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Arnica (Arnica montana)

The sunny yellow, almost palm-sized flowers of Arnica appear from June to August and have the typical structure of a composite. The whole plant is glandular hairy and fragrant. Originally it was at home everywhere in Europe, Central Asia and North America on nutrient-poor (mountain) meadows and boggy sites. But because there are hardly any unfertilized areas left and arnica was intensively collected for centuries because of its healing power, it has become very rare.

Origin and cultivation

The healing properties of arnica have been known since the Middle Ages, but unlike other plants whose value for the medicine cabinet is well known, it has never found its way into farm gardens. It is a true "wild plant" that feels uncomfortable in a cultivated environment. As a result, uncontrolled wild collections have put the arnica on the Red List of endangered species. Only in recent years has it been possible to cultivate the "Medicinal Plant of the Year 2001" commercially.

Ingredients

Arnica flowers contain, among other things, bitter substances, flavonoids and the active ingredient helenalin. The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect of the flowers can even exceed that of synthetic anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. diclofenac and ibuprofen). The main field of application of arnica, in addition to muscle and joint complaints, are blunt injuries; its active ingredients promote blood circulation, relieve pain and support wound healing.

Use of arnica

  • In herbal ointments, arnica is a valuable ingredient that has a soothing effect on sore muscles, back pain and joint pain. Pure arnica tinctures and oils are also common, but these should only be used in diluted form due to their strong effect - Arnica also displays its healing powers in the external treatment of bruises, contusions and haematomas. Because arnica accelerates the resorption of blood that has leaked into the surrounding tissue, bruises have been shown to disappear more quickly when rubbed with arnica preparations than without treatment. Arnica also has positive effects on vein weakness - internal use as a tea is no longer common today.
Notice
This is what you should pay attention to when using arnica.

It happens that people are sensitive to the extraordinarily powerful arnica. In this case, the application of the somewhat milder calendula is suitable.

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