Arnica Montana or Mountain Daisy ~ a remedy par excellence for traumas

Nature has endowed the plant Arnica* (name derived from the Greek arni, “lamb”, owning to the plants’ soft, hairy, downy leaves) – a genus of perennial herbs in the sunflower family that grows in the mountains of Europe and Siberia, with anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antiseptic properties.

Arnica can relieve all kinds of muscle pains, arthritic pains or pains caused by physical exertion.

The plant has been in medicinal use since the 1500s, and its characteristics are time-tested by mountain populations, as they call it, a remedy par excellence for traumas and fractures. Popularly known as “mountain tobacco” (since the mountaineers smoke its leaves just like tobacco), when applied topically to the skin as a cream, ointment, liniment, salve, tincture, gel or spray, Arnica is known to soothe muscle aches, reduce trauma, and lessen inflammation thereby healing wounds.

The anti-inflammatory active ingredients in Arnica, applied over the joints as a gel, can reduce the swelling and pain of osteoarthritis.

Since Arnica promotes the resorption of bruises and hematomas, it is useful for those who practice sports and those who suffer from chronic pains, such as from strains, sprains and bruises.

Less commonly known as leopard’s or wolf’s-bane* (anything that is a cause of harm, ruin, or death), since all the plants in this genus were once thought to be poisonous to animals, arnica can be poisonous when consumed in larger amounts. It can cause rapid heartbeat, gastrointestinal upset, viz., nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or kidney and liver damage. In toxic doses, it can lead to coma and even death. It is advisable not to use it topically on broken or sensitive skin as the toxin helenalin present in the extract can cause skin rash and urticaria. If absorbed into the body, it can cause greater damage, as listed.

However, smaller quantities of the plant (mainly the flowers) have been in use as a flavour ingredient in many beverages, candy, baked goods, and other foods for Aeons.

Although some countries have banned the culinary use of Montana entirely in an attempt to prevent accidental poisoning, it is safe when taken orally in homoeopathic dilutions. The Scientific System uses it for bleeding (internal/external), bruising, swelling, surgical traumas, and many other conditions. A wide range of topical conditions, viz. bruises, sprains, muscle aches, wounds, superficial phlebitis, joint pains, inflammation from insect bites, swelling from broken bones, etcetera, also come under its curative preview.

It’s popular among people who’ve recently undergone surgery, especially dental or cosmetic surgery.

Arnica effectively manages hair loss. Its antibacterial and fungicidal properties help clear hidden dirt on the scalp and promote the natural sebum production in the hair. Arnica, as an ingredient in oil, helps in improving the protein content in the hair follicles, thereby strengthening your hair.