Commentary on collecting, conservation and special features of arnica
Arnica (Arnica montana) is not only a remarkable medicinal plant, but also a symbol of the protection of natural biodiversity. It prefers to grow in sunny, dry meadows and on the edge of forests. When collecting, sustainable practices are crucial. Only selective harvests of the flowers and roots should be undertaken to avoid jeopardizing the plant's survival. Due to its rarity in many regions, arnica should be treated with care to preserve its importance for nature. Its use in traditional natural medicine is diverse, but it is important to strike the right balance between harvesting and conservation. This ensures that this valuable plant is preserved for future generations.
Arnica (Arnica montana L. and Arnica chamissonis) – Proven medicinal plant for your health
Botanical characteristics
Family: composites
Height: 30-60 cm, with a horizontally creeping rootstock.
Stems: Softly hairy, with a basal rosette of leaves.
Blossoms: Terminal orange-yellow flower heads; never regular, marginal flowers with three teeth. Usually two additional flower buds in the axils of the upper pair of leaves.
Leaves: Obovate, pointed and hairy, arranged opposite each other.
Heyday
The flowering period extends from June to August .
Plant parts used
- blossoms – Flos Arnicae
Ingredients
Arnica contains important ingredients, including:
- Essential oil (anti-inflammatory and wound healing)
- Bitter substance (arnicin)
- Tannins
- Flavonoids (support the cardiovascular system)
- Choline (blood pressure lowering)
- Procyanidins (cardiac effect)
- Sesquiterpene lactones (helenalin, skin irritant and cardiac)
- thymol
Healing effects and indications
The therapeutic effects are diverse:
- anti-inflammatory (anti-inflammatory)
- Relieve pain (analgesic) for inflammation
- Germicidal (antiseptic)
- Antifungal (effective against skin fungi)
- Promotes blood circulation (hyperaemic)
indications
is used for:
- Trauma and blunt injuries (hematomas, bruises, contusions, brain injuries, fractures)
- Heart problems (angina pectoris, acute weakness, insufficiency, arteriosclerosis, aging heart)
- Skin and mucous membrane inflammations (oral and pharyngeal areas, hoarseness, tonsillitis, wounds)
- Rheumatism, gout, arthritis, lumbago, muscle pain, sore muscles and tendonitis
Contraindications and side effects
Attention: When using Allergies, Eczema and hives arise.
Preparation methods and dosage forms
Internal applications
- Tea
- tincture
- Homeopathic (in D6 potency for self-treatment)
External applications
- envelopes from tea or tincture
- Ointments and creams
Effects of arnica in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine)
The TCM Arnica has the following effects:
- Tonifies the heart yang
- Tones the heart blood
- Clears empty heat
