Saturday, August 16, 2008

ARNICA

Arnica
Numerous people have recognized arnica’s powers to minimize inflammation, ease muscle pain, and accelerate the healing process. Arnica is most commonly used externally, but it can also be ingested to treat some heart conditions. However, a doctor should always be consulted before arnica is taken internally.Also referred to as “leopard’s bane,” arnica is a perennial and has a vivid yellow flower which blooms during the middle of the summer. The flowers have been used in many different herbal remedies for centuries. It is common in Germany, and is a protected plant in many areas of Europe. Arnica has been used as an ingredient in hundreds of medicines.Arnica has sesquiterpene lactones, which minimize inflammation and alleviate pain. Aside from those primary active ingredients, arnica also has thymol, a beneficial oil, flavonoids, inulin, carotenoids and tannins.Arnica is effective because it increases white blood cell activity. This increases circulation since white blood cells digest blocked blood and break up fluids that get caught shaken up from injured tissues, joints, and muscles. Since arnica can enhance circulation, it has been known to increase blood pressure, particularly in coronary blood vessels. In addition to its other external uses, it can alleviate joint pain, ease burns, and treat eczema and acne. Arnica can also be used reduce inflammation and pain, or as an antibacterial to help wounds heal quickly and neatly.

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