ARNICA OIL~ Arnica montana is a perennial plant of the Asteraceae family with orange-yellow daisy-like flowers, native to the mountainous regions of Europe and America. The medicinal value of Arnica flowers has been known for several centuries by Europeans who have traditionally used them externally to relieve aches and pains associated with bruises, sprains, swelling and inflammation, but not open wounds. Arnica is classified by herbalists as a vulnerary, or herb used for wound healing. Vulnerary comes from the Latin word, vulnus, meaning wound. Because of its popular use as a natural medicine and due to its specific habitat, Arnica has become a rare plant. Therefore, several closely related species are also used, including A. chamissonis, A. cordifolia, A. fulgens, A. latifolia, and A. sororia. Arnica is NOT to be taken orally as it can cause heart palpitations, increased blood pressure, breathing difficulties, headaches, and abdominal pains. Arnica flowers can induce allergic reactions in a small population of individuals who develop contact dermititis. If this occurs, use of arnica should be discontinued immediately. This reaction may be due to the presence of a chemical known as helenalin. Helenalin belongs to a class of plant chemicals called sesquiterpenoid lactones, that are known to be allergens which are found in many Asteraceae plants. However, helenalin, dihydrohelenalin and some esters of these compounds have been shown by scientific studies to be active constituents of Arnica species. In fact, they have been shown to be responsible for many of the pharmacological actions attributed to Arnica montana, such as its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, as well as some antibiotic properties. Sesquiterpenoid lactones impart a bitterness to many plants. Helenalin and its derivatives that are found in arnica have been shown to inhibit the migration of certain white blood cells known as polynuclear leukocytes as well as inhibiting the rupture of lysosomal membranes. These compounds have also been reported to exhibit an inhibitory activity on platelet aggregation. Although more research is needed to further determine the pharmacology of arnica species, the present scientific data, as well as a wealth of empirical data seem to indicate its efficacy in treating bruises, contusions, strains, sprains and pain and swelling associated with rheumatism.
Posted on: Tue, 20 Jan 2015 08:27:56 +0000
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