Common Names : Leopard's bane, Mountain arnica, Mountain tobacco, Wolfsbane Part Used: Flowering tops. Arnica flower consists of the fresh or dried inflorescence.
Active Compounds: Arnica flower contains sesquiterpene lactones of the helenanolid type, predominantly ester derivatives of helenalin and 11,13-dihydrohelenalin. Additionally, the herb contains flavonoids (e.g., isoquercitrin, luteolin-7-glucoside, and astragalin), volatile oil (with thymol and its derivatives), phenol carbonic acid (chlorogenic acid, cynarin, caffeic acid), and coumarins (umbelliferone, scopoletin).
Background: Native to the mountains of Russia and Europe, the leaves were smoked as a substitute for tobacco, hence its common name: mountain tobacco. Arnica has a long history of use, appearing in recorded folk remedies for six centuries. Used for external treatment of wounds, black eyes, sprains, and contusions. Arnica has been used in Russian folk medicine to treat uterine hemorrhage, myocarditis, arteriosclerosis, angina pectoris, cardiac insufficiency, and numerous other unproven applications.
In the literature, St. John's wort was referred to commonly as ' arnica for the spine.'
Applications: For external use in injury or strain, and for of accidents, e.g., hematoma, dislocations, contusions, edema due to fracture, rheumatic muscle and joint problems. Inflammation of the oral and throat region, furunculosis, inflammation caused by insect bites, superficial phlebitis.
When applied topically, arnica preparations have antiphlogistic activity. In cases of inflammation, arnica preparations also show analgesic and antiseptic activity. A hair rinse prepared with arnica extract is used to treat alopecia.
Arnica is utilized in homeopathic preparations.
Description: Arnica grows up to two feet in the mountainous regions of Europe and western North America. Dried orange-yellow flower heads supply a therapeutic volatile oil.
Dosages: Infusion: 2 g of herb per 100 ml of water.
Tincture for poultice.Tincture in 3 - 10 times dilution.
For mouth rinses:Tincture in 10 times dilution.
Safety:
Recommended for external topical applications only. Prolonged treatment of damaged skin, e.g., use for injuries or ulcus cruris (indolent leg ulcers), often causes edematous dermatitis with the formation of pustules. Long use can also give rise to eczema. In treatment involving higher concentrations of the drug, primary toxic skin reactions with formation of vesicles or even necroses may occur.
Internal use: Occasionally described in folk medicine as 20-30 drops up to three times a day. From a toxicological standpoint, oral use is considered potentially unsafe.
For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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