Arnica Montana, one of the most striking and beautiful flowers, is found in the mountainous regions of the United Kingdom. Primarily known for its captivating appearance, it actually offers a lot of health benefits. The flower can improve skin, boost immunity, prevent hair loss, stop internal bleeding, reduce inflammation, relieve pain and more. Give this article a read to learn more interesting facts about arnica montana.
What is Arnica Montana?
As established, arnica montana is one of the most strikingly beautiful flowers. Also known as mountain tobacco and wolf’s bane, it has been used for both medicinal and ornamental purposes for hundreds of years. Unfortunately, due to climate change and encroachment, its population is shrinking. This is actually disastrous, given the health benefits it offers.
While the flower’s use as an herbal medicine started in the United Kingdom, it has since spread throughout the world, and even more species of it have been discovered. Demand continues to grow.
There are lots of beneficial compounds in arnica montana, specifically thymol, palmitic acid, linoleic acid and helenalin, among other ethers. This distinct combination is what gives arnica montana its powerful effects. Although you should never eat it or place it directly on an open wound, the plant has a wide variety of topical uses and is commonly used as an herbal addition to various treatments.
Health Benefits of Arnica Montana
Here are some of the most surprising health benefits of arnica montana:
Aids in postpartum bleeding
One of the most infrequently discussed risks to mothers is postpartum bleeding, which can happen after delivery. Research and tradition suggest that the use of homeopathic arnica montana may be beneficial in reducing this particular kind of bleeding, keeping both mother and baby healthy.
Helps moisturize skin
Even though you don’t want to apply pure arnica montana extract to your skin, you can mix it with carrier creams or oils to form an effective treatment for dry skin. This particular moisturizing agent is also good for your hair and can help treat dandruff.
Helps promote hair health
If you start to find more and more hair in your comb as you get older, you may be developing male pattern baldness, also known as premature balding. To strengthen you hair and prevent loss, add arnica montana to your shampoo. The rich nutrients in the flower bind to the hair, keeping it looking younger for longer.
Treats acne and other skin conditions
Arnica montana has antimicrobial compounds that make it a great treatment for those suffering from skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and acne. This is one of the flower’s best health benefits.
Helps stop internal bleeding
The distinct combination of organic compounds in arnica montana also help heal broken blood vessels in some layers of the skin, thus getting rid of bruising and the unpleasant appearance of burst blood vessels and age spots.
Possesses analgesic abilities
The anti-inflammatory properties of arnica montana are one of its best traits. The flower works as a natural analgesic, relieving topical pain in the body. Nevertheless, never apply it to open wounds, because there’s a high risk it might get inside your body.
Provides relief for arthritis
For those suffering from arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, applying a gel or paste with arnica montana in it may rapidly loosen aching joints and reduce swelling to help you move more easily and with less pain.
Helps reduce inflammation
The most common among all the uses of arnica montana is as a soothing agent for inflammation. When you get an injury or strain from exercising, apply some of this to the area and it will work wonders! The swelling should go down quickly, as it has anti-inflammatory compounds.
Side Effects of Arnica Montana
Arnica montana may be quite toxic to consume, and it is not recommend for oral consumption. Topical application will give you the most benefits, but it’s important to consult with your doctor before trying it. If used for a long period of time, it can cause irritation, so be careful to practice moderation.