Arnica is also commonly called leopard's bane. The arnica plant has a bright yellow, daisy-like flower that blooms around July. Preparations made from the flowering heads have been used in homeopathic medicine for hundreds of years. Arnica is very popular in Germany, where more than 100 drug preparations are made from the plant. Arnica is a perennial that is protected in parts of Europe.
The active components in arnica are sesquiterpene lactones, which are known to reduce inflammation and decrease pain. Other active principals are thymol (an essential oil), flavonoids, insulin, carotenoids, and tannins. Arnica works by stimulating the activity of white blood cells that perform much of the digestion of congested blood as well as by dispersing trapped, disorganized fluids from bumped and bruised tissue, joints, and muscles.
Arnica also has been suggested as an herbal treatment to stimulate blood circulation and raise blood pressure, especially in the coronary arteries. When used externally, the plant may help treat arthritis, burns, ulcers, eczema, and acne. Arnica has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities that can reduce pain and swelling and improve wound healing. It is typically rubbed on the skin to soothe and heal bruises and sprains, and to relieve irritations from trauma, arthritis, and muscle or cartilage pain. Applied as a salve, arnica may be helpful for chapped lips, irritated nostrils, and acne.
