Arnica - Musculoskeletal pain reliever

Name:
Common Name: Arnica, Leopard, s bane, mountain tobacco, sneezewort
Botanical Name: Arnica Montana L

Parts Used: Whole, Flower

Grows in the mountains of Europe, and in Siberia. Flowers bloom from June to August. The active ingredients are contained in essential oil that is extracted from the plant.

Sesquiterpene lactones, helenalin.

Arnica-containing ointments are recommended for the treatment of joint and muscle problems, such as bruises, contusions, frunculosis (boils), hematoma, insect bites, joint pain, phlebitis, post-traumatic edema, rheumatism, post-exercise muscle cramp and sprains. Arnica may use internally with cautions for skin disorders, such as eczema and boil, eyestrain, and concussion.

Helenalin is a potent anti-inflammatory agent, after it enters a cell, it combines with a molecular complex called nuclear factor kappa beta (NFKB). Activation of NFKB is the first step to set off the inflammatory process. Once helenalin combines with NFKB, the inflammatory process never begins, and therefore inflammation cannot occur.

Helenalin, other than prevents inflammation, also exerts effects on the heart and on the liver It also has adverse effects on blood clotting mechanism. Allergic skin reactions are rather common and related to the dosage and the duration used.

Since helenalin can interact with many enzyme systems of the body, internal use might cause an unpredictable reaction. Arnica cream is not suggested to use on broken skin as it may cause a rash.

Ointments contain less than 15 percent arnica oil, or not more than 20-25 percent tincture apply to the sick area one to three times daily.

Arnica grows in the mountain of Europe and Siberia, containing helenalin which have anti-inflammatory properties. Arnica ointments generally use as external application for reducing the pain and swelling associated trauma. Some suggested it also can be taken internally for emotional shock or skin diseases. It is wise to be caution to its internal usage because it might cause body's enzyme interference

Arnica montana as a healing herb was recognized in the 16th century. As a remedy for muscular pain and bruises was well-known to country people. The dried flower heads are called arnica flos. Medicines made from these flowers have been in use since the Middle Ages. It is unclear where the practice first began, arnica-containing ointments have been applied to sprains and bruises for hundreds of years. Sr. Hildegard of Bingen (1099-1179) had written extensively about Arnica montana. Modern practitioners have rediscovered arnica, and today some plastic surgeons give it to their patients in hopes of reducing postoperative pain and swelling. It is used internally only in Homeopathic doses for shock, for example, after an injury, surgery, dental treatment or childbirth.