Today, Arnica plant extracts are available in topical creams and ointments. It is most commonly found as a tincture, which can also be used as the base for compresses and poultices. Arnica oil may also be used in topical preparations. Arnica has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, decongestive and antifungal properties. It also stimulates the forming the granular tissues and thus accelerates the healing process. It eliminates micro-organisms and keeps bacteria and pathogenic funguses from multiplying.
- Arnica cream contains anti-inflammatory sesquiterpene lactone helanalin, a constituent that affects the regulation of the immune system’s response to injury. The body’s immune system will send blood to the affected area, where it causes swelling and bruising as the body attempts to combat the injury. Arnica cream aids in moving the blood both rapidly to the area and quickly away so that toxins and excess blood and tissue buildup are carried away. This process speeds up the healing process while slowing the bruising and swelling that occur with soft tissue injuries.
- Arnica extracts are used for treating the pale face skin complexion, wounds, bruises and burns. Other medicinal uses of this herb involve the treatment of bruises, dislocations, bacterial infections, skin cancer, bronchitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, flu, lung virosis, cystitis, nephritis, kidney infections, coronary insufficiencies, hypertension, breastplate angina, cerebral trauma, headaches, paresis, semiparesis, insomnia, heart palpitations, nightmares, night terrors, moral depressions, neurosis, hysteria etc.
In organic beauty products arnica is effective due to its decongestive, antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It improves blood circulation, detoxifies and accelerates healing.
It also stimulates hair follicles. It also relieves swollen, hot and tired feet. This wildflower regulates circulation in damaged connective tissues and disperses trapped fluids. When used in natural skin care products, it is beneficial for swollen and puffy skin and helps to reduce puffiness around the eyes. Arnica can heal and repair your skin from all forms of damage or irritation.
Arnica is effective due to the following properties:
- decongestive
- anti-inflammatory
- antiseptic
- antibacterial
- detoxifying
- healing
- accelerating circulation
Arnica is used topically for a wide range of conditions:
- bruises
- sprains
- muscle aches
- wound healing
- superficial phlebitis
- joint pain
- inflammation from insect bites
- swelling
- acne
- insect bites
- phlebitis
- rheumatic pain
- broken bones.
In homeopathic organic medicine, arnica is used in treatment of these and other conditions:
- arthritis
- backache
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- eczema
- fibromyalgia
- influenza
- headache
- hemorrhoids
- migraine
