- What is Arnica for
- How to use Arnica
- 1. Infusion of arnica for external use
- 2. Arnica ointment
- 3. Arnica tincture
- Possible side effects
- When not to use Arnica
Arnica is a medicinal plant widely used to treat bruises, rheumatic pain, abrasions and muscle pain, for example.
Arnica, with the scientific name Arnica montana L., is also popularly known as Panaceia-das-falls, Craveiros-dos-alpes or Betônica. It can be purchased in health food stores, pharmacies and handling pharmacies, being sold in the form of dry plant, ointment, gel or tincture, and must always be used externally, on the skin.
What is Arnica for
Arnica serves to help treat:
- Ecchymosis; Excoriations; Muscular distension; Muscle pain; Swelling; Joint pain; Sore throat; In case of trauma; Muscle tonic; Arthritis; Furuncle; Insect bite.
The properties of arnica include its anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, analgesic, antiseptic, fungicide, antihistamine, cardiotonic, healing and collagogue properties.
How to use Arnica
The used part of the arnica are its flowers that can be prepared in the form of an infusion, tincture or ointment for external application, and should not be ingested. Here's how to prepare 3 different homemade recipes with arnica:
1. Infusion of arnica for external use
This infusion is indicated for use in case of bruises, scratches, bruises and bruises on the skin, but it can also be used to gargle in case of sore throat, but never ingested.
Ingredients
- 250 ml of boiling water1 teaspoon of Arnica flowers
Method of preparation
Place the arnica flowers in the boiling water and let stand for 10 minutes. Strain, dip the compress and apply warm on the affected area.
2. Arnica ointment
Arnica ointment is great to be applied to painful skin due to bruises, blows or purple marks because it relieves muscle pain very efficiently.
Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of chopped arnica flowers.
Preparation:
In a water bath place the ingredients in a pan and boil over low heat for a few minutes. Then turn off the heat and leave the ingredients in the pan for a few hours to steep. Before it cools, you should strain and store the liquid part in containers with a lid. That should always be kept in a dry, dark and airy place.
3. Arnica tincture
Arnica tincture is a great remedy to treat purple marks caused by blows, bruises, muscle damage and arthritis.
Ingredients
- 10 grams of dry arnica leaves100 ml of 70% alcohol without cetrimide (not to burn)
Method of preparation
Place 10 grams of dry arnica leaves in a glass jar and add 100 ml of 70% alcohol without cetrimide and let stand covered for 2 to 3 weeks.
To use, you must mix the solution well and for each 1 drop of tincture you should add 4 drops of water. Apply the tincture of arnica to the desired locations 3 to 4 times a day with the help of a cotton ball, massaging the area.
Possible side effects
Side effects of arnica when used in topical form are skin allergy, swelling or vesicular dermatitis. It is not recommended to ingest it, in the form of tea, for example because it can cause hallucinations, dizziness, digestive problems, such as difficulty in digestion and gastritis, and cardiac complications such as arrhythmia, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, collapse, nausea, vomiting and death.
When not to use Arnica
Arnica is contraindicated for children under 3 years old and should never be ingested, only if it is used in a homeopathic solution, or applied pure on an open wound. In addition, it should not be used during pregnancy as it is abortive, during breastfeeding, and in case of liver disease.
