General Information
Description: Arnica is a medicinal plant used to stop bleeding, in the treatment of diseases of the cardiovascular system, and also as an external agent that accelerates the resorption by hematomas.
Chemical composition:
Arnica is a perennial herb which mainly grows in North America, Canada, Russia and European countries. The plant is also called a mountain sheep’s head, a roasted grass, Ivanov’s color. Arnica is famous due to its medicinal properties. The underground parts of Arnica contain: tannin components, wax, bitterness, resins, essential oils, plant analogues of hormones, gum. Inflorescences contain: arnycin (up to 4%), essential oil, tannins (up to 5%), cinnarin, choline, carnaubilic alcohol, zeaxanthin, crystalline substance, gelenin, sterols, fatty oil, vitamin C, sucrose, organic acids. The substances contained in the flowers and roots are also found in stems and leaves, but in less quantity.
Beneficial features:
As a remedy, Arnica is used from the ancient times. In modern official medicine, the plant is not used very often, although it is included in the pharmacopoeia of many countries. Arnica root was used in the first homeopathic preparations. In most cases, the herb is prescribed for stretching, bruising, dislocation, birth trauma, sleep disorders, coughing, common cold, retinal detachment, dryness in the pharynx, stomach flaccidity, emphysema, hemorrhages in the retina of the eye. The use of arnica in the form of homeopathic preparations reduces the duration of the recovery period after surgery, and also helps to alleviate the condition of the patient during this period. In small quantities, Arnica activates the work of the brain, in large quantities – suppresses it. The plant has an anticonvulsant property, suppresses the reflex excitability of the central nervous system, increase the lumen of the blood vessels that feed the brain. Preparations made from Arnica flowers help reduce blood pressure. Thanks to the useful properties of Arnica, the plant is used as an herbal supplement for digestion, for expelling excess water from the body, for female diseases, acute respiratory viruses (ARVI), bronchial inflammation, and epilepsy. With ulcers, abscesses, wounds and rash, the affected area is treated with an aqueous solution of the plant. For pains in the joints, lumbago, injuries, gout and toothache, lotions are used. Alcoholic tinctures of Arnica flowers are effective as a hemostatic agent for nose bleeding or uterine bleeding. In obstetrics and gynecology. they are used for inflammation and violation of the uterus involution after childbirth.
Indications for use:
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- Various bleeding (including caused by a cyst, polyps or other tumors of the uterus and its appendages);
- Increased nervous excitability;
- Cardiovascular diseases;
- Hypertension;
- Myocarditis;
- Angina pectoris.
Contraindications:
- Abdominal pain, frequent urination, nausea, vomiting, lower body temperature, shortness of breath, muscle cramps, sweating;
- In severe forms of poisoning with Arnica drugs, the work of cardiac activity worsens. A fatal outcome is possible. Do not take the drug without prescription. Do not use the medicine during pregnancy. You can not drink Arnica tea during lactation;
- Increased blood clotting;
- Individual intolerance;
- Improper external application, skin diseases, allergic reactions, itching, burning;
- This plant belongs to a group of toxic substances, so you need to observe the dose of the drug. If you have the first symptoms of an overdose of Arnica, you need to urgently seek medical help.
Overdose and side effects:
When overdosing Arnica drugs, patients may experience sweating, nausea, chills, dyspnea, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, as well as vomiting. In severe cases, the cardiovascular system may be disrupted. For any of the above symptoms, you need to see a doctor immediately.
External application of Arnica (gel, cream) can also provoke side effects: allergic reactions, itching and burning.
Posted by RxMed