If you have ever tried Homeopathic medicine, you would be aware of the term ‘Arnica’. The fact that it is used as an active ingredient in medicines is itself an indication of the various benefits of this wonderful herb. In fact, we often come across shampoos, gels, tonics and tinctures bearing the name of arnica.
Arnica is basically a perennial herb belonging to the sunflower (Asteraceae) family. It is native to the mountains of Europe and Siberia. Arnica plant grows to a height of 1 to 2 feet and bears yellow-orange flowers resembling daisies. It possesses bright green leaves, the upper leaves are toothed and slightly hairy while the lower leaves have rounded tips. The stalks are round, fleshy, and hairy. The yellow-orange flowers of this herb have medicinal value. Extracts from fresh and dried flower heads are used in Homeopathic preparations for the treatment of several health conditions. The flowers can also be used in their raw form.
Today, arnica is extensively cultivated for medicinal purposes in several areas of Europe and North America. It has been used in medicine since the 1500s and is commercially available in the form of topical creams, ointments, pills, tinctures and even injections. Arnica oil is also available, which is used for topical treatments. Direct intake of arnica by mouth is associated with serious side effects but homeopathic medicines use it in a diluted form which is not considered harmful.
There are several species of arnica of which Arnica Montana and A. Chamissonis are used in anti-inflammatory preparations. Both species look similar except that A. Chamissonis has somewhat smaller flowers. It can be extremely toxic even in very low doses. Arnica Montana, on the other hand, possesses medicinal properties and is mostly used in herbal products, particularly hair care products. This herb is known by several names such as Mountain Tobacco, Mountain Daisy and even Leopard’s bane and Wolf’s bane.
Arnica is an active ingredient in several skin care products. It can improve your skin health and help you get rid of skin problems too. The various arnica benefits for skin are as follows.
Arnica can be applied topically to get rid of skin problems. Arnica extracts are used as an ingredient in several lotions meant for the treatment of skin infections, eczema, itchiness and open wounds. They can even be applied on the vagina to treat vaginitis and vaginal irritation.
Arnica extracts are used in ointments meant for treating frost bites. Often, frost bites do not appear as open wounds. Application of arnica ointment on frost bitten areas of the body can significantly improve the condition. This herb can also be used in the treatment of chilblains.
Arnica Montana flowers contain sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, carbonic acid, coumarins and volatile oils, all of which are beneficial for your skin. A sesquiterpene lactone, called helenalin, is the main restorative compound in Arnica Montana, which along with flavonoid, helps soothe and renew the skin after exposure to stress. The antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of this herb help in preventing inflammatory skin disorders. They also accelerate the healing process by stimulating the formation of granular tissues. Arnica for skin care can effectively heal bruises, sunburns, minor burns and superficial phlebitis.
Topically rubbing arnica extracts reduces the appearance of pregnancy related stretch marks. All you need to do is gently apply arnica gel on your stomach at least four times a day.
[ Read: Olive Oil For Stretch Marks ]
The anti-inflammatory properties of arnica make it usable in hair care as well. Arnica extracts are often used in conditioners and shampoos. Some of its benefits for hair are as follows.
Usage of arnica extract rejuvenates your scalp and stimulates the hair follicles, helping to strengthen your hair and preventing it from falling prematurely. Arnica is combined with other ingredients like calendula and jaborandi in homeopathic Arnica Montana shampoos to provide soft and manageable hair.
Arnica cleanses the excess oil and sebum from the scalp, giving it a natural shine. By removing dirt, debris and oil from the scalp, it also helps combat dandruff and itchiness. This also helps in preventing tangled and rough hair.
Arnica is used at a concentration of 1% to 2% in hair care products. Being an antibiotic, it can effectively cure scalp infections. It strengthens each and every hair strand and helps prevent split ends and premature greying of hair. All you need to do is massage arnica hair oil on your scalp from the roots to the tips before going to bed and wash off the next morning. This will nourish your hair and prevent these problems by providing the requisite nutrition to your hair follicles.
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