Health Benefits of Arnica Montana
Arnica is a well-known herb that is perennial, aromatic and has yellow flowers. It’s the native plant of highlands of Europe and is also an inhabitant of South Russia. It has been used to treat bruises and sprains since times immemorial. Arnica is pain relieving and comforting properties were put to much use in the 16th century. These days, as per latest researches, it’s compared to or even stated better than ibuprofen. It contains helenalin, various kinds of beneficial acids, tannin, thymol derivatives etc. There are numerous benefits of Arnica Montana.
Arnica herb is very good for stimulating the immune functions related to mucus membranes. It helps in activating their functioning and thus has the capacity of heeling our body from the inside also. It is also good in case of all kinds of injuries and cuts, as it possesses anti-inflammatory and disinfectant properties.
Actually, it possesses the ability of activating the formation of granular tissue in the body and is thus extremely beneficial in case of burns, cuts and even some kinds of skin cancers. A word of caution here. It should not be applied directly to open wounds as it contains some elements that can form some poisonous elements in the wound. Oral consumption alone will take care of cuts and abrasions.
You can also gargle with arnica solution for healthy gums and throat. It also has the capability of removing various ailments related to arteries and veins. In case you want to soothe your body in general and sore feet in particular, just add some drops of its tincture in warm water and dip your feet in that water for some time.
It has been seen that people who experience excessive anxiety, suffer from the problem of hair loss. This condition can be corrected by rinsing your hair with a solution made of arnica extract. Another ailment called phlebitis can be treated well with an ointment prepared from arnica.
However it should be used only in dilute form. It should be not be given to small children especially when larger number of doses are required to heal the ailment. Pregnant women should also refrain from its use.
It is advised that you take arnica pills or capsules only under the guidance of a qualified herbalist or homeopath. It contains some toxic elements also and so may lead to vomits and diarrhea. For treating the problem of acne, you don’t need to consume Arnica montana pills. Just apply arnica cream available commonly in the market. For extreme physical exertion, especially in the case of athletes, massage with the oil of this herb can provide much needed calm and comfort.
Some people are allergic to some active components in Arnica and hence should discontinue its use in case of slightest of allergic symptoms. It’s a good herb for natural and holistic treatment but should be used with prudence and care.