The approved and clinically proven application of arnica is the external treatment of the consequences of injuries and accidents. These may include bruises, contusions, sprains, contusions, burns (including sunburns) or rheumatic muscle and joint complaints.
The use of arnica is also useful for diaper dermatitis (local skin irritation, especially where the diaper fits on babies).
Other applications include inflammation of mucous membranes in the mouth and throat, furunculosis (multiple inflamed hair follicles) and inflammatory processes resulting from insect bites, as well as surface phlebitis (superficial inflammation of vein walls).
Folk and homeopathic use.
From the 18th century, the drug was used for various ailments such as varicose veins, phlebitis, bruising, external injuries, rheumatism, gout, and even frequently abused as an abortifacient (abortifacient).
In homeopathy, Arnica is often used for bruises.
Arnica ingredients
The main active ingredients of arnica flowers are sesquiterpene lactones such as esters of helenalin, which are also responsible for the bitterness of the drug. However, the exact composition of the sesquiterpene lactones varies depending on the origin of the plant; for example, the flowers of the Spanish plant contain helenaline esters only in small amounts, and dihydrohelenaline derivatives dominate instead.
Other constituents of arnica include flavonoids and flavonols, triterpenes, essential oil of buttery consistency with a high content of fatty acids, polysaccharides, cinnamic acids, caffeic acid derivatives, and coumarins. While the total content of flavonoids and sesquiterpene lactones does not depend on the altitude of the cultivation area, the content of caffeic acid, for example, is influenced by the altitude of cultivation.
Arnica: list of indications
Arnica is used for the following indications:
- Injuries
- Wounds
- Bruise
- Hematoma
- Bruises
- Sprain
- Contusion
- Burns
- Rheumatism
- Muscle and joint complaints
- Diaper rash
- Mucosal inflammation
- Furunculosis
- Insect bite
- Phlebitis
