Arnica Montana is a Red Listed plant from the Aster family. It grows in Western and Central Europe, lends itself to cultivation in the forest-steppe part of Russia. Otherwise, it is called mountain ram or ram, it has the following description: height 15 to 80 cm, upright weakly branching stem, lanceolate leaves and inflorescences from 3 to 8 cm in yellow diameter. Arnica blooms in June - July. It is grass flowers that are used for medical purposes. On the chemical composition, the benefits of this perennial for the human body and the use of plants in the treatment of various diseases, read on.
Chemical composition
Arnica is known for its main active bitter substance - arnitsin, which has a number of advantages. It has an effect on the functioning of the heart and blood vessels and has a hemostatic (hemostatic) property.
Important! In cosmetology, the use of Arnica Montana oil is popular. Preparations have regenerative, anti-inflammatory and skin cleansing effects.
The chemical composition of the flowers is as follows:
- arnicine;
- essential oil;
- tannins;
- vitamin C;
- carotenoids;
- betaine;
- alkaloids;
- fatty oil;
- organic acids;
- gum;
- insulin polysaccharide;
- vitamin C.
The content of the components in the rhizomes of the ram is also important:
- wax, gum, resins;
- tannins;
- essential oil (it contains various acids).
Oils of inflorescences and rhizomes differ in appearance: the color of the first liquid is red-yellow or blue-green, and the second is light yellow. Useful constituent elements in the stem and leaves are also present, but their number in them is less.
Did you know? The word ptarmica ("causing sneezing") has, according to one hypothesis, a direct relation to the mountain ram. It is called in Greek because it makes you want to sneeze.
Healing properties
Ram flowers have a calming effect. Inflorescence-based medicines relieve seizures. Vasodilation and beneficial effects on the central nervous system are important characteristics of drugs from this plant.
- Other properties of a wonderful mountain ram are:
- choleretic effect;
- lack of side effects.
This data refers to the means of the flowers.
- But the rhizomes of Arnica have these properties:
- excitation of the cardiovascular system and vasodilation;
- promoting nutrition of the heart muscle;
- enlargement of the coronary duct.
Indications for use in medicine
Arnica extract, tincture and decoction are classic versions of medicines.
- Tincture is used as:
- blood-stopping agent (uterine or other types of bleeding);
- anti-inflammatory in the genital area;
- medicine against edema;
- drug with weak work of the heart muscle.
- External use of drugs containing mountain sheep is carried out with the following indications:
- bruises, abrasions;
- boils.
These actions are due to the absorbable and distracting effect of arnica. The plant is especially valued in folk medicine.
Important! In homeopathy, medicines from the described herbaceous medicinal plant exist in the form of essences and tinctures as a means for the heart.
- Here it is known as:
- urinary and diaphoretic;
- auxiliary for acute respiratory viral infections and cough;
- anti-rash, rheumatism, gout.
With bruises, injuries and bruises
Soft tissue bruises (and even pains in the head after them), sprains and wounds can be treated with rams in the form of lotions, ointments, creams. This is due to the hemostatic and regenerative effects of the drug, which perfectly promotes resorption of hematomas.
Ways to use:
- apply the ointment evenly 1-2 times a day for a week;
- rub the cream with light movements no more than 4 times a day;
- make compresses with arnica oil - apply a cloth soaked several times a day.
With lactostasis
Stagnation of milk in the ducts of the mammary glands is lactostasis. Arnica in this case works as a resolving ointment. It is important to understand that a homeopathic ointment or plant essential oil does not completely prevent a disease that can become uninfected mastitis. Accordingly, drugs must be used as an aid against compaction during heavy lactation.
Correctly apply medicines based on mountain arnica, taking into account all the necessary actions:
- Preheat the chest.
- Strain milk or attach to the baby’s chest.
- Massage the sore spot during feeding.
- Then apply ointment with arnica.
With hemorrhoids
Destruction (destruction) in the vessels of the plexus hemorrhoidal type can be complicated by bleeding. In this case, it is important to have a hemostatic and anti-inflammatory action, which possess drugs with arnica. They also help to relieve pain and dry the skin. After consulting with a doctor who will prescribe the main treatment, you can safely apply ointments based on mountain sheep, because they are perfectly combined with other medical devices.
Did you know? There is another assumption about the name Arnica - from the word “lamb” (arnos), because perennial grows where sheep graze.
An example of the use of candles with arnica against hemorrhoids is given:
- enter 1 pc. several times a day;
- continue treatment for two weeks.
For burns
Light burns are indications for the use of medicinal products based on arnica. Ointment is used in the initial stage. The action of the drug does not allow the resulting blisters to burst prematurely and helps to weaken the edema. Ram is useful for sunburn (and the appearance of early wrinkles).
Important! Do not use creams and ointments with arnica if the burn blisters burst. It is forbidden to smear open wounds with such medicines.
For bone fractures
There are homeopathic granules (they are taken from 1 to 7 for 5 days) and ointments for external use. In traumatology, with damage to bone tissue and fractures, a tincture is prescribed on the described plant. It is believed that it helps splicing as soon as possible.
Mode of application:
- orally;
- 30–40 drops before meals;
- up to 3 times a day.
Outwardly, the drug is used as rubbing.
With varicose veins
Useful substances of mountain lamb (for example, luteolin) stimulate blood serum activity directed against blood clots (antithrombin production), maintain the state of capillaries, and increase the synthesis of prostaglandins. Many modern ointments that fight varicose veins contain arnica components.
Important! Arnica tincture can increase blood pressure in case of an overdose.
They are usually taken approximately like this:
- Gently rub 1-2 times a day into the skin;
- do it every day for 30 days;
- continue for up to 3 months with severe lesions.
The stimulating effect of plant substances on local blood circulation is noticeable and effective.
Contraindications
- Contraindications to the use of funds based on mountain arnica are:
- pregnancy (do not take orally during lactation);
- age up to three years;
- the presence of increased blood coagulability;
- high sensitivity to arnica;
- organic changes in the cardiovascular system;
- hypertension of 3 degrees;
- strokes
- myocardial infarction.
Side effects and overdose
- An overdose of drugs with arnica can cause:
- chills;
- shortness of breath
- nausea
- stomach pain
- diarrhea
- disorders of the heart muscle.
If such symptoms appear, funds should be stopped. Then you need to urgently go to the doctor or call him at home.
Important! Essential oil is very toxic - it cannot be taken orally.
Side effects are the following:
- digestive system disorders;
- in case of external use, skin reactions (sweating, eczema, dermatitis);
- chills, shortness of breath, allergies.
The therapeutic effectiveness of mountain arnica is known both in folk and modern medicine. This type of Astrovic is especially popular among homeopaths. The components contained in the herbaceous plant have a positive effect on various lesions of the body.
Some contribute to the cessation of bleeding, others increase the activity of the heart, while others have a calming effect. It is worth taking any medications based on the product in question only after consulting your doctor or after reading the instructions for a specific product.
