Arnica or Arnica Montana is known for its medicinal properties and has been in use since early16th century. The plant is a native of mountainous regions of Europe and Siberia and is also cultivated in North America. A perennial plant, it grows to a height of 2 feet and bears small yellow-orange flowers similar to daisies and has bright green, slightly hairy and toothed leaves on the upper side. In fact, the name Arnica is said to have derived from the Greek “arni” meaning lamb due to the soft hairy feel of the leaves.
Of the different species available, Arnica Montana is used for obtaining the oil. The flower heads are gathered and CO2 extraction or steam distillation processes are used to obtain the pure essential Arnica Oil. Fatty acids make up 50% of this essential oil’s composition and the other 50% comprise of thymol and other ethers or derivatives of thymol. The fatty acids include linolenic, linoleic, palmitic and myristic.
Arnica should never be used in its 100% pure form – not even for purposes for aromatherapy. It can be used in its oil form when mixed with other pure oils such as extra virgin olive oil. Check out Ray’s Healthy Living Arnica Oil for premium quality Arnica Oil. The tincture form is not just easy to use but can be used for poultices, compresses and topical preparations.
Thymol has been scientifically proven to have anti-bacterial and Thymol has been scientifically proven to have anti-bacterial properties giving the oil its therapeutic properties. Thymol is an effective vasodilator easing the flow of blood in the subcutaneous capillaries. This facilitates the flow of blood and transportation of accumulated fluids. This is how it acts as an effective anti-inflammatory agent assisting in the normal healing process.
Key benefits of Arnica are:
• Helps reduce mouth ulcers caused by chemotherapy
• Promotes hair growth
• Alleviates acne breakout
• Reduces bleeding
Arnica Oil is used to:
1. Heals bruises
Bruises are impact of injuries that rapture the underlying blood vessels. Applying the oil on the unbroken skin twice a day helps healing it.
2. Treats osteoarthritis
The topical use of Arnica on painful spots especially bones affected by osteoarthritis is well-known. The thymol plays an anti-inflammatory part much like drug ibuprofen.
3. Relieve sprains, muscle pain & other inflammatory conditions
Arnica is an effective healer for all types of inflammations arising due to exercises. Muscle damage, cramps and sprains due to sports and exercises can be healed using Arnica and better performance. Helanalin which is a sesquiterpene lactone is a potent anti-inflammatory that heals muscle pain quickly. Arnica stimulates the white blood cell flow that in turn speeds up the dispersal of the fluid from muscles and bruised bones and tissues and brings the healing effect.
4. Improves Carpal Tunnel
Carpal tunnel, that is an inflammation at the base of the wrist can be treated effectively with Arnica oil. In fact, those suffering from the pain associated with it can well avoid surgeries if they choose to treat the condition with Arnica.
5. Encourages Hair Growth
Arnica has proven to give results in treating baldness in both women and men. The oil is known to reverse conditions of hair loss by nourishing and invigorating the scalp.
