Friday, May 16, 2008

Arnica--Natural Remedy for Bruises, Sprains and Strains








Tra-la, ‘tis Spring…

And we’re all out “springing” into activities we’ve been dying to do since January. Gardening, indoor and outdoor spring clean up, jogging, golf, biking--you name it. In our enthusiasm, sometimes we overdo things and end up with aches, strains, pains and bruises from lifting, twisting, stretching and falling.

Arnica, also known as Leopard’s Bane or Mountain Tobacco, is an old, well-respected herbal remedy for strains, sprains and bruises, sore muscles and trauma from overexertion during work or exercise.

A perennial found in the mountainous regions of Eastern Europe, Russia and North America, it has bright yellow, daisy-like flowers and is a relative of the sunflower. There are about 30 species, but those used for their healing properties are Arnica montana and Arnica chamissonis folioso. They contain a substance called Helenalin, which gives the plant its anti-inflammatory property. It improves circulation by dilating the capillaries under the skin.

Although homeopathic and naturopathic remedies that contain Arnica can be taken orally or massaged into the skin, the compound is toxic in its raw state, straight from the plant. The experts at Native Remedies, a manufacturer of natural remedies for over 12 years, assured me, “…homeopathic manufacturing methods ensure that Arnica is safe to use internally and is unparalleled in its effectiveness for post-trauma healing.”

Arnica can be used to treat shock and to speed healing after surgery and dental work. The massage oil can be used externally for a sore throat. It is also used externally for rashes, insect bites, muscle strain from coughing, muscle stiffness, and even acne. Antimicrobial, bactericidal and fungicidal properties have also been noted. There are also indications that Arnica may have anti-tumor effects.

Four Seasons Herbal Shop offers Real Heal, a homeopathic remedy, whose main ingredient is Arnica. To increase the effectiveness of RealHeal, you can add RealHeal Massage Oil, a natural aromatherapy blend of oils that help with pain relief and speed healing.

And here’s the whole poem:

Tra-la, ‘tis Spring!
The bird is on the wing!
But that’s absurd,
I’ve always heard
The wing is on the bird!
(Frazier Thomas, Garfield Goose)

WARNINGS:

The above article is for information only. Before using any Arnica product, you should consult your physician. You should not use this information instead of seeking the advice of a physician. These symptoms can be a warning of an underlying condition that is more serious.

Because it stimulates circulation, Arnica should not be taken if you are already taking a blood thinning medication, medication for high blood pressure or heart or blood vessel disease. If you are allergic to daisy or sunflower plants, such as chamomile, marigolds or yarrow, you should not take this remedy. You should not take Arnica if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. Side effects may include breathing problems, tightness in the throat or chest, hives or rash, stomach pain, diarrhea or vomiting.



There is no guarantee of the accuracy of this data. There is no clinical proof of the effectiveness of Arnica for any of the above-mentioned symptoms.

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