The Wonders of Wolf's Bane

Arnica Montana , also known as Mountain Daisy, Leopard's Bane, Wolf's Bane and Mountain Tobacco, comes from the mountain areas of Europe and Siberia and has long been used for centuries as a healing plant for many ailments.

All parts of the plant are effective for herbal remedies but care must be taken as the plant contains a toxin known as helenalin. Helenalin is an effective anti-inflammatory but if taken internally can cause irritation and damage to the kidneys and digestive tract. It can also cause skin irritation especially on broken skin or through repeated use.

Modern arnica products are designed to reduce the toxic effects but if you do have an allergic reaction to the creams, gels or other externally applied products stop using them immediately.

Do not take any arnica herbal remedies internally. Only homeopathic forms of arnica are safe for internal use.
Properties and Usage


Family: ASTERACEAE

Parts Used: Flowers, leaves, root.

Properties: Anti-inflammatory, Antiphlogistic, Diuretic, Immune Stimulant, Nerve Stimulant, Rubefacient, Vulnerary.

Internal Uses: Angina, Arteriosclerosis, Catarrh, Concussion, Fever, Gout, Inflammation, Post-traumatic Stress, Postsurgical Trauma, Stroke
Internal Applications: Homeopathic remedy

Arnica improves coronary blood flow and aids in the reabsorption of fibrin, a blood protein resulting from internal injuries. It is also useful for dealing with post traumatic stress disorder resulting from exposure to violence, terror, death, disaster, or hysteria.

Arnica is most popular as a homeopathic remedy where it is administered for epilepsy, injury, seasickness, shock, trauma and vertigo. Used homeopathically before and after surgery, it can help minimize post traumatic stress.

Topical Uses: Bruises, Chilblains, Foot Soreness, Laryngitis, Phlebitis, Rheumatism, Sore Throat, Sprains, Varicose Veins
Topical Applications: Use as a compress, liniment, salve or oil for bruises, chilblains, plebitis, rheumatic pain, sprains and varicose veins. Gargle for laryngitis and sore throat. Footbath for sore feet.

Energetics: Sweet, Neutral.

Chemical Constituents: Essential oil (thymol), sesquiterpene lactones (arnicin, arnicolides, helenalin), flavonoids (eupafolin, pattuletin), polysaccharides, mucilage, bitters, carotenoids, inulin, tannin.

Contra-indications: (Side Effects) Use internally with caution as it can cause irritation to the kidneys and digestive tract. Can cause dizziness and trembling. It is best used homeopathically or topically. When using topically, only use on unbroken skin; it can cause skin irritation, as can repeated applications.

See also How to Reduce Bruising


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