Arnica: What is it?

Arnica montana is a plant in the Compositae or Daisy family. It grows in high mountain meadows where it takes in massive amounts of sunlight and radiates a strong fragrance and bright yellow color. Mountain climbers were the first to discover its use in healing when they observed the way it helped repair injuries that resulted from accidental falls. Over the next few centuries, others confirmed Arnica’s ability to heal bruises, sprains, and muscle aches. And today, physicians from over 80 countries around the globe acknowledge its effectiveness in reducing pain and swelling.

Arnica has numerous common names. Many reflect the plant’s ability to heal. “Wound herb”, “fall herb”, and “well-bestow” are some of the most common nicknames. In the mountains of Germany, it is best known as “Stoh up ungoh hen” or stand up and go home.

Written by:

Dr. Lauri Grossman, DC CCH RSHOM (NA)

The Who, Why, When of Using Arnica

Anyone of any age, or in any state of wellness or sickness, strength or weakness. Among its generations of users, there is not a recorded case of bad side effects from using homeopathy’s safe doses of Arnica.

Below is a general description of Arnica, from 1-800-Homeopathy’s Single Remedy Catalogue. For more extensive descriptions, click on Materia medica listings on this website:

• First Aid - Bruising, bleeding, trauma, pain and swelling after injuries, blows, dental work, surgery,   childbirth, etc. Backache, joint & muscle pain from strain or exercise.

• Modalities - Better lying with head low. Worse touch, jarring, exertion.

General Description

This premier first aid remedy has brought many converts to homeopathy by minimizing bruising, bleeding, swelling, shock, pain and recovery time following strains, injuries, dental work, surgery, childbirth, exercise… Even without bruising or obvious signs of injury after trauma, Arnica relieves the aftershock, soreness and pain that follows.

Sprains:

Whenever backs are lifting and joints are twisting, Arnica can minimize the swelling, bruising and pain. In homeopath Asa Hershoff’s book on Musculoskeltal Healing, his perfect formula for sprains begins with Arnica to reduce swelling, bruising and trauma.

Broken bones:

Arnica given in the first stage can minimize the swelling and get you in the final cast much sooner. Once the bone is well set, low doses of Symphytum should take Arnica’s place.

Skin:

On the skin and soft tissues everywhere, Arnica can help the body reduce bruising, minimize bleeding of minor cuts, plus ease tender sore spots like boils, acne or blood blisters.

Muscles:

For aches and muscles, Arnica can bring much comfort when a strong cough has your ribcage feeling sore, or a flu has your muscles aching. A dose before and after a workout can minimize the next day’s stiffness and help the muscles heal.

Arnica is an excellent all-around remedy, but please remember to consult a licensed medical professional for serious injuries.