Arnica is a medicinal herb, which is used in homoeopathic medicine and also in shampoos, gels, tonics etc. it has been used since ages for its wide range benefits. The flowers of this plant ha great medicinal value. Their extracts are used in homoeopathic medicines and the flowers are also used as raw. Arnica oil is used externally for various purposes. There are different species of arnica, which are used for different purposes. Arnica is excellent for your health as well as for your hair and the skin.
Benefits of Arnica Montana for the Skin:
For treating frost bites and chilblains:
Frost bites do not always appear as open wounds. Ointments used for treating frost bites contain extracts of arnica, and they greatly improve it. Arnica is also used to treat chilblains.
For treating skin infection and eczema:
Arnica is applied externally on the skin to treat various problems related to skin. Many of the lotions that are used for the treatment of skin infections, itchiness, eczema and open wounds contain extracts of arnica. It is even used to treat vaginitis and vaginal irritation.
Skin Nourishment:
Arnica Montana flowers are great for the skin as they contain various ingredients for the skin like sesquiterpene lactones or helenalin, carbonic acid, flavonoids, coumarins and volatile oils. Helenalin along with flavonoid act on the skin that is exposed to stress and help in smoothening and renewing it. Arnica also has great antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties and heals sunburns, wounds, minor burns and superficial phlebitis.
Benefits of Arnica Montana for the Hair:
Dandruff treatment:
Arnica removes dirt, excess oil and sebum from the scalp, thus providing you a dandruff free scalp with a natural shine. It also prevents rough and tangled hair and makes the hair soft and manageable.
For hair loss:
Using arnica extract on your scalp rejuvenates it and makes the hair follicles more active, thus helping the hair to grow thick and healthy, without falling off prematurely. The homoeopathic shampoo Arnica Montana is a combination of arnica with calendula and jaborandi. It gives you a soft hair that is easy to manage.
For treating stretch marks:
Applying arnica gel on the skin greatly reduces the stretch marks that appear during pregnancy. You have to apply the gel gently on your stomach daily, at least four time for best results.
For treating split hair and premature graying of hair:
The antibiotic properties of arnica make it cure scalp infections. Hair care products that use arnica contain about 1% to 2% of arnica. It makes each strand of the hair strong and removes split ends and the appearance of premature gray hair. Massage your hair with arnica hair oil from the root to the tip of the hair at night before going to bed and wash off with a mild shampoo in the morning. This is enough to nourish your hair and ward off all hair problems.
Hair care:
The anti inflammatory properties on arnica make it a good product for hair care. Extracts of arnica are used in shampoos, conditioners etc.
Benefits of Arnica Montana for Health:
For treating arthritis:
The anti-inflammatory properties of arnica make it effective in treating joint pains, swellings related with arthritis and muscular pains. It was found that patients with mild osteoarthritis on the knee get relief from pain and stiffness by applying arnica gel two times a day for about 6 weeks. Osteoarthritis of the hand is also treated by arnica gel, which reduces pain and improves the movement of the hand. If you massage inflamed or painful joint with arnica extract, you get great relief. The essence of arnica plant is effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis.
For treating the pain after the surgery:
A study conducted in 2007 showed that when patients who had their tonsils removed took a homoeopathic diluted solution of arnica, their pain was decreased significantly. It was also found that when patients who underwent surgery for carpel tunnel syndrome took homoeopathic dilution of arnica and applied arnica externally, the pain was greatly reduced.
For treatment of muscle soreness:
The anti-inflammatory properties of arnica are also made use of in treating muscle sores. If you are suffering from sprains or strains of the muscles, applying arnica on the affected area can provide great relief. It is beneficial for athletes who frequently suffer from muscular soreness and stiffness.
Healing qualities:
Arnica has great healing qualities and is used to heal bruises, superficial phlebitis, muscular pains, wounds and swelling caused by insect bites and fractures. If you have a sore throat or throat infections, you can use it as a mouth wash. Arnica also increases blood circulation by stimulating the activity of white blood cells. It heals injuries faster by regenerating tissues.
Oral health:
Mouthwashes made with arnica prevent bacterial infections and are good for the oral health. Washing your mouth with water and arnica is also great and even reduce the pain caused by wisdom tooth.
Treatment of bruises and black eyes:
Arnica extract is very effective in treating bruises and black eyes and greatly improves their appearance. Arnica is also good for treating dark nails that got injured by heany objects.
Treatment of stress and depression:
Arnica is found to be very effective in reducing stress and depression in people. Arnica flower extract is used as a massage for relaxing the muscles and to remove stress.
Treatment of post surgery swelling:
According to studies conducted on patients who had undergone arthroscopy, it was found that taking of homoeopathic dilution of arnica reduced the post operative swelling.
Other benefits:
Arnica is used in homoeopathy to treat problems related with the circulatory system and also to treat shocks. It is also effective for treating backaches, influenza, headaches, hemorrhoids and so on.
With so many benefits, arnica is an inevitable part of your life. Use it in correct quantities and in the diluted form, according to the advice of a doctor.
