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Arnica Montana (also known as leopard's bane, wolf's bane, mountain tobacco and mountain arnica), is a European flowering plant with large yellow capitula. It belongs to the sunflower family with a sweet aromatic smell. Historically, the genus name, Arnica comes from the Latin “arna” meaning lamb because of the soft, hairy leaves.
There are other varieties of Arnica grown in other parts of the world but when people refer to a plant with healing properties, they are usually talking about the mountain plant, Arnica Montana, an indigenous plant of Eastern Europe.
In herbal medicine, Arnica Montana is used for relief of bruises, stiffness and muscle soreness and reducing healing time after surgery.
The products can be either a salve for bruises and sprains or sometimes a tincture for anti-inflammatory and pain-relief. The medical definition of a tincture is an alcoholic extract (e.g. of an herb) or solution of a non-volatile substance (e.g. of iodine, mercurochrome). Historically and traditionally though, they are well known as both a salve and a tincture.
Now, Arnica Montana has become extremely well known as a sublingual remedy (under the tongue).
In homeopathic treatment, its use widened and the preparation expanded thanks to the increasing popularity of herbal remedies. However, a word of caution to the consumer -- Arnica Montana should never be put on broken skin as it may cause irritation. As with any remedy, the preparation is very important and consumers should contact a reputable and respectable source. The salves and tinctures are usually produced directly from parts of the plant. The consumer should never assume they can utilize the plant raw. This is when it can be dangerous. When the Arnica Montana plant is in flower, the entire plant is used. An infusion of the leaves, used externally, is used as a treatment for bruising and sprains. Another use is applying the creams or diluted tinctures to treat alopecia (baldness.).
In Homeopathic medicine, Arnica Montana is used for sprains, bruises, muscle aches and for long term consequences of trauma. A topical preparation of Arnica Montana has been shown to be as effective as the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, ibuprofen, in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the hands. Arnica Montana can be taken internally to reduce swelling and bruising associated with plastic surgery. Again, there is a word of caution.
Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) granted the first UK product registration to A. Vogel Company. Care should be taken when a sublingual or table remedy is consumed. Like all health products, it can be hazardous if misused. However, when professionals prepare the Arnica Montana plant properly, it is very effective. It is available in natural/health food stores, most commonly in gel form.
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