Mountain arnica. Indications for use of Arnica. Arnica for diseases of the female reproductive system

Arnica is a genus of plants in the Asteraceae family. Among the eight species of this genus, the most interesting from the point of view of medicinal properties are mountain arnica, meadow arnica and Sakhalin arnica.

Preparations based on the plant have an anticonvulsant effect, accelerate heartbeat and promote the resorption of hemorrhages.

Chemical composition

Arnica rhizomes contain bitter and tannin (up to 32%) substances, resins, phytosterols, gum, wax and essential oil (up to 1.5%), which is a light yellow liquid. The oil contains:

  • Caproic acid;
  • Angelic acid;
  • Caprylic acid;
  • Hexyl capronate;
  • Formic acid;
  • Isobutyric acid;
  • Florol (ethylphenol);
  • Phloromethyl ether;
  • Thymohydroquinomethyl ether;
  • Floraisobutyric ether.

The healing effect of Arnica flowers is due to the bitter coloring substance arnicine, the content of which reaches 4%. Arnicine consists of three components: faradiol (isoarnidiol), arnidol (arnidendiol) and a saturated hydrocarbon.

Arnica inflorescences also contain:

  • Tannins (approximately 5%);
  • Essential oil (from 0.04 to 0.14%);
  • Coloring agents (lutein and carotenoids);
  • Ascorbic acid;
  • Cynarin;
  • Choline;
  • Betaine;
  • Alkaloids;
  • Gelenin;
  • Phytosterols;
  • Sahara;
  • Organic acids;
  • Fixed oils;
  • Insulin;
  • Gum.

The essential oil from the inflorescences of the plant is a blue-green or red-yellow liquid with strong odor, similar to the smell of chamomile. It contains palmitine and malic, lauric, fumaric, palmitic and lactic acids.

All substances contained in rhizomes and flowers are also found in stems and leaves, but in much smaller quantities.

Beneficial properties of Arnica

Arnica flowers have a hemostatic effect, have choleretic properties, and increase contraction and tone of the uterus. In large doses, preparations based on plant inflorescences have sedative effect on the central nervous system and prevent the development of seizures, and in small doses have a slight tonic effect.

Another useful property of Arnica (flowers) is the ability to expand cerebral vessels and reduce reflex excitability of the brain. Therefore, in the past the plant was often used during the rehabilitation period after cerebral hemorrhages for more quick recovery functioning of the nervous system.

Preparations from Arnica roots act differently, namely they excite cardiovascular system, expand coronary vessels, increasing coronary blood flow with such pathological conditions, such as myocarditis, atherosclerosis and cardiac vasospasms.

Indications for use of Arnica

The plant is widely used in folk medicine and homeopathy.

Alcohol tincture from the inflorescences is used as a hemostatic agent for nasal and uterine bleeding, with cardiac weakness and edema, and in gynecological and obstetric practice - with inflammatory processes after childbirth and insufficient reverse development of the uterus.

A beneficial effect has been noted from the use of Arnica for angina pectoris. Experiments on animals have shown that preparations from the rhizomes of the plant increase contractions of the muscles of the uterus and have a stimulating effect on the central nervous system and heart. In addition, they lower cholesterol levels and have a choleretic effect, which is due to the presence of cynarin in the plant.

The absorbable properties of Arnica allow it to be used for bruises and bruises, abscesses, boils and carbuncles. An aqueous infusion of flowers is used for skin rash, ulcers, gout, rheumatism, neuralgia, toothache, lumbago.

In folk medicine, Arnica is used for fevers, as a diaphoretic and diuretic, for gastrointestinal disorders, as an astringent, with gynecological diseases as an anti-inflammatory agent, as well as for bronchitis, concussion and epilepsy.

Contraindications

Since the plant is poisonous, the dosage must be strictly observed when using Arnica. Preparations based on it are absolutely contraindicated in patients with increased coagulability blood and in case of individual intolerance to the plant.

If the dosage is incorrect, nausea and vomiting, sweating, chills, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, and sometimes heart problems may occur. When Arnica is used externally, burning and itching may occur, rashes and blisters may appear on the skin.

If these and other symptoms occur, you should consult a doctor and, if necessary, reconsider treatment.

Home remedies from Arnica

  • Water tincture of Arnica. Pour one teaspoon of plant inflorescences into 2 glasses of water and leave in a sealed container for two hours, then strain. The tincture should be stored in a dark place, but no more than two days. Take one spoon before meals 2-3 times a day. This tincture is suitable for the treatment of angina pectoris, hypertension heart disease, cardiosclerosis and myocarditis;
  • Root decoction. 10 g of raw material is poured into one glass of water and heated for 15 minutes, after which it is cooled and filtered. Take 1 tablespoon twice a day. The decoction is effective means with involuntary urination at night;
  • Alcohol tincture of Arnica. Take 10 g of dried flowers and pour 100 ml of alcohol (70%). Infuse for two weeks in a dark place, then strain and leave for another 10 days. Take 20 drops three times a day (on a lump of sugar or diluted in a small amount of water). Use internally for bleeding, stomach diseases and nervous system disorders. Externally – for dislocations and fractures, pain in muscle tissue.

Mountain arnica (Arnica montana) is a perennial herbaceous plant and belongs to the genus Arnica and the Asteraceae family. Many people know the medicinal plant as mountain lamb, and the indications for the use of drugs based on it are extensive.

Flower baskets contain numerous useful components and substances presented:

  • coloring component arnicin in total volume up to 4.0%;
  • resinous substances;
  • tannins in a volume of up to 5.0%;
  • essential oil in total volume up to 0.14%;
  • fatty oils;
  • ascoribic acid in a volume of 21 mg%;
  • carotenoids;
  • cynarin in total volume 0.05%;
  • choline;

Arnica flower baskets contain numerous beneficial components and substances

  • betaine;
  • helenin;
  • phytosterols;
  • alkaloids;
  • sugars and polysaccharides, including insulin;
  • gum;
  • organic acids.

Arnica is characterized by anti-inflammatory, choleretic, enhancing uterine contraction properties, and also has anti-sclerotic and blood cholesterol-lowering effects. The plant has an antispasmodic, astringent and pronounced diaphoretic effect.

Medicinal properties of mountain arnica

The medicinal characteristics of the plant are determined by the chemical composition. The flowers contain lutene, which is necessary for the prevention of eye diseases and retinal pathologies. The grass contains malic, lactic and formic acid, as well as various tannins and vitamins.

Gallery: mountain arnica (25 photos)













Beneficial properties of mountain arnica (video)

The perennial has disinfecting properties, which makes possible use as a natural and very effective anti-inflammatory agent. Oils, alcoholic tinctures and extracts are produced from the plant. Arnica is most often used in recipes traditional medicine , and the oil has proven itself in a warming massage, which allows you to get rid of the consequences of injuries, including sprains. The plant can also be used in the alcoholic beverage industry.

Decoctions are used in postpartum period and contribute to uterine contraction and normalization menstrual cycle. Decoctions are prepared from dried flowers, and take two tablespoons before meals. The juice obtained from fresh flowers of the plant with the addition of flower honey also has healing properties. The juice is used as prophylactic with convulsions and paralysis. External use of the decoction helps get rid of pockmarks and skin ulcers, and is also effective in the treatment of furunculosis and herpes. Lotions can be used for wounds and bruises.

Arnica-based oils, alcohol tinctures and extracts are produced

Rules and terms for collecting grass

Plant materials must be collected manually. Flower baskets and stem parts no more than a centimeter long are subject to collection. Optimal time for collection is First stage flowering, which occurs around mid-June. Quick drying is carried out on the surface of paper or fabric, in the attic, under a canopy or in a drying chamber with temperature conditions no higher than 50-60°C. The humidity of the finished plant raw materials does not exceed 10-13%.

The optimal time to harvest arnica is the initial flowering stage, which occurs around mid-June.

Healing recipes using arnica

Arnica-based products have proven themselves very well in the treatment and prevention of diseases such as cardiosclerosis, hypertensive heart disease and angina pectoris, as well as myocarditis. Most often in folk medicine, self-prepared herbs are used. healing infusions, which easy to do at home:

  • a teaspoon of flowers is poured into a couple of glasses of water, after which it is infused for a couple of hours in a closed container. The finished infusion must be filtered. The product is taken one tablespoon before meals. The infusion can be stored for a couple of days, in a dark and fairly cool place;
  • A couple of teaspoons of dried roots need to be poured with a couple of glasses of water, then boiled in a closed container and left for an hour. After the infusion has cooled, it must be carefully strained and taken a tablespoon before meals;

How to make a tincture from mountain arnica (video)

  • three teaspoons of dried flowers are poured into a couple of glasses of water and infused for a couple of hours, after which the resulting infusion is filtered and used for gargling, rubbing, baths and lotions.

An alcohol tincture of fresh flowers is prepared from an equal ratio ethyl alcohol and plant materials. This is insisted healing agent a couple of weeks, after which it is carefully filtered through cheesecloth.

A good effect is obtained by using a special decoction for kidney stones or bladder. To prepare the decoction, you need to wipe equal amount arnica, bearberry and horsetail leaves, then add a liter boiled water and boil in an enamel bowl for five minutes. The broth is infused for a quarter of a day and filtered. Take half a glass three times a day.

Arnica flower extracts are actively used in the composition cosmetics

Arnica montana in cosmetology

Plant raw materials can be used to solve enough large quantity aesthetic problems. Most valuable property is a venotonic effect, which allows reducing pronounced spider veins for rosacea, as well as some forms of rosacea. Very good effect observed in the treatment of bruises and hemorrhages. The extract stimulates the acceleration of recovery processes well skin after cuts or burns.

It is traditionally used to restore the skin. who have suffered damage as a result of very intense tanning, as well as in the treatment of superficial and not too extensive, mild burns, diaper rash and rashes. A relatively new property of the plant, which was discovered quite recently, is the ability of the plant to lighten the skin. Flower extracts are also actively used in cosmetics and are excipient, which can very effectively mask unpleasant odors And taste qualities main substance.

Arnica can be used to solve a fairly large number of aesthetic problems

Harm to the plant and contraindications for use

A medicinal plant such as arnica montana deservedly belongs to the toxic species, therefore the use of drugs based on such plant raw materials can only be prescribed by the attending physician, after a thorough examination and collection of a complete medical history.

Arnica montana belongs to plants of the Asteraceae family. This is a plant with a thick rhizome, a straight stem reaching up to 20-60 cm in height, and with one or two pairs of small leaves growing on opposite sides. Flowers are large and bright yellow color. The flowering process occurs in June-July. Arnica grows in open areas in clearings and meadows at an altitude of 500 m above sea level. Geography of growth - Ukraine, Belarus, Latvia, Lithuania. Flowers (most often), leaves and roots of the plant are used in medicine. Arnica has choleretic, antispasmodic and cholekinetic effects.

Chemical composition

Arnica flowers contain:

  • Essential oils;
  • Fats;
  • Wax;
  • Resins;
  • Coloring agents (lutein, arnicin);
  • Gum;
  • Ascorbic acid;
  • Carbohydrates;
  • Sucrose;
  • Fructose;
  • Tannins;
  • Dextrose;
  • Protein;
  • Flavonoids;
  • Polyphenol compounds.
  • Essential oils;
  • Tannins;
  • Sulfur compounds;
  • Resins;
  • Inulin;
  • Arnicin;
  • Wax;
  • Organic acids (formic, isobutyric, angelic).

Beneficial features

The beneficial properties of Arnica are widely used in folk medicine. The flowers of the plant have a stimulating and tonic effect on the central nervous system, and the use of Arnica in large doses is calming. Preparations created from the roots normalize the nutrition of the heart muscle, increase the amplitude of its contractions, and dilate blood vessels. Beneficial properties of Arnica are used in obstetrics gynecological practice– the plant has a hemostatic effect, which helps to cope with metrorrhagia after childbirth and inflammatory phenomena reproductive system after miscarriage. The presence of a significant amount of flavonoids in Arnica helps fight spastic colitis caused by atony of the colon.

Indications for use

The scope of Arnica is very wide. Alcohol and water infusions of the plant are used for bleeding, muscle pain, bone fractures, dislocated joints, convulsions, paralysis, as well as influenza, atherosclerosis, gastrointestinal diseases and inflammation of the veins. Infusions heal wounds and relieve inflammation.

A decoction of Arnica flowers is an excellent remedy against worms and is used to treat enterobiasis. It is also used for bloody diarrhea, bronchitis, gout, epilepsy and under stomach diseases. The root decoction has a stimulating effect on the cardiovascular system and dilates blood vessels. Arnica has choleretic properties and reduces cholesterol levels in the blood. A water infusion is used for poultices and compresses against boils, abrasions, cuts, rashes on the face and lips, for rheumatism, burns, hematomas and frostbite.

The unique properties of Arnica make it possible to use this plant for the treatment of myocarditis, hypertension, heart failure, sclerosis, angina pectoris, thrombophlebitis, drugs based on it are included in the composition complex therapy for the recovery of patients after heart attack and stroke.

In dentistry, Arnica is used to remove inflammatory processes in the mouth and throat. Gargling with decoctions helps improve blood circulation and strengthen the resistance of the mucous membrane.

Contraindications

The use of Arnica is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance and increased blood clotting. Arnica is poisonous plant Therefore, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the dosage. In case of overdose, the patient experiences nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, chills, sweating, abdominal pain, and shortness of breath. IN severe cases disruption of the cardiovascular system may occur. If you suspect an overdose, you should immediately consult a doctor. When Arnica is used externally, allergies, itching, and redness may occur.

Home remedies from Arnica

When preparing Arnica tinctures, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the dosage, because the plant is poisonous. When treating angina pectoris, hypertensive heart disease, cardiosclerosis, myocarditis, 1 tablespoon of dried flowers is poured into two glasses of water and infused for two hours. The strained product is taken 1 tablespoon three times a day before meals. The infusion must be stored in a dark place for two days. You can gargle with the same product and oral cavity for inflammation or use the product as lotions and compresses. Rating: 5 - 1 vote

Syn: mountain ram.

Perennial herbaceous plant with a peculiar pleasant smell. It has wound-healing, hemostatic, choleretic and soothing properties. It has wide application in cosmetology.

Ask the experts a question

Flower formula

Formula of montane arnica flowers: marginal reed flowers - H0-∞L(5)T(5)P(2); middle tubular flowers - *H0-∞L(5)T(5)P(2).

In medicine

Arnica flowers and preparations made from it have many useful properties, in particular, choleretic, hemostatic effect. A beneficial dilating effect on coronary vessels has been noted in angina pectoris and heart failure. In small doses, it stimulates the central nervous system. In gynecological practice, tincture of arnica flowers is recommended as an effective hemostatic agent for uterine bleeding of various etiologies (in postpartum period and inflammatory diseases of the genital area), uterine fibroids with hemorrhagic syndrome. Arnica roots are used to prepare vasodilators that increase the amplitude of heart contractions and improve the nutrition of the heart muscle. Thanks to the content of cynarin, it lowers cholesterol levels in the blood.

In cosmetology

Arnica extract and essential oil are used in cosmetic production. An oil extract from its flowers is added to anti-inflammatory regenerative creams, hair cosmetics, skin cleansing creams, lotions and baths for steaming the skin before applying masks.

Classification

Mountain arnica or mountain ram (lat. Arnica montana) is a species of the genus Arnica (lat. Arnica) of the Asteraceae or Compositae family (lat. Asteraceae or Compositae) - one of the largest families of dicotyledonous plants, widely distributed throughout to the globe and presented in all climatic zones.

Botanical description

A perennial herbaceous plant 15-80 cm in height, with a cylindrical creeping horizontally branched rhizome up to 15 cm long and up to 1 cm thick, thread-like dark adventitious roots. The outside color of the roots is dark brown. In the first year of life, the plant forms only a rosette of 6-8 large leaves, their length is 15-17 cm. In the second year of life, arnica develops an erect stem, weakly branching at the top, covered with glandular hairs. At the base there are 4-6 basal short-petiolate, entire, obovate, pointed or obtuse leaves. Stem leaves (1-3 pairs) of arnica are opposite, sessile, semi-stem-encompassing, oblong-obovate or lanceolate, short glandularly pubescent above, dark green on the upper side, and light green, glabrous on the lower side. At the ends of the branches, large (up to 3-8 cm in diameter) single inflorescences are formed in the form of baskets with a hemispherical wrapper. The basket is composed of two types of flowers: marginal yellow ligulate (about 20 pieces) and middle small (50 or more pieces) orange-yellow bisexual tubular with a five-toothed corolla, which instead of a calyx has a tuft of hard bristles. Formula of montane arnica flowers: marginal reed flowers - H0-∞L(5)T(5)P(2); middle tubular flowers - *H0-∞L(5)T(5)P(2). The fruit of mountain arnica is cylindrical, pubescent, narrowed towards the base, dirty gray in color, achene with a tuft, 6 - 10 mm in length. Flowering occurs in June - July, and fruit ripening in July - August.

Spreading

It mainly grows in Central and Western Europe from the Carpathians to the Pyrenees, in forest meadows, forest edges, in coniferous mountain glades, as well as beech forests and among shrubs. Wild arnica does not grow on the territory of Russia, but on personal plots it can be grown in forest and forest-steppe zones of the European part. Mountain arnica is listed in the Red Book.


Procurement of raw materials

Arnica flower baskets are used for medicinal purposes. Raw materials are harvested during flowering in the second - third ten days of June and early July from plants starting from the second year of life. First, the flower baskets are cut at their very base, but without peduncles, leaving the remainder of the peduncle no more than 1 cm long. Drying occurs in the shade in the open air or in a well-ventilated area, for 7-10 days on paper or fabric, as well as in dryers at a temperature of 55 - 60 ° C. It is not recommended to turn the raw materials over during drying, as the baskets may crumble. Raw materials can be stored for 2 years at a humidity of no more than 13%.

Chemical composition

Arnica flowers contain bitter coloring matter arnicin up to 4%, which is its main active substance. Arnicine is a mixture of 3 substances: arpidiol (arnidendiol), faradiol (isoarnidiol) and saturated hydrocarbon. The flowers also contain cynarin and essential oil in an amount of 0.04 - 0.07%. In addition, an oil containing 56% unsaponifiable substances is isolated from the flowers; the saponified part of the oil is 50% saturated acids; hydrocarbons, two resinous substances and the red coloring substance lutein are noted. In the form of calcium and potassium salts, and also organic acids are presented in a free state: fumaric, malic and lactic. The vitamin C content is about 21 mg/%. In addition, arnica flowers contain tannins– 5%, inulin, proteins, fructose – 2.5%, other reducing sugars – 0 5%, sucrose – 1%, as well as various ballast substances. Arnica inflorescences also contain choline, an alkaloid. Arnica roots contain unsaturated hydrocarbons, a small amount of phytosterols, as well as organic acids: isobutyric, formic, angelic and essential oil (up to 1.5% in fresh raw materials and 0.4 - 0.6% in dried), which is a light yellow, gradually darkening liquid with a pungent odor . In the production of drugs, flower baskets and roots are used.

Pharmacological properties

The plant has a variety of pharmacological properties, since its flowers and roots contain substances of different chemical composition. In large doses, medicines prepared from arnica flowers have a calming effect and relieve seizures. Arnica flowers can reduce reflex excitability of the brain and dilate brain vessels. That is why in the recent past, arnica was used after cerebral hemorrhages in order to speed up recovery. functional state nervous system. In addition, the tincture of mountain arnica flowers has choleretic effect. A big plus is the fact that when using it, patients do not experience side effects. Preparations prepared from arnica roots have a different effect. They stimulate the cardiovascular system, improve nutrition of the heart muscles, increase coronary blood flow, dilating blood vessels.

Historical reference

Arnica means “sneezing” in Greek - ptarmica. It is believed that Dioscorides called it this way, since the flowers and leaves of the plant cause sneezing. Later the name was distorted and the word “arnica” appeared. According to another hypothesis, its generic name comes from the Greek word arnos - “lamb”, according to its place of growth - in mountain meadows used as pastures. The species name montana means “mountain” in Latin. Arnica was widely used in Western Europe back in the 11th century.

Use in folk medicine

A tincture of arnica montana flowers is used as a hemostatic agent for postpartum hemorrhage and bleeding associated with inflammatory diseases. Used internally for various pathological conditions, atherosclerosis, myocarditis, cardiac vasospasms, hypertension, angina pectoris, internal bleeding, externally for lotions for bruises, abrasions, bruises, small wounds, boils, trophic ulcers ah, burns, frostbite.

Tincture of arnica flowers is also used externally in the form of lotions for bruises, diluting before use with water in a ratio of 1: 5 or 1: 10, in order to avoid irritating effect. A decoction of arnica flowers is used to rinse the mouth for gingivitis, periodontal disease, and stomatitis.

In folk dermatology, arnica montana is widely used. Used internally for psoriasis, erythema nodosum and other infectious and allergic diseases with a predominant inflammatory lesion blood vessels skin and subcutaneous tissue; externally for vitiligo, injuries with hemorrhages, bone fractures, etc. Arnica decoction is used for washing with dilated blood vessels, redness of the skin, oily and porous skin, as well as against dandruff and excess sebum secretion of hair, stimulating hair growth, alopecia, baldness, etc.

Literature

1. Atlas of medicinal plants of the USSR / Ch. ed. N.V. Tsitsin. - M.: Medgiz, 1962. - 702 p.

2. Blinova K. F. et al. Botanical-pharmacognostic dictionary: Reference. allowance / Ed. K. F. Blinova, G. P. Yakovleva. - M.: Higher. school, 1990. - P. 187. - ISBN 5-06-000085-0.

3. State Pharmacopoeia of the USSR. Eleventh edition. Issue 1 (1987), issue 2 (1990).

4. State Register medicines. Moscow 2004.

5. Ilyina T.A. Medicinal plants Russia (Illustrated Encyclopedia). – M., “EXMO” 2006.

6. Zamyatina N.G. Medicinal plants. Encyclopedia of Russian nature. M. 1998.

7. Medicinal plants: Reference manual. / N.I. Grinkevich, I.A. Balandina, V.A. Ermakova and others; Ed. N.I. Grinkevich - M.: Higher School, 1991. - 398 p.

8. Medicinal plants of the state pharmacopoeia. Pharmacognosy. (Ed. I.A. Samylina, V.A. Severtsev). – M., “AMNI”, 1999.

9. Medicinal plant raw materials. Pharmacognosy: Textbook. allowance / Ed. G.P. Yakovlev and K.F. Blinova. – SPb.: Special. Lit, 2004. – 765 p.

10. Lesiovskaya E.E., Pastushenkov L.V. "Pharmacotherapy with the basics of herbal medicine." Tutorial. – M.: GEOTAR-MED, 2003.

11. Maznev V.I. Encyclopedia of medicinal plants - M.: Martin. 2004. – 496 p.

12. Mannfried Palov. "Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants". Ed. Ph.D. biol. Sciences I.A. Gubanova. Moscow, "Mir", 1998.

13. Mashkovsky M.D. " Medicines" In 2 volumes - M., Novaya Volna Publishing House LLC, 2000.

14. Novikov V. S., Gubanov I. A. Rod Spruce (Picea) // Popular atlas-identifier. Wild plants. - 5th ed., stereotype. - M.: Bustard, 2008. - P. 65-66. - 415 s. - (Popular atlas-identifier). - 5000 copies. - ISBN 978-5-358-05146-1. - UDC 58(084.4)

15. Nosov A.M. Medicinal plants in official and traditional medicine. M.: Eksmo Publishing House, 2005. – 800 p.

16. Plants for us. Reference manual / Ed. G.P. Yakovleva, K.F. Blinova. – Publishing house “Educational Book”, 1996. – 654 p.

17. Plant resources of Russia: Wild flowering plants, their component composition And biological activity. Edited by A.L. Budantseva. T.5. M.: Partnership of scientific publications KMK, 2013. – 312 p.

18. Sokolov S. Ya. Medicinal plants. - Alma-Ata: Medicine, 1991. - P. 118. - ISBN 5-615-00780-X.

19. Sokolov S.Ya., Zamotaev I.P. Handbook of medicinal plants (herbal medicine). – M.: VITA, 1993.

20. Turova A.D. "Medicinal plants of the USSR and their use." Moscow. "Medicine". 1974.

21. “Herbal medicine with the basics” clinical pharmacology"edited by V.G. Kukesa. – M.: Medicine, 1999.

22. Chikov P.S. “Medicinal plants” M.: Medicine, 2002.

Arnica montana is a medicinal perennial plant with beautiful flowers yellow color. The plant looks like a decorative one, but apart from its external beauty, its flowers have beautiful healing properties, from them infusions and decoctions are made to maintain health and treat diseases.

As you can guess from the name, arnica grows in mountain meadows in the Carpathians, dry meadows in the Baltic states, and you can also find it in Polesie in Ukraine. As befits a true beauty, mountain arnica is capricious and demanding. This plant needs clean, well-humidified air, illuminated by the sun. open spaces.

The plant has faithfully served people since the 11th century. Even the ancient Greek physician Dioscorides appreciated it and called the plant a sneezing flower. Indeed, the leaves and arnica cause sneezing, thereby clearing the nasopharynx of accumulated mucus. And ancient healers, with the help of arnica, relieved soldiers and ordinary people from wounds and bruises and relieved skin inflammation.

Our contemporaries also use arnica to get rid of the most various ailments.

Biochemical composition arnica

The plant contains resins, cynarin, organic acids - fumaric, lactic, malic, formic, angelic, essential oils, flavonoids. Arnica is rich in vitamins, especially in it ascorbic acid and carotene. There are also proteins, fructose, inulin, sucrose, choline, alkaloids and other substances and trace elements beneficial to the body.

Arnica montana - application

IN modern medicine The plant is used to treat many diseases. It is used for flu, bronchitis, and seizures. It is used to treat joint diseases, epilepsy, and is used as a diuretic for heart diseases, especially hypertrophy, which often affects people who experience severe physical exertion.

According to traditional medicine experts, mountain arnica can strengthen brain activity, clear the brain.

Faradiol, which is part of the plant, helps eliminate hemorrhages. Arnicin dilates the coronary heart vessels and improves the functioning of the heart muscle.

Arnica is also used as an anticonvulsant, and in gynecology to enhance uterine contractions. The plant also helps reduce blood pressure, has antisclerotic properties.

Arnica-based preparations are used to speed up the heart rate, they can tone spinal cord and excellent for strengthening the nervous system. They also act as a sedative, analgesic, and blood stopper that promote wound healing. In addition, arnica medications have choleretic, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory properties.

The effect of the plant on the brain is very interesting. Arnica, the use of which has a pronounced tonic effect, at the same time has a depressing effect on our cerebral cortex. Therefore, you need to remember that in small doses, arnica preparations stimulate the central nervous system, and large doses suppress seizures.

The flowers of the plant are used externally as lotions and wet compresses. They can be used to treat abrasions, contusions, bruises, hematomas, boils, burns, pustular skin diseases, trophic ulcers and frostbite as a reliever of inflammation and

The effect of arnica products on peripheral blood circulation determines their use for the treatment of diseases of the eyes, blood vessels and lungs, for hemorrhages and injuries.

Mountain arnica is also used to treat stomach ulcers, nocturnal enuresis and dysentery.

Arnica decoctions help in the treatment of gout, bloody diarrhea, bronchitis, as well as stomach diseases and flu.

Preparations from this plant are also valued for their ability to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood.

An alcoholic tincture of flowers is taken orally for different bleeding, for example, nasal. When used externally, the tincture helps with muscle pain, dislocations and fractures. Effectively this remedy and with inflammation of the veins, with gastrointestinal ailments. Externally water infusion Arnica flowers are very effective for rashes on the lips or skin, furunculosis, minor cuts, small abrasions, bruises, rheumatism, lumbago, hematomas, various pustular skin burns and frostbite.

Arnica is used for hypertension, myocarditis, thrombophlebitis, angina pectoris, sclerosis, heart failure, and it is also effective in recovery and rehabilitation after strokes and heart attacks.

Dentists recommend using the plant for inflammation of the gums and oral cavity. To do this, you need to rinse and rinse your mouth with arnica. The thing is that mountain arnica perfectly enhances blood circulation, thus stimulating the resistance of the oral mucosa. For these purposes, you can simply drink arnica tea.

Cautions when treating with arnica

Arnica montana has found wide application in medicine, which allows the plant to be used to treat many diseases. But it must be taken into account that arnica is a toxic plant. It should be used with caution, because... The slightest errors in the manufacture of drugs or an overdose can lead to complications of the disease instead of its healing.

Before you start using medicinal properties arnica, be sure to consult your doctor.