Arnica in Herbalist: Property of the Arnica

Scientific name

Arnica montana L

Family

Origin

Europe

Used Parts

Chemical constituents

• Sesquiterpene lactones 0.2-0.8%;
• Elenalina and its esters;
• Polyphenols;
• Flavonoids (isoquercetin);
• Tannins;
• cumarine;
• polyacetylenes;
• xanthophylls;
• Cinnamic acid;
• Essential oil;
• Terpenes.

Arnica in Herbalist: Property of the Arnica

Arnica has mainly anti-inflammatory properties, exclusively for topical use (applied directly to the skin of the diseased part).

It is therefore used in traumatology in the case of post-traumatic edema (fractures, sprains, bruises, bruises, compressions, hematomas, muscle tears, fracture edema), rheumatic arthralgia and articular disorders, articular effusions and non ulcerative phlebitis.

Arnica is widely used in the formulation of sports massage products and antireumatic patches.

Biological activity

Arnica is a plant to which antiphlogistic, antiedematous, anti-traumatic, antirheumatic, analgesic, antineuralgic, revulsive, antiseptic and immunostimulant properties are attributed.

The anti-inflammatory properties can be ascribed to the elenalina contained within the arnica itself. In fact, elenaline is able to inhibit the release of the transcription factor NF-kB, one of the main factors involved in the immune mechanisms and in the inflammatory processes that occur in the body.

Furthermore, it appears that elenaline is able to reduce chemotaxis and granulocyte mobility. This sesquiterpene lactone also promotes the stabilization of lysosomal membranes, thus helping to reduce the area affected by inflammation.

The analgesic action, as well as the antiseptic one, can be traced - in addition to the elenaline - to dihydroelenaline and its esters. These molecules have been shown to have both bactericidal and fungicidal activity.

The immunostimulant properties, on the other hand, are attributable to the polysaccharides contained in the flower of the plant. Indeed, it seems that these molecules are able to modify the immune response by acting on the complement system and favoring an increase in phagocytic activity.

Arnica against trauma, hematoma and inflammation

As mentioned, arnica can be used in the treatment of inflammation, bruising and trauma. This is possible thanks to the anti-inflammatory, anti-oedematous, analgesic, and anti-traumatic properties that are conferred above all by the sesquiterpene lactones contained in it, even if it seems that the essential oil and flavonoids contained in it also contribute to the beneficial action carried out by arnica.

When the arnica is used as an anti-inflammatory remedy against traumas, bruises and bruises, usually the dye is diluted 1: 5 in water or in alcohol, to be applied as a compress directly in the affected area. It should be remembered, however, that the pack should only be applied to intact skin, taking care to avoid contact of the preparation with eyes, mouth and genitals.

Arnica in folk medicine and homeopathy

Arnica has always been known for its anti-inflammatory properties and for this reason it is used externally in the treatment of hematomas, bruises, traumatic edemas and in the treatment of muscular, joint and rheumatic disorders, but not only. Arnica, in fact, is used by folk medicine as a remedy against inflammation of the mouth and throat, against insect bites, against pimples and against phlebitis.

In the homeopathic field, arnica is used as a remedy for inflammatory disorders of muscular, tendinous or skeletal origin and for the treatment of bruises, sprains, traumas, strains, tears, bruising and bruising. Moreover, in homeopathy arnica is used to promote wound healing and to combat capillary fragility.

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Pharmacological Interactions

Arnica may interfere with:

• Essential oils ;
• Garlic ;
• Cumarinic anticoagulants (due to the hydroxycoumarins contained in the plant itself).

Warnings

Arnica includes exclusively topical use and in the absence of skin lesions, due to the toxicity induced by sesquiterpene lactone.

Contraindications

Avoid topical use of arnica in case of allergy recognized to the genus of Compositae and in the presence of open sores or skin lesions.

The use of arnica-based preparations should also be avoided during pregnancy.

Side effects

Arnica administered topically - especially if used for long periods or in high doses - can cause irritative or caustic lesions in the application site.

Furthermore, the plant can cause allergic reactions that occur in the form of itchy skin eruptions, ulcers or blisters.

On the other hand, arnica intake can cause gastritis, nausea, vomiting, enterocolitis, diarrhea, bleeding, dizziness, headache, palpitations and arterial hypotension. Its internal use is therefore highly discouraged.