Arnica Flower

Arnica flower, grannies’ favorite remedy

I think everyone has heard the famous phrase “granny’s remedy” and surely to all of us, our grandmothers have passed us many natural remedies to cure ailments, the first thing that comes to mind when we hear Arnica is the word “grandmother”. And it is that this plant of origin of the mountains and meadows of northern and central Europe was and continues to be widely used in natural or home remedies to cure blows or ailments in the body. Nowadays there are more and more products that are based on Arnica and are used for swelling, bruising, sprains, it is also applied in insect bites, arthritis, muscle and cartilage pain, as a skin moisturizer, to cure acne, sore throat, wisdom tooth, among other things. In the manufacturing industry, arnica is used mostly in cosmetics or skin products, it is also used in products that are for hair and these alleviate the problem of dandruff. Arnica has been scientifically proven to be possibly safe when ingested in normal amounts, otherwise it can be counterproductive and cause stomach problems, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, heart damage and death. Its consumption in pregnant women is prohibited as it can cause an abortion. 

It is important to note that arnica is not a plant that should be taken lightly without having prior knowledge of its limitations. It is a plant with a high toxic potential due to the action of some of its active principles such as alkaloids, coumarins, components of the essence and lactones, among them helenalin, with a very irritating effect on the mucous membranes. You can take up to two cups of arnica infusion a day, for how long? That will depend on what discomfort you have and must be under medical supervision.

What makes arnica?

Contains triterpenes (arnidol and faradiol), phenolic acids (caffeic and chlorogenic), flavonoids (astragalin and isoquercitrin), bitter principles (sesquiterpene lactones), minerals (manganese). These compounds make this plant an ingredient of interest in the cosmetic industry, since the oily extract of arnica promotes hydration and cell regeneration. The arnica plant has antiseptic, soothing, anti-inflammatory properties that activate blood circulation. In cosmetics, it plays an important role in products that are intended to soothe inflammation of the face, whether due to acne problems, rosacea or swelling due to bad sleep. It is said that it is highly recommended to treat alopecia, it stimulates the growth of new hair, increasing its volume. The grannies are right! Arnica creams are even in the corner store, within everyone’s reach.

The grannies are right!
Arnica creams are even in the corner store, within everyone’s reach.