Herbology: Arnica

Arnica montana

Family

Compositae

Parts Used

leaves and flowers

Properties
Stimulant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, oxytocic

Background and Description

Arnica has been used for centuries in Europe and by native North Americans to reduce swelling and bruising, and speed recovery time from traumatic injuries. 

Uses

Arnica is mostly used externally to treat bruises, sprains, and other traumatic injuries or aches.  It does this by preventing blood platelets from gathering at the site of injury.  It reverses the effects of pain causing prostaglandins, relieving tired and aching muscles.  Applied before physical activity Arnica has been shown to be and excellent preventative, reducing pain and stiffness.   

Preparation and Dosing

Externally, use freely as oil or liniment.  Internally, see notes

Macerate fresh flowers and leaves in warm oil for 3 days, then strain and squeeze out through cloth.  Use on injuries involving no broken skin.  For liniment, follow the same process but with alcohol, such as rubbing or vodka, as the base

For nausea and motion sickness use 3x homeopathic dilution

Notes/Cautions

An experienced practitioner should oversee internal use.  Used in other than homeopathic or minute doses, Arnica is poisonous!  

Should not be used by pregnant women.  Do not use for more than 2 weeks at a time.

i am not a doctor, and I am not licensed to diagnose or prescribe. this post is for informational purposes only. Please research for yourself and consult with a professional before use.

Sources

The Way of Herbs, by Michael Tierra

Prescription for Herbal Healing, by Phyllis Balch 
Picture:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Koeh-015.jpg