Arnica is probably the most widely used homoeopathic remedy, particularly in home use. No home should be without at least one bottle. It is the number one remedy to use in any injury, others following only when Arnica can’t finish off the healing. This information is to help increase your awareness of its uses.
The Herb
Arnica Montana grows in the mountains of Germany and its local name is Falkraut or fall herb. It is part of the Compositae family (along with Calendula and Bellis perennis). It is used as a tea, drinking the infusion. The effect is astounding.
Its key uses are extensive bruising and shock from injury (hence the name 'fall herb') to soft tissue. It is typical of Nature that it grows where many accidents occur!
When Arnica is indicated but fails to act, Bellis perennis (contusions, deep tissue trauma) or Calendula (non healing wounds) may be more suited.
Trauma
Any trauma especially to soft tissue comes under the uses of Arnica. This includes bruising, pain, soreness, aching, shock of the accident or injury, contusions, compound fracture. It should be used routinely as the first remedy for any injury.
Some examples of the areas of use include:
overuse of muscles during exercise or training resulting in aching, tiredness
over lifting resulting in strains, sprains, torn muscles, tendons
overusing organs such as the voice in singers or public speakers resulting in hoarseness or loss of use of the organ
shift workers who find it difficult to sleep at irregular times
overtired from sustained mental work or study (or even a tiring day out shopping)
Shock
Any injury or accident carries an element of shock and often this can’t be resolved even after wounds have healed. Sometimes this can lead to depression or nervous disorders, such as shaking or trembling or chorea. A good example of injury with severe shock which is difficult to resolve is rape. Arnica quickly resolves the shock of injury as well as healing the physical trauma of injury.
Blood
Injury inevitably involves blood and Arnica is par excellence for resolving blood problems such as:
septic conditions resulting from an injury possibly with a putrid or foul discharges (blood poisoning)
thrombosis, dissolving blood clots
it is the first remedy for heart attacks, strokes
taken a few days before any surgery and as required after, eliminates pain, increases healing and removes the shock of the surgery
it is the number one remedy for any head injury
existing problems from remote injury
it is the number one remedy both during and after child birth (trauma and bleeding)
Arnica Types
Those who need Arnica regularly are active, hard working and dependable and often feel they are indispensable. They can’t delegate to others. They generally push themselves too hard and consequently receive many knocks. If the first marathoner had taken Arnica, perhaps he would not have died at the end of his run. Why did he not pass the baton to another? Why did he want to run so fast without stopping?
Horses especially racehorses, pacers and trotters, are often over worked and pushed too hard.
Animals benefit in the same way we do from the use of Arnica.
Mental Symptoms
Some typical mental symptoms include:
a feeling there is nothing wrong, although it is obvious to all there is
the bed or even the pillow may feel too hard (typical in bruised parts)
generally feel better when lying with the head low
fearful of the approach of others
very fearful especially of crowds, at night, on waking, of being touched
the painful area feels as if they have been beaten
restlessness, with difficulty finding a comfortable position
stupefaction, unconscious, slips in and out of consciousness, coma
Children
I would hate to be around children without a bottle of Arnica. Any scrapes or falls that occur so regularly will never be a cause for concern, as the Arnica quickly allays fear, pain and the serious problems that can develop from injuries.
Non Injury Uses
These have the sensations or feeling of injury and include:
a cold or ‘flu when the body feels as if it has been beaten - bruised and sore
rheumatism where the bones feel weak, sore, bruised, heavy, pain are as from an injury
swollen joints which are sore, lameness
boils which are sore, or indurated acne
eczema with a bluish cast
shift work
jet lag
When Not to Use Arnica
It is better to take remedies internally rather than use them topically and Arnica is no exception. If you do use Arnica tincture or cream topically, make sure that the skin in not broken. Never apply Arnica topically to broken skin.
ARNICA MONTANA
Jack and Jill went up the hill
To fetch a pail of water
Jack fell down and broke his crown
And Jill had a bruised hindquarter
They both had pains inside their head
And suffered much from shock
And both their little noses bled -
They’d taken quite a knock
But now they’ve both, I’m pleased to tell
Established their “Mens Sana”
And what do you think has made them well?
Why! Arnica Montana.
