Arnica: medicinal properties and contraindications

Arnica, like most medicinal plants used in folk medicine since ancient times, has several names. People call it baranberry, mountain tobacco (this name came from America, where it is even slipped into tobacco), hog clove, willow flower ... And the ancient Greek physician Dioscorides gave it the name "sneezing flower", because most people when you try to smell what it smells, sneezing inevitably begins.

Chemical Composition

Due to its rich chemical composition, arnica has long been recognized as an effective remedy. The main active ingredient, arnica, is known for its antioxidant properties.

Its rhizomes contain a large number of tannins that have hemostatic and bactericidal properties. The effectiveness of the plant is enhanced by carotenoids, particularly lutein, which endows it with the ability to strengthen blood vessels, reduce cholesterol, and maintain normal blood sugar levels. In addition, lutein also has antioxidant abilities.

Components in the chemical composition such as arnidiol and faradiol stimulate rapid healing of damaged skin and accelerate its regeneration. Faradiol, having a local irritant effect, helps hemorrhages to heal faster.

Ascorbic acid and vitamin C, which are also components of arnica, help to heal wounds, stop the development of infections due to antiviral and antibacterial ability, participate in the process of prevention of aging.

Worthy of attention are also components of arnica, such as a vasodilator effect tsinarin, related substances betaine and choline, which control liver function and bile formation, phytosterols that can normalize blood cholesterol, which has antiseptic properties gelenin.

Organic acids contained in the plant (they are represented by fumaric, malic, lactic, auric and palmitic acids) affect blood circulation, improving it, relieve edema, normalize bowel function, regulate acidity and slow down the aging process.

A component of the chemical composition, such as gum, helps the body to cleanse itself of toxins and helps increase the absorptive capacity of the intestinal walls, which has a positive effect on improving digestion in general.

In the composition of arnica also found resins, wax, essential oil, involved in the process of resorption of bruises, relief of edema and pain of rheumatoid nature.

Despite such a rich chemical composition of useful substances, scientists and physicians urge to treat arnica with caution, because the plant also contains alkaloids, which are useful to the body only under certain, clearly limited conditions. In general, from ancient times alkaloids were considered poison, and they even impregnated arrowheads.

How and where it grows

Arnica is a perennial, and botanists consider it a herbaceous plant. Depending on the species, its height can vary quite significantly - some varieties do not grow taller than 15 cm, others stretch up to 80 cm and even up to 1 m!

The rhizome of the plant is creeping, shallow in the soil and spreads horizontally or slightly inclined. The size of the rhizome is small: its usual length is about 15 cm, the thickness, as a rule, does not exceed 1 cm. But it is covered with a large number of adventitious roots, which, like threads, penetrate the soil and extract from it nutrients and moisture necessary for the plant. The adventitious roots are about 1 mm thick. The rhizome is brown or reddish brown on the outside and white on the inside.

Arnica in its first year of life forms only a leaf rosette; no stems or flowers are produced yet. The next year it is a full-grown plant: from the root leaf rosette of six leaves rises a straight stem, branched at the top. On the stem, like a fuzz, there are short hairs, especially thick they are closer to the top of the plant.

Arnica leaves are of two types. Those that form a root rosette are wide and attached to petioles - so short that they may appear as if they are sessile. Their shape is oval and their edges are flat. The leaves are slightly pubescent on top, and the longitudinal veins on the underside of each leaf are strongly marked. On the stem, the leaves are of a different type - they are fully sessile, even hugging the stem. Their edges are usually flat, but may occur slightly serrated, and their shape depends on the arnica species: they may be oblong, ovate or lanceolate, pointed. They are arranged in pairs opposite each other, their average length is from 15 to 17 cm, width - no more than 5 cm.

The color of all the leaves is a dense green, with a lighter shade of the leaf blade underneath.

One to three 2 to 5 cm flower baskets are formed on top of the branched stem. The flower looks similar to a daisy, only yellow. Blossom period is from June to August, in high mountain areas from July to September.

After flowering yellow-green or gray-black fruits are formed, which are cylindrical in shape and 5 to 10 mm long. Each seed pod has a well-developed tuft of faded yellow hairs. The seeds reach maturity by August-September. They are, of course, involved in the process of reproduction, but still the main way is by rhizomes.

The plant is considered quite rare. It is found in Europe, on the territory of the former USSR - only on the western fringes of Belarus, Lithuania and Latvia, in the Ukrainian Carpathians, the upper regions of the Dnieper and Pridneprovie, in the Murmansk and Arkhangelsk regions, in the Far East and in North America.

The herb prefers mountainous-forested areas, rises to a height of 1000 m above sea level, in the Alps arnica can be seen at an altitude of about 2800 m. It is found only rarely on the plains; it prefers pine and mixed pine-birch forests, openings, edges and clearings in the forest, bushes. It grows on medium moist sandy soils with acidic reaction in areas with moist air. You can find both a small group thicket of arnica, and meet individual, single specimens.

Species

There are more than 30 species of arnica in nature, but not all are used for medicinal purposes. Most often therapeutic compositions are prepared on the basis of the mountain arnica, foliage and Chamisso.

Mountain arnica has two varieties - Alpine and Unalaska.

Alpine arnica grows up to 30 cm in height and can be found not only in European mountains, but also in North America. Its range slightly covers the Arkhangelsk and Murmansk regions, it feels fine on the Kola Peninsula, in its rather harsh cliffs, and even in the tundra. In contrast to its other relatives, it is tolerant of dry soil and settles on mountain slopes rich in calcium, among sparse shrubs, and also on bare gypsum rocks overgrown with mosses. Near the foothills, in meadows, it is more difficult to find.

The Unalaska arnica is slightly taller than the alpine arnica and grows up to 40 cm tall. Its specimens, either singularly or in thickets, are often found on the Commander and Kuril Islands, Japanese Honshu and Hokkaido, and the Aleutian Islands of North America. There are small numbers in Kamchatka, where small arnica locations are also noted.

The arnica is a tall plant, reaching 80 cm. Its native habitat is the steppes of the North American continent. But it is quite easy to cultivate, unlike other varieties of arnica, so it can be found in different regions.

Arnica Chamisso is named after the botanist who first described this type of plant. It is found in the Far East and Sakhalin - in mountainous areas and mixed forests, along rivers. It grows up to 80 cm tall and has orange flowers.

Sakhalin arnica is also noteworthy. Of the whole big botanical family, this one is the tallest - some specimens sometimes grow up to a meter. Its habitat is the Russian Far East, and Sakhalin arnica is found nowhere else in the world.

Gathering and storage

For medicinal and cosmetic purposes the flower baskets are harvested together with small - about 1 cm - pieces of the stem on which the flower is attached. The second and third decades of June are suitable for harvesting.

To get quality raw material, it is better to choose a nice day, closer to the afternoon, when the dew has dried. To dry it you need to choose a place where you can put the flowers freely so that they will be weathered on all sides. Do not turn and turn the raw material, as inflorescences become quite fragile and quickly crumble. In addition, the place should be dark.

Cover the gathered inflorescences with gauze to make them inaccessible to flies, which don't mind laying eggs right in the flowers. Usually it takes a week for the arnica to dry.

To observe all these conditions is quite difficult, so it's worth thinking and evaluating: maybe more convenient to dry the raw material in an electric dryer, setting the temperature to no more than 50 degrees.

Store dried arnica also in a dark room with good ventilation, in such conditions it does not lose its useful properties for two years. Remember that uncontrolled collection is prohibited, since the plant is included in the Red Books of the USSR, Belarus and Russia.

Medicinal properties of the mountain arnica

1. Arnica flowers can stop blood flow, enhance uterine contractions and stimulate bile production. In small doses, they tone the nervous system, and in large - can be a means of preventing seizures and have a sedative effect.
2. The action of the flowers dilates the blood vessels of the brain, which used to be used to restore functions during the rehabilitation period after hemorrhages. In addition, among the useful actions of the flowers is the ability to reduce blood pressure without a side effect.
3. Compositions based on the arnica root have a stimulating effect on the work of the heart and blood vessels. They dilate the vessels that oxygenate the heart, thereby increasing blood flow in them, which is used in myocarditis, angiospasm and atherosclerosis, when the lumen of the vessels critically narrows. Arnica is effective for heart weakness and angina pectoris.
4. Tincture of arnica has found use in gynecology as a styptic and reducing agent, which is in demand after childbirth or abortion, when its own contractility of the uterus is reduced. It is also used to treat patients with fibroids, polyps, cysts, uterine inflammation, with various menstrual disorders.
5. To quickly resolve hematomas and restore normal blood circulation, arnica is prescribed to patients who have suffered a concussion or cerebral hemorrhage. Bruises, bruises, sprains, abrasions have been smeared with arnica since ancient times, and its effectiveness is recognized by modern medicine.
6. In the list of diseases in which arnica remedies are used - biliary stone disease, cholecystitis, cholangitis, hepatitis.
7. Arnica is indispensable for solving many skin problems: inflammations, pustules, rashes, frostbite and burns.
8. Dentists also keep arnica compositions in their arsenal: they treat periodontal disease, stomatitis, and gingivitis. In addition, it can soothe toothache. All this is possible due to the anti-inflammatory, styptic, analgesic actions of arnica and its ability to restore the epithelium.

Arnica in traditional medicine

Arnica has been known in Western Europe since the 11th century. Jar of Arnica ointment was in the traveling bag of every medieval knight, it was considered a miracle worker, able to instantly heal all wounds. And in case of large-area joint injuries, cold lotions from decoction of the healing plant were put on the sore spots.

In Soviet times, arnica was part of the pharmacopoeia, it was widely used in all hospitals. At present, the plant is not so actively used, physicians mostly prescribe decoctions and tinctures of it. Doctors practicing in other countries use flower extract and plaster based on the herb.

Arnica is one of the first plants with which homeopaths began to treat, most often for injuries. Folk medicine is still faithful to arnica and uses it widely as a diaphoreticulant and diuretic, to treat flu and bronchitis, diarrhea and fever. And for wound healing, it is still considered one of the best medicinal plants.

For stomatitis and periodontal disease

Boil a tablespoon of arnica inflorescences with a glass of freshly boiled water and insist under a closed lid for half an hour. After straining, rinse your mouth. Can also be used to treat sore throats with angina. Repeat procedures up to 5 times a day.

For periodontal disease and bleeding gums

Make a tincture of a tablespoon of fresh inflorescences of arnica and 100 ml of good vodka, standing for two weeks. Strain it. Add the same amount of calendula tincture and 3 tablespoons of peach oil. With periodontal disease and bleeding from the gums, soak gauze cloths with the composition and apply them to the gums. Repeat until the symptoms of the disease disappear.

With uterine bleeding.

A tablespoon of dried arnica pour a glass of boiling water and leave to infuse for 4 hours. Drink 50 ml from 3 to 4 times a day.

For joint injuries and bruising.

To relieve pain and swelling in a joint injury or extensive hematoma do lotions based on arnica. To prepare a solution for lotions, 2 tablespoons of flowers pour 300 ml of water, bring to a boil, turn off and remove from the stove. After 30 minutes, the healing composition is ready. Soak in it gauze or rag and apply to the painful joint. In the first couple of days do cold lotions, and when the swelling decreases, switch to warm - they will have a resolving effect.

In cholecystitis

A tablespoon of inflorescences of arnica brew 250 ml of boiling water in a pouring mug, cover with a lid and put on a water bath. Steam the composition for 15 minutes, then remove and insist 45 minutes, then filtered. Single dose - a tablespoon, diluted in 50-100 ml of milk, repeat the reception after each meal - 3 times a day. This infusion has choleretic properties.

With angina.

Prepare a decoction of the roots of arnica, for which to take 2 teaspoons of raw materials and pour 2 cups of water, put to boil over low heat for about 5 minutes. Then cover with a saucer or lid and insist an hour. Take the filtered decoction before breakfast and dinner by a tablespoon.

For epilepsy and brain disorders

Chop a tablespoonful of fresh flowers of arnica, pour 100 ml of good vodka, then send it to infuse in a dark place for 3-4 weeks. Strain and drink 3-4 times a day for 30-40 drops diluted in a small amount of water.

For gastric diseases

Take an equal volume of fresh flowers arnica and vodka (a glass of vodka one glass arnica). Insist 2 weeks, then strain twice through a cloth.

To improve the condition in the stomach and relieve attacks of general weakness drop a few drops of the resulting composition in a tablespoon of water. Take as needed.

Types of medicinal compositions

Ointments, gels, creams, massage oil and homeopathic granules based on arnica are widely available in pharmacies. But they contain various additional components, because of which allergic reactions are possible. Therefore, it is possible to prepare healing compositions at home.

Infusion

Scald a tablespoon of arnica flowers with a glass of boiling water and leave for half an hour. Strain through gauze and you can prepare on the basis of this infusion lotions, wraps, compresses. To avoid possible skin irritation, pre-dilute the remedy with water - either in half, or one-third of the infusion add two-thirds water.

Tincture .

Grind 60-80 grams of fresh flowers arnica (or 2 tablespoons). Pour them half a liter of alcohol 70%. Insist for 3-4 weeks in a bottle of opaque glass in a dark room (or closet). Strain. You get a greenish-brown liquid, bitter to the taste. When taking it inside, dilute with water or milk. For compresses dilute with water: 1 part of the tincture take 5 parts of the liquid.

Tea

1. Tea from arnica can be drunk by patients suffering from heart disease, and then only if it is prescribed by the attending physician. The rest of the people with such tea can gargle or make on its basis compresses. To prepare the tea, 2 teaspoons of dried flowers of arnica pour a quarter of a liter of boiling water. Strain after 10 minutes. Rinse your throat better with warm tea.
2. Take flowers of chamomile and arnica in equal parts, grind them in a mortar and brew in a pot, like normal tea. Brew for 15 to 20 minutes, then pour into cups and drink. To make it taste better, add sugar or honey. You can drink this tea for rheumatism, gout, diarrhea.

Ointment

Arnica ointment is effective in treating gout, rheumatism, varicose veins, bruises, injuries, sprains, bruises and abrasions. It eliminates pain, relieves inflammation.

In a water bath dissolve 20 g each of shea butter and beeswax and 25 g of coconut oil. Add to the same mixture 150 ml each of Arnica and Hypericum oils, as well as 2/3 cup water. After removing the mixture from the water bath, pour it into a blender. Before the beeswax hardens, start whipping the ointment on low speed. From this amount of raw materials, you should get about 300 grams of arnica oil. When the mass is mixed, put it in a glass jar. If desired, you can add a little rosemary extract, this will extend the shelf life of the product.

Oil

Arnica oil is otherwise called macerate. This product with a faint pleasant aroma is good for massage. It is often used by athletes to relieve muscle pain after intense training. It helps speed recovery from sprains, bruises, sprains, inflammation of the muscles. It is recommended for hemorrhoids, muscle cramps, varicose veins and disorders of vascular circulation, so-called fragile vessels, when a person is prone to frequent bruising and bruising. The oil prepares the body well for manual therapy, helps with sciatica, arthritic pain. It is used to strengthen the hair.

The oil is obtained from the flowers of arnica, infusing them in any vegetable oil. It is better to take olive oil or unscented sunflower oil. For one liter of oil you need 50 grams of dried flowers of arnica. Mix them in a container and insist for 1.5-2 weeks. During this time, the plant gives all the useful components and you get a viscous compound dark red or orange-yellow in color and greenish hue.

Use the oil for external use only, do not smear them with abrasions, scratches and other open wounds.

Cosmetic applications

Arnica has long been used for cosmetic purposes. Even in the Middle Ages was noted for its miraculous ability to solve aesthetic problems. They are mainly based on the venotonic property of the plant and the ability to reduce so-called spider veins, hemorrhages and bruises.

In addition, cosmetology also uses the anti-inflammatory capabilities of arnica. The arnica in its composition increases the skin's ability to resist external negative influences. And the vitamins and antioxidants contained in the plant have a rejuvenating effect and add antibacterial properties to products based on it.

Traditionally, arnica is used to restore sunburned skin, to remove redness and peeling, and to treat superficial burns.

Recently arnica has been found to lighten the skin due to its triterpenic acids, which have a powerful ability to inhibit melanin synthesis. It is therefore possible to use this medicinal plant in the fight against hyperpigmentation.

But before using for cosmetic purposes means based on arnica, you need to do a sensitivity test, because the medicinal plant has an allergenic effect and may not be suitable for everyone.

Decoction for problem skin

Decoction should be wiped over the skin with pimples, blackheads, redness. It is especially effective in adolescence, when these problems are especially pronounced.

To prepare the broth pour boiling water 2 tablespoons of dried arnica and hold the composition on a water bath for 15 minutes. After cooling, strain and can be used, first diluted in half with milk or water.

Acne lotion

This composition helps to remove acne and acne.

Infuse flowers of arnica with good vodka, take 10 parts of vodka for one part of dry medicinal raw materials. Insist for a week, strain and rub the affected places once a day.

Lotion for oily skin.

Pour a glass of boiling water mixture of arnica and sage (take a tablespoon each). Insist the composition for half an hour, strain and pour into it 30 ml of vodka. The resulting lotion to wipe the skin in the morning and evening.

Lotion for hair

This remedy fights dandruff, greasiness of hair and improves hair growth.

A tablespoon of dried flowers of arnica pour 100 grams of alcohol. Insist a week in a dark place. Before use, dilute with water: one part of the composition take 4 parts of the liquid, and then rub into the scalp twice a week.

For hair loss

Prepare a tincture of a tablespoon of dried arnica in 100 g of alcohol. Take 1 part of the tincture and add to it 5 parts of burdock, castor or corn oil, mix. Twice a week, half an hour before washing your head, rub the composition into the scalp. With regular use, hair growth accelerates, stops hair loss.

Hair rinse

A tablespoon of inflorescences pour 2 cups of boiling water, infuse until the composition becomes warm, then strain and rinse the hair for a healthier look. It is effective to repeat the course 1-2 times a week.

For stretch marks

Rubbing arnica oil or ointment into the skin of the abdomen prevents the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy, and if they already exist, reduces their manifestation.

Apply the healing remedy 3 to 4 times a day.

From wrinkles

To refresh the skin and give it a more youthful appearance, you can apply an ointment prepared at home to your face 1-2 times a week. Melt in water bath with 25g of coconut oil, 20g each of shea butter and beeswax, one cup each of St. John's wort and arnica oil, and 2/3 cup of water. To soften the ointment, add to it a teaspoon of calendula oil.

Remove the mixture from the water bath, mix thoroughly and pour into a blender. Before the beeswax hardens, start whipping the ointment at low speed. This amount of raw materials should produce about 300 grams of arnica oil. When the mass is mixed, put it in a glass jar. But it is better not to apply the ointment in its pure form on the face. It is better to mix in a cup a teaspoon of ointment with a single dose of the usual face cream, and this composition is applied to the skin.

Contraindications for use

When external use of compositions based on arnica, allergic reactions are possible: redness, rash, itching, burning. In these cases, you need to immediately stop using the means and consult a doctor.

It should be borne in mind that when using arnica inside, constipation is possible. In addition, the internal use of medicinal compositions with arnica is contraindicated to those who have noted increased blood clotting, can not drink them pregnant, lactating mothers and children.

Do not use drugs based on arnica uncontrollably. Be sure to consult with your doctor and strictly follow the recommended dosage and duration of treatment. Do not exceed them in any case! Otherwise poisoning is possible, which is manifested by increased sweating, aching leg pain and cramps of the calf muscles, shortness of breath, chills, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort. There may well be a decline in cardiovascular activity. If you have such symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor!

Photo of arnica