|
Arnica
Arnica montana
Compositae
Citations
Names : Leopards Bane, European Arnica
Habitat : Native to Europe, Siberia and North West N. America.
Collection : The flowers are collected between June and August.
Part Used : Flower heads.
Constituents : o Sesquiterpene lactones, including the pseudoguanolides
arnifolin, the arnicolides, helenalin, and the recently isolated 6-0
isobutyryl-tetrahydrohelenalin and
2 b-ethoxy-6-0-isobutyryl-2,3-dihydrohelenalin.
o Flavonoids such as eupafolin, patuletin, spinacetin and the less
common
aciniatin, and methylated flavonoids including betuletol and hispidulin.
o Volatile oil, containing thymol and various ethers of thymol.
o Mucilage and polysaccharides.
o Misc. substances such as resins, bitters (arnicin), tannins, carotenes
etc.
Actions : Anti-inflammatory, vulnerary.
Indications : Whilst this herb should not be taken internally as it is
potentially toxic, it provides us with one of the best remedies for
external local healing and may be considered a specific when it comes to
the treatment of bruises and sprains. The homeopathic preparation is
entirely safe to take internally, especially when taken according to
homeopathic directions. The herb itself, used externally, will help in
the relief of rheumatic pain, the pain and inflammation of phlebitis and
similar conditions. It may in fact be used wherever there is pain or
inflammation on the skin, as long as the skin is not broken. Arnica has
been shown to be an immuno-stimulant, as both the sesquiterpene lactone
helenalin and the polysaccharide fraction stimulate phagocytosis.
Sesquiterpene lactones are known to have anti-inflammatory activity and
their biological effects appear to be mediated through immunological
processes. As helenalin is one of the most active, this might help
account for the use of Arnica for pain and inflammation.
Ellingwood considered it specific for bruised, sore, lacerated and
contused muscular structures. In addition he recommends it for the
following pathologies: muscular soreness, pain, soreness of the breasts,
severe injury, old sores, abscesses.
Combinations : For a lotion it may be combined with distilled Witch
Hazel.
Preparations & Dosage : You can prepare your own tincture of this
herb as follows: pour 1/2 liter (one pint) of 70% alcohol over 50 grams
(two ounces) of freshly picked flowers. Seal it tightly in a clear glass
container and let it stand for at least a week in the sun or in a warm
place. Filter it and it is ready for use. To store it, put the tincture
in a sealed container and keep it out of direct sunlight.
The herbalist by David Hoffman, (c)1993 David Hoffman, Hopkins
Technology
|
