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Arnica Herbal Remedies

Arnica is mostly used for external purposes in the form of oil or diluted tincture (although it is used internally in homeopathic form) for bruises, muscle or tendon strains or sprains, and stubborn inflammation when the skin is not broken. The highly diluted tincture is also used as a gargle for sore throats. The homeopathic tablets are taken for shock or trauma to body tissues or after an accident. Further cautions: many people will develop irritation and inflammation using arnica on open wounds; for trauma and shock, to alleviate symptoms such as lightheadedness or dizziness, take arnica internally only in homeopathic dilutions of 6x or higher or commercially available herbal combinations with highly diluted arnica tincture. Arnica has a taste of ACRID and a temperature of HOT.

Arnica Proper Dose

TypeDossage
Arnica Homeopathic preparationInternal use
Arnica TinctureExternal use

Arnica Reference Information

Latin NameArnica montana, others
Other NamesLeopard's bane
Part UsedRhizome, Flowers
Herb FormsTinctures, oils, creams, homeopathic tablets.
AffectsCardiovascular system, Integumentary system
CautionsFor external use only. Do not use on open wounds.
Botanical InfoAn aromatic perennial plant of the high mountains with opposite leaves and yellow flowers.

Supporting Research

Blumenthal, Mark et al. 1998. The Complete Commission E Monographs. Austin: American Botanical Council.

Newall, C. et al.. 1996. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press.

Leung, A. and S. Foster. 1996. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients. New York: J. Wiley & Sons.

Felter, H.W. and J.U. Lloyd. 1983. (1898). King's Dispensatory. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.

Weiss, R. 1988. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers.

Wren, R.C. 1988. Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs. Essex: C.W. Daniel Co. Ltd.

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