Page 158 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

flowering heads per plant, and each flower head has a Bruises, Black Eyes, Muscle Aches, Inflam-
golden yellow disc with 10 to 15 yellow rays. The rays mation, Sprains, Phlebitis, Carpal Tunnel,
are pointed and about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. The entire and Swelling: Arnica applied topically is useful in
flower head is about 2 1/2 inches (3.7 cm) in diameter. the treatment of a wide variety of external conditions.
The seeds form in a small, hairy achene, about 1/2-inch It reduces inflammation, warms the skin and muscle,
(1.25 cm)-long. Flowers appear from May to August. relieves pain, and promotes healing. It is excellent for
any strains, sprains, swellings, carpal tunnel, muscle
soreness, and to reduce bruising.
Sore Throat and Toothache: For a sore throat
or a toothache, try chewing the root. If the mouth is too
sore for chewing, mash it and apply it to the swollen
area. Gargling Arnica Tea is also effective for some
people.

Other Uses of Arnica: Some people use Arnica to
make homemade cigarettes, known as mountain to-
bacco.

Harvesting: When harvesting from the wild, pick
flowers sparingly, never harvest rhizomes or roots; this
destroys the plant. The plant will grow back as long as
the rhizome survives in place.
Heartleaf Arnica, Walter Siegmund, CC by SA 3.0
I prefer the flowers for medicinal use but leaves and
Medicinal Use: Use the flowers externally to re- stems also contain beneficial properties. Pick flowers
duce inflammation, reduce bruising, and for pain. It is in the early afternoon, after the morning dew has evap-
antimicrobial and antiseptic. It can be used in small orated.
doses internally with great care.
Warning: Arnica can be highly toxic if taken inter-
How to Use Arnica on Skin: I often use Arnica nally. I do not recommend internal use, except home-
externally on the skin as a salve or oil to promote heal- opathically.
ing in sprains, muscle pulls, contusions, and bruises.
Use a diluted oil or salve on areas that need tissue stim- Avoid using undiluted Arnica preparations topically on
ulation and healing. Arnica treats common skin prob- open wounds, as it can cause inflammation and irrita-
lems like infections, itching, and eczema. tion. Dilute the oil and extracts with a carrier solution
or oil if using on broken skin.
Arthritis: Arnica is excellent at relieving arthritis
pain, especially in cold weather. It warms the area and
stimulates blood flow, and is anti-inflammatory. Rub
arnica salve into the painful joint, or apply it as a poul-
tice of bruised leaves or flowers.

Frostbite and Chilblains: Because it is warming
and stimulates blood flow to an area, Arnica is used for
the treatment of frostbite and chilblains. Use a poultice
of leaves or flowers, or a salve or oil made with Arnica.

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