Arnica - Medicinal Uses, Interactions, Dosage

Alternative Names: Arnica montana, Leopard's Bane,Tincture

Plant description

Arnica is a mountain plant referred as Arnica montana. It is an perennial that grows to a height of 2 feet . Arnica's stem are round and hairy. The flowers of Arnica are of 2 to 3 inches in height. Arnica flowers are yellow in colour. The leaves are bright green , the upper surfaces are toothed and slightly hairy. They are commonly found in the mountains of Europe and Siberia.

The components in Arnica are sesquiterpene lactones. These components are known to reduce inflammation and heal pain. Arnica works by stimulating the activity of WBC ( White Blood Cell). Arnica well known for stimulate and can raise blood pressure. It has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities that can reduce pain and swelling.

Uses and Benefits:

Arnica, where it is indigenous, there arnica is a popular known remedy.It is used for external application to sprain, bruises and wounds. It is also used internally, because of its irritant effect on the stomach. Its action is stimulant and diuretic. Arnica commonly used in low fevers and paralytie affections.It is also used as a mouthwash for swollen gums and also for ulcers.

Arnica is also used as an herbal remedy for senile heart, angina, or coronary artery disease.It can be used as an homeopathic medicine for the treatment of sore muscles and other conditions associated with over exertion or trauma . Homeopathic doses are diluted and generally considered safe for internal use.

Side Effects:

Some serious side effects are there from the excessive use of Arnica:

At high doses, Arnica may lead to serious side effects and death.

It also causes stomach discomfort, including nausea and vomiting.

Organ failure may result from high doses.

It may cause muscle weakness , coma and death.

Theoretically arnica may increase the risk of bleeding.

Severe heart problems may occur in cases of ipecac abuse.

Seizures.Theseare most likely to happen who accidentally swallow ipecac or in ipecac abusers.

Interactions:

Anyone could not take arnica with any other drugs because it can decrease their effectiveness and increase their toxicity. Interaction with any drugs increase the chances of bleeding. Use of Arnica with other pain-relieving medication may increase the analgesic effects. It may cause a decrease in the protein binding of drugs that are highly protein bound.

Severe side effects -includes high blood pressure and shortness of breath- can result if arnica is taken by mouth . Arnica is externally used to burn skins but it irritate raw skin seriously. It should not be used on large and deep wounds.

Dosage:

A multi dose tube for example contains approximately 60 granules, where each dose consists of four to five pellets or granules, for a total of 16 doses in each multi-dose tube.

As an oil Arnica can be used as an hair growing tonic. Apply it on the effected areas after over exercising a minor injury to ward of pain, stiffness, and bruising. Repeated applications may cause inflammation . it should used only when it is necessary.

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Peter Thomas is a writer, who writes many great articles on home remedies, herbal remedies and ayurvedic medicines for common ailments and diseases. These articles also include the causes, symptoms and treatment options availaible.

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