If you are interested in natural remedies you may ask, "What is arnica used for?" It is one of the most important herbal and homeopathic remedies.
Arnica Montana
Arnica montana has a long history as a remedy. It came into popular use during the 1500s and has traditionally been used to soothe muscle aches and pains, and to reduce the inflammation caused by strains. Arnica is generally the first treatment that homeopaths reach for when there has been an injury or even surgery.
Nowaday, arnica is generally used externally in creams, salves, and ointments. It is only taken internally in extremely diluted homeopathic form. It can cause serious problems when it is taken internally in any other form.
Some stores carry arnica tea. This is used to make a tea which is then used as an ingredient in compresses and rinses depending on the malady. To use the tea:
- Soak a towel or wash cloth in the warm tea and apply to the bruised or painful area.
- Add a quart of the tea to a warm bath to create a soothing soak.
- Rinse freshly washed hair with the warm tea to encourage hair growth.
Other names
Arnica montana has several other names, including:
- Leopard's Bane
- Mountain Tobacco
- Mountain snuff
- Smokeherb
- Sneezewort
- Thunderwort
- Wolf's bane
- Wound herb
What Is Arnica Used for Externally?
Arnica can be used externally as a liniment or tincture. In these forms it is used for:
- Sprains
- Strains
- Bruises
- Anti-inflammatory
- Joint pain
- Arthritis
- Gout
- Herpes
- Cold Sores
- Scar healing
- Bursitis
- Eczema
- Insect bites
- Poison ivy
- Hair growth
- Acne
- Boils
Internal Uses of Homeopathic Arnica
It is very important that you never take arnica montana internally in any form except the homeopathic form. Teas and other natural forms can cause severe gastric bleeding and even death.In homeopathic form arnica is used for the following:
- After surgery for pain
- Swelling
- Shock
- Trauma
- Grief
- Hemorrhage
- Neuralgia
- Flu
- Nose bleed
- Concussion
- Tooth extraction (helps with healing)
- Frequent urination
- Spasms
- Incontinence
- Vomiting blood
- Kidney stones
- Pain after childbirth
- Sore nipples
- Sore ovaries
- Hoarseness
- Acute tonsillitis
- Chest pain from coughing
- Angina
- Chicken pox
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Sore lymph glands
- Epilepsy
- Motion sickness
Deciding on the Correct Remedy
Using homeopathy is very different than using allopathic medicine. Many different remedies can be used for the same malady depending on the individual and individual symptoms. It is important, especially if you are not familiar with homeopathic treatment, to consult someone experienced in homeopathic treatment.
Internet Resources
There are a number of websites that have answered the question, "What is Arnica used for?" in detail. Spending some time reading and learning on these sites will help you know the various ways in which arnica can be used. It will also help you understand how this homeopathic remedy works.
- ABC Homeopathy has extensive information about arnica and other homeopathic drugs. The website details the hundreds of symptoms that may occur when arnica is needed.
- Botanical.com has information about the growth habits, the uses, and other interesting facts about arnica.
Side Effects and Cautions
Homeopathic arnica is such a diluted form that like all homeopathic remedies, there are virtually no side effects. In fact, it is impossible to overdose on a homeopathic remedy. Homeopathic drugs pose no threat of interaction with other drugs. Mint, camphor, and caffeine will interact with a homeopathic remedy and keep it from being effective.Rashes and allergic reactions can occur when using arnica creams, ointments, and other external applications. If any redness or rash occurs you should stop using arnica immediately. It is important to refrain from using arnica on open wounds or broken skin.
Arnica can be very effective when used according to directions. If you plan on using homeopathic remedies regularly, it is a good idea to invest in a Materia Medica, a medical encyclopedia of homeopathic remedies.
