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Arnica is a flowering plant that is indigenous in Southern Europe and in North America.  The medicinal use of arnica are varied and has found itself in many concoctions prepared by the people from where they thrive.  It is mostly used to treat bruises, muscle aches, rheumatic pain, inflamed insect bites and swelling caused by fractures.

The part of arnica that are of significant medicinal value are the flowers and the roots.  The flowers  can be used dried or fresh which can be used to make ointments, liniments and creams.  The roots contain thymol which is used as a fungicide and preservative and is valued for its anti-inflammatory property.  The thymol extracted from arnica was clinically shown to have vasodilation properties in the subcutaneous capillaries.

Taking arnica supplements orally is not recommended unless you are under the supervision of a medical practitioner.  Taking it orally can cause irritation on the digestive tract and has been shown to cause vomiting and gastroenteritis.  It should not be used on broken skin or by people allergic to it.  However, the application of arnica-containing products as a topical remedy is safe when used properly.  As it was used by the people of Southern Europe and the Native Americans for the past 1500 years, arnica will continue to aid in pain relief.

Filed under: Natural Remedies on June 21st, 2009