A Profile of the Herb Arnica Montana

Arnica Montana is a perennial herb. This plant is useful for many physical ailments and is coveted, cultivated and wild harvested worldwide for it's healing properties. It is also known by such common names as; wolfs bane, leopard's bane & mountain tobacco. Arnica is widespread as a native plant in European countries it is more of a cultivated and naturalized variety in the United States, it can be found growing wild in mountain regions. There are however other native species of Anica that are native to North America. Arnica varieties have been used there by Native Americans for centuries in ointments and other topical infusions.
The main exporters of Arnica Montana are Portugal, Romania, Spain and south France. Germany is the biggest importer of Arnica. In some countries this herb is being over cultivated and is disappearing due to intensive farming techniques. Some countries are fighting for protection of this plant in certain areas where it is over harvested.

Arnica Montana is an herbaceous perennial plant. It can be found growing along mountain sides, pastures and forests up to alpine level. Arnica Montana has yellow orange daisy like flowers and can grow about a foot tall or more. It prefers poor acidic soils. The flowers and the roots are the parts used in herbal healing remedies and many other health care products such as massage oils and arthritis creams as well as in a host of homeopathic remedies.This plant can be cultivated and grown through roots, cuttings and seeds and will grow in a variety of climates. The nice thing is it is a perennial so it will come back year after year in the home garden.

Arnica is widely known for it's healing properties. It is a wonderful anti-inflammatory and very useful for treating joint pain due to arthritis, bruising. swelling that occurs with strains or sprains as well as an overall analgesic and remedy for all types of disorders of the skin and muscles. The pain reducing effects of arnica are amazing and the oil is used in many skin and body care products because of it's ability to eliminate pain naturally. It is also useful in treating eczema and wounds, rashes, burns, blisters and insect bites.

Arnica is usually used in oil form. This oil can be found in most health food stores and even on the Internet. A bottle of arnica oil costs about $8 and is well worth the price! It is a useful addition to the home medicine chest and is simple to use. Normally it is oil based and you can just dab it on. There are products with roll on applicators that make application easier as well. This remedy is very good to have on hand in a house that has children as it's super effective in treating minor childhood bums and bruises. Many times if applies right away it can actually prevent bruising.

Very few individuals may have a reaction to arnica so you should take caution if you have severe allergies. This is generally not a common occurrence.

Arnica oil should never be taken internally. To do so could increase the blood pressure dramatically risking a heart attack. It is a topical remedy. Though some oral homeopathic remedies do contain the essence of arnica the actual plant material is not present in these remedies making them safe to ingest. The difference between herbal and homeopathic remedies should be noted in this instance.

Be sure to keep all arnica products out of the reach of children and pets. Especially the oil variety as it can prove fatal if ingested.