The healing properties of this aromatic perennial have been recognized for over 400 years. Arnica is anti-inflammatory and promotes tissue repair. It has been used extensively in European folk medicine as an external remedy for muscle pain, and was once also prescribed as an internal treatment for dysentery and gout. Potentially toxic, its internal use is now largely limited to homeopathy. Proved by Hahnemann and published in his Materia Medica Pura (1821–34), Arnica is used to promote healing and help control bleeding. It is used mostly for shock, injury, and pain.
REMEDY PROFILE
People who respond best to this remedy may actually deny that they are ill, ignoring the severity of their condition. They generally prefer to be left alone and tend to be agitated, restless, and morose. Poor concentration and forgetfulness are typical, as are nightmares and a morbid imagination.Arnica is usually given as a first-aid remedy following an accident, surgery, bereavement, childbirth, or dental treatment. It is also used for joint pain, fever, and some skin problems.
Shock, injury & postoperativecare
SYMPTOMS Acute and chronic consequences of shock, injury, or surgery, particularly bleeding, bruising, swelling, and aching pains. The body may feel battered and highly sensitive to discomfort, to the point where even a bed seems too hard. Arnica may also be prescribed to treat injuries such as a black eye or a foreign object in an eye, concussion, and nosebleeds.
Post-childbirth pain
SYMPTOMS Bruised, aching pain in the vagina that may be especially distressing at night.
Tooth & gum pain
SYMPTOMS Pain in the teeth or sore, bruised, and bleeding gums following injury or dental work may be treated with Arnica.
Joint & muscle pain
SYMPTOMS Arthritic pain, sprains, or strains to the joints, which feel bruised, sore, and sensitive. Arnica is also taken to ease swelling, bruising, and pain after a ligament tear or bone injury. Alternatively, it is used for aches in the muscles due to cramps, unaccustomed exercise, or overexertion.
Fever
SYMPTOMS A hot head, cold body, and exhaustion. Stools, flatulence, and perspiration tend to have a characteristic odor of rotten eggs, and there may be incontinence of stools and urine. Arnica is also prescribed for recurring fevers such as typhoid or malarial fever.
Skin conditions
SYMPTOMS Hard, dry, swollen skin due to insect bites, bed sores, small, painful boils, red, blistering skin eruptions, or varicose ulcers.
S O U R C E D E TA I L S
O R I G I N
Grows in alpine pastures and woodlands of the Pyrenees, Siberia, and central Europe, especially Switzerland and Germany.
B A C K G R O U N D
Traditionally used externally as an ointment to improve local blood supply and speed healing in the treatment of bruises, sprains, and muscle pain.
P R E PA R AT I O N
The whole flowering plant, including the root, is steeped in alcohol, filtered, diluted, and succussed.
C O M M O N N A M E S
Arnica, leopard’s bane, sneezewort, mountain tobacco, mountain daisy.
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