Arnica
Botanical Name: Arnica Montana L
Botanical Name:
Arnica Montana L
Family:
Asteraceae
Appearance:
The plant is about 18–60 cm tall, with green ovate-cilitate leaves with rounded tips and bright coloured.
The flowering season is around May and August.
The flowers are composed of yellow disc florets in the centre and orange-yellow ray florets at the external part.
Origins:
Central Europe
Active Constituents:
- Sesquiterpene lactones
- Flavonoids
- Caffeic acid derivatives
Healing Properties:
In external use, Arnica is used as a water-diluted tincture for healing and anti-inflammatory effects.
In internal use, at low doses, it moderates the activity of superior nervous centres with antalgic and sedative effects.
Local Arnica based preparations have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antiseptic action. Henelanin in the chemical composition of the plant has immunostimulant action.
Precautions and contraindications
Arnica is intended only for external use; preparations should never be applied around the eyes and mouth or open wounds.
In case of contact with an open wound, it should be washed with abundant distilled water.
It is definitely contraindicated for children under 3 years of age.
Sesquiterpenoid content may cause skin allergies, so it is a good idea to perform an allergic test before using it.
Stop treatment immediately at the first sign of irritation; irritation should gradually disappear.