applications may produce severe inflammation.
It is seldom used internally, because of its irritant effect on the stomach.
Its action is stimulant and diuretic, and it is chiefly used
in low fevers and paralytie affections.
Arnica flowers are sometimes adulterated with other composite flowers,
especially calendula officinalis, inula brittanica,
kragapogon pratensis, and scorzonera humilis.
A homoeopathic tincture, X6, has been used successfully in the treatment
of epilepsy; also for seasickness, 3 X before sailing, and every hour
on board till comfortable.
For tender feet a foot-bath of hot water containing 1/2 oz. of the tineture
has brought great relief. Applied to the scalp it will make the hair grow.
Great care must be exercised though, as some people are particularly sensitive
to the plant and many severe cases of poisoning have resulted from its use,
especially if taken internally.
British Pharmacopoeia Tincture, root, 10 to 30 drops.
United States Pharmacopoeia Tincture, flowers, 10 to 30 drops.
Warning: This herb should NEVER be taken in raw form.
This plant, like many medicinal plants if ingested, can create
intestinal bleeding, abdominal cramping and sickness.
Homeopathy is the medicinal use of tintures and suspensions,
using this herb and other plants and should never be consumed
without proper preparation.
Only respectable homeopathic remedies and tintures should be consumed.
CONDITIONS
Acne, Arthritis
German studies have isolated sesquiterpenoid lactones,
including helenalin and dihydrohelenalin, in arnica.
These compounds were found to possess the pharmacologic properties
responsible for arnica's anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
Arnica contains sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoid glycosides, alkaloid,
volatile oil, tannin, and isomeric alcohol, including arnidio and foradiol.
Arnica is approved for external use as an anti-inflammatory,
analgesic, and antiseptic by the German Commission E,
an advisory panel on herbal medicines.
There are over one hundred medicinal preparations using
arnica extracts commercially available in Germany.
In the United States, arnica is widely used in topical application for bruises,
aches, sprains, and inflammations.
Arnica was listed in the U.S. Pharmacopeia from the early 1800s until 1960.
Preparations Arnica is available commercially in the form
of liniments and massage oil for external application, and in very dilute
homeopathic preparations considered safe for internal use.
Harvest fully open arnica blossoms throughout the flowering season.
Pick the flower heads on a sunny day after the morning dew has evaporated.
Spread the blossoms on a paper-lined tray to dry in a bright and airy room
away from direct sun.
Temperature in the drying room should be at least 70°F (21.1°C).
When the blossoms are completely dry, store in a dark glass container
with an air-tight lid.
The dried herb will maintain medicinal potency for 12-18 months.
Clearly label the container with the name
of the herb and the date and place harvested.
Tincture: Combine four ounces of fresh or dried arnica flowers
with one pint of brandy, gin, or vodka in a glass container.
The alcohol should be enough to cover the flowers.
The ratio should be close to 50/50 alcohol to water. Stir and cover.
Place the mixture in a dark cupboard for three to five weeks.
Shake the mixture several times each day.
Strain and store in a tightly capped, clearly labeled, dark glass bottle.
Tinctures, properly prepared and stored, will retain medicinal potency
for two years or more.
Arnica tincture should not be ingested without supervision
of a qualified herbalist or physician.
Ointment: Simmer one ounce of dried and powdered arnica flowers
with one ounce of olive oil for several hours on very low heat.
Combine this medicinal oil with melted beeswax to desired consistency.
Pour into dark glass jars while still warm.
Seal with tightly fitting lids when cool and label appropriately.
Infusion: Place two to three teaspoons of chopped, fresh arnica blossoms
in a warmed glass container.
Bring two cups of fresh, nonchlorinated water to the boiling point,
add it to the herbs. Cover. Simmer for about 10 minutes. Strain.
The prepared tea will store for about two days in the refrigerator.
The infusion may be used to bathe unbroken skin surfaces and to provide
relief for rheumatic pain chillbains, bruises, and sprains.
Because of the toxicity of arnica, it is best to avoid internal use
without qualified medical supervision.
HISTORY
Used traditionally for muscle pain and arthritis.
Liniments and salves are made from arnica.
ACTIONS
stimulates circulation, anti-inflammatory
Interactions None reported.
CONTRAINDICATION
SOURCE(S)
Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine.
Gale Group, 2001.
in association with The Gale Group and LookSmart.
Arnica Montana at http://www.yestheyrefake.net/arnica_montana.htm
Graphics from Arnica Montana Site.
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