A flower belonging to the genus arnica
Arnica is a genus of plant whose species are part of the Compositae family group. These plants have a perennial root, their stem can reach a height of about thirty centimeters, they have hairless leaves on one side and rough on the other, and they display a yellow terminal flower.
General characteristics
Due to its intense aroma, arnica often causes sneezing . Various species are used in the field of medicine for their properties.
It is common for the Arnica montana species to be used to treat bumps and bruises because it contains a lactone (organic compound) known as helanalin . In this way, arnica is used in the production of anti-inflammatories .
Gels and ointments are often prepared with arnica of this variety. These products can be applied to the skin to reduce swelling, promote healing of bruises , and relieve pain. They are even used as part of the treatment of skin problems.
It is important to mention that the European Medicines Agency ( EMA ) approved the use of arnica for the relief of localized muscle pain and sprains. However, it clarifies that its use should only be indicated for those over 12 years of age and recommends going to a health center if relief does not come within three or four days.
Specific benefits
Let's start with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis , among other rheumatic inflammations. According to various research carried out by some major pharmaceutical companies, arnica ointment is very effective in treating the stiffness and pain caused by these conditions in the hands and knees. In addition, the use of arnica flowers to make anti-inflammatory products also works for certain problems such as tendinitis.
This anti-inflammatory property of the arnica genus, together with its analgesic and vulnerary powers , can generate results comparable to those of ibuprofen and other similar ones in cases of bruises, hematomas, contusions, sprains, bursitis, dislocations and bumps, which are always accompanied by soreness. varied intensity. For this reason, this natural product and its preparations are usually related to sports activities , as well as those that require a large investment of skill and physical energy.
In a previous paragraph we talked about sprains, and in this section we must add myalgia and muscle strains , three problems that a remedy with plants of this kind can effectively combat if combined with adequate treatment . When a nerve becomes inflamed due to the presence of herpes, neuralgic pain may arise, and in these cases the analgesic and anti-inflammatory function of arnica can also be appreciated, although the scientific community has not yet supported this information.
There are numerous homeopathic remedies based on arnica.
Pain in the mouth, especially those related to the teeth, are among the most feared and repudiated. Whether due to the eruption of a wisdom tooth or its extraction, or due to inflammation due to an infection, arnica is a good resource in these cases as well. Regarding skin irritations , minor burns, hives, itching, acne and mosquito bites, there are remedies with these plants that act by calming inflammation and promoting healing.
Order arnica
It should be noted, on the other hand, that the dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ) recognizes the verbal phrase ask for arnica . This expression refers to requesting mercy or compassion . For example: "Financial difficulties led the company to ask for arnica and the government promised to grant it a subsidy so that it can continue operating" , "The sanctioned player is not willing to ask for arnica" , "Seeing himself defeated, the fighter He asked for arnica and gave up .