Arnica

Leopard's Bane / Mountain Daisy / Mountain Tobacco

Arnica montana

The healing properties of this aromatic perennial have been recognized for over 400 years. Arnica is anti-inflammatory and promotes tissue repair. It has been used extensively in European folk medicine as an external remedy for muscle pain, and was once also prescribed as an internal treatment for dysentery and gout. Potentially toxic, its internal use is now largely limited to homeopathy. Proved by Hahnemann and published in his Materia Medica Pura (1821-34), Arnica is used to promote healing and help control bleeding. It is used mostly for shock, injury, and pain.

People who respond best to this remedy may actually deny that they are ill, ignoring the severity of their condition. They generally prefer to be left alone and tend to be agitated, restless, and morose. Poor concentration and forgetfulness are typical, as are nightmares and a morbid imagination.

Arnica is usually given as a first-aid remedy following an accident, surgery, bereavement, childbirth, or dental treatment. It is also used for joint pain, fever, and some skin problems.

Uses

Arnica is used by professional homeopaths in the preparation of many herbal remedies for use in different disorders and conditions affecting the human body. The herbalist normally uses the flowers and the leaves, the stem, as well as the roots of the arnica herb. During the preparation of the herbal remedy, these herbs are normally crushed and mashed into a pulp and then slowly soaked in some alcohol, following this the remedy is made to undergo the homeopathic dilution process, and because of this last treatment the substance loses its toxic nature - it is then ready for use as a herbal medication in the treatment of different disorders.
As an emergency or first aid remedy, arnica is renowned for its beneficial properties and finds extensive use for the treatment of different physical and emotional trauma, such as shock and bodily injury, it is very useful for certain kinds of mental trauma for example, in the treatment of emotional problems associated with bereavement, to treat mental trauma following an accident, to treat post surgery depression, to treat fears related to dental treatment and to ease the fear of childbirth in pregnant women. The herbal remedy made from the arnica also promotes the rapid healing of damaged tissues in the body when it is given as internal medication and in this role, the remedy can greatly helps in controlling bleeding in the affected areas within the body of the patient.
The herbal remedy based on the arnica can be said to be effective internally as well as externally due to its many beneficial affects, thus treatment of joint and muscle problems can be carried out using both the topical application made from the arnica as well as the internal medication, this same regimen can also be used in the treatment of disorders such as the osteoarthritis, Arnica can also be used to heal and soothe sore muscles which arise because of exercise in a body no longer accustomed to physical activities, the herbal remedy can also be used in the treatment of various muscular cramps and bruises, and to treat all kinds of sprains affecting any part of the body.
Arnica is also used in the form of an internal remedy during the treatment of various skin complaints, including the treatment of disorders like eczema and boils on the skin, and hard, dry swollen skin due to insect bites, bed sores, red, blistering skin eruptions, or varicose ulcers; the arnica is also used to treat the physical trauma associated with concussion and it is also used in the treatment of black eyes or a foreign object in an eye, the arnica is also used to relive eyestrain, and to treat all kinds of fever in children, especially ones where the child develops a hot head accompanied by a coldness in the body at the same time. Arnica is also prescribed for recurring fevers such as typhoid or malarial fever. Arnica is also used as a remedy in many other disorders which may be specific to certain children; it is thus used in the treatment of whooping cough, and in the treatment of bedwetting especially when this is linked to nightmares experienced by the child.  Arnica can also be prescribed to treat nosebleeds. Pain in the teeth or bleeding gums following injury or dental work can be treated with Arnica. This homeopathic remedy is also used for post-childbirth pain. Arnica is good for aching pain in the vagina that can be especially distressing during the night time.