| Common Name: |
Sneezewort |
| Other Names: |
Arnica, Leopard's Bane, Mountain Tobacco, Wolf's Bane |
| Botanical Name: |
Arnica montana |
| Genus: |
Arnica |
| Family: |
Asteraceae |
| Cultivation: |
Well-drained, rich, acid soil in a sunny position. |
| Position: |
Arnica requires a cool climate and full sun as well as slightly acid to slightly alkaline free-draining soil. In areas with wet winters, grow it in raised beds to prevent fungal attack. |
| Propagation: |
By seed sown in autumn (stratification is required in mild areas); by division in spring.
You can raise arnica from seed but you'll need a period of moist cold. In climates with cold winters, sow the seed outside in autumn. In milder winter areas, stratify the seed by mixing it with a little damp vermiculite or sterile sand. Seal it in a plastic bag, and place it in the crisper tray of the refrigerator for about 12 weeks before sowing. Propagate mature plants by division in spring. |
| Maintenance: |
Arnica is a slow grower and resents competition from pasture weeds such as white clover. Mulch well and weed regularly, or grow plants in weed mat. |
| Pests and Diseases: |
Fungal rot occurs in wet winters. |
| Harvest: |
Flowers are picked when fully open, and dried for use in creams, infusions, liniments, and tinctures.
Gather the flowers when fully open and dry them. |
| Native Location: |
Subalpine regions of Northern Hemisphere |
| Height: |
10-60cm (4-24in) |
| Width: |
15cm (6in) |
| Hardiness: |
Z6-9 |
| Parts Used: |
Flowers, Leaves, roots, Rhizomes |
| Actions: |
Anti-inflammatory and resolvent actions promote dissipation and absorption of tissues destroyed by traumatic injury or over-exertion. Increases nerve force. |
| Properties: |
An aromatic, bitter, astringent herb that stimulates the immune system and heart, relieves pain and inflammation, and clears fungal and bacterial infections. |
| Medicinal Uses: |
Internally for the short-term treatment of heart failure and coronary artery disease. For use by qualified practioners only. Externally in liniments, and creams (often combined with Hamamelis virginiana (see witch hazel) for dislocations, sprains, bruises, chilblains, and varicose ulcers, and as a throat gargle. May cause contact dermatitis when used externally, and collapse when taken internally. These side-effects are not present in homeopathic preparations to help healing after accidents.
To treat muscle and joint ailments, inflammations, cough, hair loss, and contusions. Germany's Commission E has approved the use of arnica flower to treat inflammation of the skin, mouth, and throat; cough, bronchitis, the common cold, fever, rheumatism and blunt injuries.
Traumatic injury, bruises and sore strained joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons; tensive backache; concussion; stroke; heart strain and debility of heart muscle due to over-excitement or over-activity; post-partum discomfort and muscular soreness; reduces pain and bleeding during and after surgery and facilitates recovery. Emotional trauma (e.g., sudden bad news, terror, violence). Sadness and depression. Poor blood circulation, and urinary incontinence due to weak nerve force. Topically apply over strained sore areas, and insect bites and stings. Gargle for sore throat and laryngitis.
Arnica flowers have significant anti-inflammatory and mild analgesic properties. They are applied topically in the form of infused oils, ointments, and creams to bruises, sprains, and strains to encourage healing and to reduce the discomfort of pain and swelling. The pain-relieving effects of arnica also make this a suitable topical remedy for the treatment of sore and aching muscles and rheumatic joint problems. Internally, Arnica montana is taken as a homeopathic remedy, in a very dilute preparation of the herb. It may help with the emotional effects of trauma as well as shock resulting from injury. It may also help to alleviate the physical complaints described above. |
| Evidence of Benefit |
Arnica is an anitbiotic, anti-inflammatory, and pain reliever. Arnica extracts have been used in both herbal and homeopathic forms to help minimize the effects of tissue trauma and to assist in the healing process. It has been used in Europe for centuries to reduce bruising and swelling and to shorten recovery time after physical trauma. It also has a long history of use among Native Americans as a m ajor healing plant. It is primarily for external usage as a tincture or salve.
Arnica is also one of the most important herbs in homeopathic medicine. IT is use in a 3x dilution for motion sickness and in a 10x dilution for seizure disorders.
Benefits of arnica for specific health conditions include the following:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Fractures, and Other Injuries: Arnica prevents bruising and swelling after traumatic skin injuries by preventing blood platelets, the cells involved in the clotting process, from gathering at the site of the injury. It stops pain and swelling in tired and painful muscles by reversing the pain-causing prostaglandins. Arnica contains sesquiterpene lactones, helanalin, and dihydrohelanalin, compounds that alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and fight bacteria. It is useful for joint and rheumatic pain.
Double-blind studies with marathon runners in the 1990 Oslo (Norway) Marathon found that applying arnica to the skin before an athletic event reduces the pain and stiffness experienced after the event. Also, recent reports indicate that arnica may be effective in reducing postoperative swelling.
|
| Uses and Blends: |
First Aid:
Bumps and Bruises
Arnica has a long history of use as a topical treatment for bruises and for helping them heal quickly. Users often report that their bruises change color more quickly and consider this an indication that the healing process is enhanced. It is also traditionally indicated for the treatment of swollen or sprained tissue. Homeopathic preparations of arnica can be taken internally for the same conditions.
DOSAGE
Apply arnica cream, ointment or infused oil to the affected area 3 times per day. Choose a product that contains 10 to 20 percent arnica tincture or oil. |
|
| Dosage: |
Take 5 to 10 drops in a full cup of water, 1 to 3 times per day. Best given in small, well-diluted doses (These doses are based on the 1:10 extract only.). Topically apply cotton cloth wetted with mixture of 1 teaspoon extract and a cup of cool water. Renew every 1 to 2 hours. As gargle mix 5 to 10 drops in half-cup water and gargle several times per day. |
| Considerations for Use: |
Arnica is used in cream form. It should not be applied to broken skin or open wounds, and it should never be taken internally. Eating large quantities of the flower or roots can be poisonous. It should not be used for more than two weeks at a time, and if a rash develops, its use should be discontinued. Arnica contains compounds that act in the same manner as oxytocin (Pitocin), a drug used to induce labor. For this reason, pregnant women should not use arnica in any form. |
| Warning: |
This herb is subject to legal restrictions in some countries.
Avoid or moderate use in excitement of the nervous system, irritation of the stomach and intestines, acute inflammation, high fever or asthma. Excessive doses can cause nervous excitement and throat and stomach irritation. Prolonged topical use, or application to broken skin can cause skin irritation. Discontinue if these symptoms appear
Arnica has been ruled unsafe in some countries. Do not use arnica if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. |
| Possible Side Effects: |
When applied topically, arnica's side effects include eczema and skin inflammation. When taken internally, arnica's side effects include dizziness, tremor, stomach pain, or diarrhea. Oral administration of the herb is potentially dangerous and should be taken only under the supervision of a physician. |
| Drug Interactions: |
| Taking arnica with these drugs may increase the risk of bleeding or bruising: |
| Abciximab, (ReoPro) |
Alteplase, (Activase, Cathflo Activase) |
Antithrombin III, (Thrombate III) |
| Argatroban, (Argatroban) |
Aspirin, (Bufferin, Ecotrin) |
Aspirin and Dipyridamole, (Aggrenox) |
| Bivalirudin, (Angiomax) |
Celecoxib, (Celebrex) |
Clopidogrel, (Plavix) |
| Dalteparin, (Fragmin) |
Danaparoid, (Orgaran) |
Dipyramidole, (Persantine, Novo-Dipiridal) |
| Enoxaparin, (Lovenox) |
Eptifibatide, (Integrillin) |
Fondaparinux, (Arixtra) |
| Heparin, (Hepalean, Hep-Lock) |
Indobufen, (Ibustrin) |
Lepirudin, (Refludan) |
| Nadroparin, (Fraxiparine) |
Reteplase, (Retavase) |
Streptokinase, (Streptase) |
| Tenecteplase, (TNKase) |
Ticlopidine, (Alti-Triclopidine, Ticlid) |
Tinzaparin, (Innohep) |
| Tirofiban, (Aggrastat) |
Urokinase, (Abbokinase) |
Warfarin, (Coumadin, Jantoven) |
| Taking arnica with these drugs may interfere with the action of the drugs: |
| Acebutolol, (Novo-Acebutolol, Sectral) |
Amlodipine, (Norvasc) |
Atenolol, (Apo-Atenol, Tenormin) |
Benazepril, (Lotensin) |
Betaxolol, (Betoptic S, Kerlone) |
Bisoprolol, (Monocor, Zebeta) |
Bumetanide, (Bumex, Burinex) |
Candesartan, (Atacand) |
| Captopril, (Capoten, Novo-Captopril) |
Carteolol, (Cartrol, Occupress) |
Carvedilol, (Coreg) |
Chlorothiazide, (Diuril) |
Chlorthalidone, (Apo-Chlorthalidone, Thalitone) |
Clonidine, (Catapres, Duraclon) |
Diazoxide, (Hyperstat, Proglycem) |
Diltiazem, (Cardizem, Tiazac) |
| Doxazosin, (Alti-Doxazosin, Cardura) |
Enalapril, (Vasotec) |
Eplerenone, (Inspra) |
Eprosartan, (Teveten) |
Esmolol, (Brevibloc) |
Felodipine, (Plendil, Renedil) |
Fenoldopam, (Corlopam) |
Fosinopril, (Monopril) |
| Furosemide, (Apo-Furosemide, Lasix) |
Guanabenz, (Wytensin) |
Guanadrel, (Hylorel) |
Guanfacine, (Tenex) |
Hydralazine, (Apresoline, Novo-Hylazin) |
Hydrochlorothiazide, (Apo-Hydro, Microzide) |
Indapamide, (Lozol, Nu-Indapamide) |
Irbesartan, (Avapro) |
| Isradipine, (DynaCirc) |
Labetalol, (Normodyne, Trandate) |
Lisinopril, (Prinivil, Zestril) |
Losartan, (Cozaar) |
Mefruside, (Baycaron) |
Mecamylamine, (Inversine) |
Methyclothiazide, (Aquatensen, Enduron) |
Methyldopa, (Apo-Methyldopa, Nu-Medopa) |
| Metolazone, (Mykrox, Zaroxolyn) |
Metoprolol, (Betaloc, Lopressor) |
Minoxidil, (Loniten, Rogaine) |
Moexipril, (Univasc) |
Nadalol, (Apo-Nadol, Corgard) |
Nicardipine, (Cardene) |
Nifedipine, (Adalat CC, Procardia) |
Nisoldipine, (Sular) |
| Nitroglycerin, (Minitran, Nitro-Dur) |
Nitroprusside, (Nipride, Nitropress) |
Olmesartan, (Benicar) |
Oxprenolol, (Slow-Trasicor, Trasicor) |
Perindopril Erbumine, (Aceon, Coversyl) |
Phenoxybenzamine, (Dibenzyline) |
Phentolamine, (Regitine, Rogitine) |
Pindolol, (Apo-Pindol, Novo-Pindol) |
| Polythiazide, (Renese) |
Prazosin, (Minipress, Nu-Prazo) |
Propranolol, (Inderal, InnoPran XL) |
Quinapril, (Accupril) |
Ramipril, (Altace) |
Reserpine, (Reserpine) |
Spironolactone, (Aldactone, Novo-Spiroton) |
Telmisartan, (Micardis) |
| Terazosin, (Alti-Terazosin, Hytrin) |
Timolol, (Betimol, Timoptic) |
Torsemide, (Demadex) |
Trandolapril, (Mavik) |
Triamterene, (Dyrenium) |
Trichlormethiazide, (Metatensin, Naqua) |
Valsartan, (Diovan) |
Verapamil, (Calan, Isoptin SR) |
|
| Lab Test Alteration: |
May inhibit platelet function. |
| Disease Interaction: |
This herb can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and may worsen inflammatory or infectious gastrointestinal ailments. |
| Supplement Interactions: |
Arnica belongs to the Asteraceae family and is contraindicated in those sensitive to herbs from the Asteraceae family, such as German Chamomile, Daisy, or Dandelion. |
| Bibliography: |
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown. Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg 130
The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide by Geo. T. Grossberg,MD and Barry Fox,PhD Copyright©2007 by Barry Fox,PhD pp. 45-47
Therapeutic Herb Manual by Ed Smith Copyright ©2000 by Ed Smith. pg. 13
The Complete Illustrated Book of Herbs by Reader's Digest Copyright©2009 The Reader's Digest Association, Inc. Pp.16,220
Prescription for Herbal Healing by Phyllis A. Balch,CNC Copyright©2002 Phyllis A. Balch. pp 23-24
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