EARTH MEDICINE : Arnica Flowers
Welcome to #WitchMeds where we help you decide "which meds" are right for you. #WitchMeds works with ALL healing elements of Earth, Water, Air and Fire Medicines , as well aiding in healing the Spirit. There are millions of herbs and natural medicines on this planet and we are here to help you choose the right healing for you - one of these known #EarthMedicines is Arnica.
This herb grows mainly in Siberia, Central Europe, as well as temperate climates in North America and its flowers are used in medicine. Let me introduce you to one of my FAVORITE healing herbs, Arnica.
The genus name Arnica is believed to be derived from the Greek arena, "lamb", in reference to the 'plants' soft, seemly furry or hairy leaves. Arnica montana plants grow to be between 1 and 2 feet tall and are topped with gold-yellow flowers. Arnica is a genus of perennial, herbaceous plants in the daisy/sunflower family (Asteracea). Arnica, the Asteracea herb of wolf's bane, or leopards bane, was first documented as a medical plant in the early 1500s. Arnica is known by the names mountain tobacco and, confusingly, leopards-bane and wolfsbane-two names that it shares with the entirety unrelated genus Aconitum. So be sure to not be mistaken, the difference is quite noticeable in appearance of Asteracea and Aconitum, so be sure to ask when purchasing.
Samuel Hahnemann , German physician, freemason and best known for creating the system of alternative medicine; also known as the founder of homeopathy, researched Arnica montana as a homeopathic ingredient in the early 1800s. It was his findings that brought Arnica montana into the world of homeopathic medicine and why it is still being studied and used medicinally today.
HOW IT WORKS :
The active chemicals in arnica may reduce swelling, decrease pain, and act as antibiotics. Arnica montana and A. chamissonis, contain helenalin, a sesquiterpene lactone that is a major ingredient in anti-inflammatory preparations (used mostly for bruises).
Possibly Effective For :
+ Back, Neck, & Shoulder Pain
+ Bruising
+ Healing
+ Joint Soreness & Stiffness
+ Minor Arthritis Pain
+ Muscle Pain
+ Osteoarthritis:
+ Pain Relief
+ Sore Muscles
+ Swelling
ITS DOCUMENTED USES :
ORAL CONSUMPTION USES
- sore mouth and throat, pain such as after surgery or wisdom tooth removal
- painful and swollen veins near the surface of the skin (superficial phlebitis)
- bruising
- muscle pain
- vision problems due to diabetes
- stroke
- also for causing abortions
TOPICAL USES (applied to the skin)
- for pain and swelling associated with bruises, aches, and sprains
- insect bites
- arthritis (why I use Arnica)
"According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, "A few clinical trials suggest benefits of topical arnica for asteoarthritis; and for affecting significant reduction of bruising compared to placebo or low concentration vitamin K ointments. A study of wound-healing after surgery to treat varicose veins found no statically significant proof of efficacy."
- muscle and cartilage pain
- chapped lips
- also known to help with acne
In order to create various arnica products (like creams, lotions, salves, and ointments), manufacturers use tinctures. In manufacturing, arnica is used in hair tonics and anti-dandruff preparations. The oil is also used in perfumes and cosmetics.
Research shows that using an arnica gel product (example : A. Vogel Arnica Gel) two times a day for 3 weeks reduces pain and stiffness and improves function in people with osteoarthritis in the hands or knees. Other research shows that using the same gel works as well as the painkiller ibuprofen in reducing pain and improving function in the hands. Arnica is also used in foods as a flavor ingredient added in baked goods, beverages, candy, frozen dairy desserts, gelatins, and puddings.
SIDE EFFECTS :
Arnica is possibly safe when when applied to unbroken skin short-term or taken by mouth in the amounts commonly found in food.
Amounts that are larger than the amount found in food are likely unsafe when taken by mouth. When taken by mouth it can also cause skin rashes, irritation of the throat and mouth, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath, a fast heartbeat, an increase in blood pressure, heart damage, organ failure, increased bleeding, coma, and death. Arnica, in fact, is considered poisonous and has/can cause death.
WARNINGS :
(!) Allergies (to ragweed and related plants) : Arnica may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Members of this family include ragweed chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others. If you have allergies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before applying it to your skin. Do not take arnica by mouth.
(!) Avoid medications that slow blood clotting : include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosn), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others. Arnica may slow blood clotting. Taking arnica along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bleeding and bruising. *Be cautious with this combination.
(!) Broken Skin : Don't apply arnica to damaged or broken skin. To much could be absorbed.
(!) Digestion problems : Arnica may cause irritation to the digestive system.
(!) Heart conditions : Don't take it if you have a fast heart rate.
(!) Heart conditions : Don't take it if you have a fast heart rate.
(!) High blood pressure : Do not take arnica if you have high blood pressure. Arnica may increase blood pressure.
(!) Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Do not take arnica by mouth or apply to the skin if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. It is considered likely unsafe.
(!) Surgery: If using arnica, stop using it at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery. Arnica may cause extra bleeding during and after surgery.
**The Canadian government is concerned enough about the safety of arnica to prohibit its use as a food ingredient.
DOSING :
(+) Applied to skin : when used for arthritis, arnica gel products with 50 gram/100gram ratio (A. Vogel Arnica Gel, Bioforce AG, Switzerland) has been rubbed into the affected area joints two to three times daily for three weeks and known to relieve the pain.
(+) Arnica oils and creams, used topically - treat sprains, bruises, and muscle pain. Diluted tinctures of arnica are used in food baths (1 teaspoon of tincture to a pan of warm water) to soothe sore feet.
TOXICITY :
(X) Arnica montana contains the toxin helenalin, which can be poisonous if large amounts of the plant are eaten.
(X) Contact with the plant, if allergic to ragweed family, can also cause skin irritation.
(X) Contact with the plant, if allergic to ragweed family, can also cause skin irritation.
TAKE A PEEK BELOW !
Comments
Post a Comment