Arnica is the great remedy to reduce inflammation and external pain that herbalists of yesterday and today have. And it is an irreplaceable ingredient in a good proportion of pharmacological and homeopathic ointments and lotions that are distributed in pharmacies and parapharmacies.
However, due to its potential toxicity, most of its indications are restricted to topical (external) applications, but are also attributed internally, provided certain precautions are taken.
Arnica can be purchased in health food stores and pharmacies, being marketed in the form of a dried plant, ointment, gel or tincture, and it should always be used externally on the skin.
- Bruises
- Excoriations
- Muscle strain
- Muscle pain
- Swelling
- Joint pain
- Sore throat
- In case of trauma
- Muscle tonic
- Arthritis
- Boil
- Insect bite
The properties of arnica include: anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, analgesic, antiseptic, fungicidal, antihistamine, cardiotonic, anti-osteoarthritic, healing and cholagogue action.
How to use arnica
1. Arnica infusion for external use
This infusion is indicated to use in the case of bruises, scratches, contusions and bruises on the skin, in addition, it can be used to gargle in the case of inflammation in the throat, but never ingested.
INGREDIENTS
250 ml of boiling water
1 teaspoon of Arnica flowers
PREPARATION
Place the arnica flowers in the boiling water and let it steep for 10 minutes. Strain, immerse the compress and apply it warm on the affected region.
2. Arnica ointment
Arnica ointment is ideal to be applied on sore skin, due to bruises, bumps or bruises, because it relieves muscle pain very efficiently.
INGREDIENTS
5 g of beeswax
45 mL of olive oil
4 tablespoons minced arnica leaves and flowers
PREPARATION
Place the ingredients in a pot in a water bath and simmer for a few minutes. Then turn off the heat and leave the ingredients in the pot for a few hours to marinate.
Before cooling, strain and store the liquid portion in covered containers. They should be kept in a dry, dark and airy place. They can last several days at room temperature and will be used regularly.