Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

MAJOR PLANT REMEDIES• 37Arnica montanaARNICAKEY SYMPTOMS trauma • bruising • postoperative care • tendency to deny illness• bruised, sore feeling • bed seems too hardThe healing properties of this aromatic perennial have been recognizedfor over 400 years. Arnica is anti-inflammatory and promotes tissue repair.It has been used extensively in European folk medicine as an external remedyfor muscle pain, and was once also prescribed as an internal treatment fordysentery and gout. Potentially toxic, its internal use is now largely limitedto homeopathy. Proved by Hahnemann and published in his Materia MedicaPura (1821–34), Arnica is used to promote healing and help control bleeding.It is used mostly for shock, injury, and pain.Flower causessneezing when freshlycrushed and inhaledARNICA Climbersused to chew arnicaleaves to relieve achingmuscles, or drinkan infusion following injury.REMEDY PROFILEPeople who respond best to this remedymay actually deny that they are ill, ignoringthe severity of their condition. Theygenerally prefer to be left alone and tendto be agitated, restless, and morose. Poorconcentration and forgetfulness are typical,as are nightmares and a morbid imagination.Arnica is usually given as a first-aidremedy following an accident, surgery,bereavement, childbirth, or dentaltreatment. It is also used for joint pain,fever, and some skin problems.Shock, injury & postoperativecareSYMPTOMS Acute and chronic consequencesof shock, injury, or surgery, particularlybleeding, bruising, swelling, and achingpains. The body may feel battered andhighly sensitive to discomfort, to the pointwhere even a bed seems too hard. Arnicamay also be prescribed to treat injuries suchas a black eye or a foreign object in an eye,concussion, and nosebleeds.Symptoms better For lying down; for lying withthe head lower than the feet.Symptoms worse For cold; for damp; for touch;for rest; for movement; for wine.Post-childbirth painSYMPTOMS Bruised, aching pain in the vaginathat may be especially distressing at night.Symptoms better For lying down with the headlower than the feet.Symptoms worse For cold; for touch;for movement.Tooth & gum painSYMPTOMS Pain in the teeth or sore, bruised,and bleeding gums following injury or dentalwork may be treated with Arnica.Symptoms better For lying down.Symptoms worse For the slightesttouch; for movement.Joint & muscle painSYMPTOMS Arthritic pain, sprains,or strains to the joints, which feel bruised,sore, and sensitive. Arnica is also takento ease swelling, bruising, and pain aftera ligament tear or bone injury. Alternatively, itis used for aches in the muscles due to cramps,unaccustomed exercise, or overexertion.Symptoms better For lying down.Symptoms worse For the slightest touch;for movement.FeverSYMPTOMS A hot head, cold body, andexhaustion. Stools, flatulence, and perspirationtend to have a characteristic odor of rotten eggs,and there may be incontinence of stools andurine. Arnica is also prescribed for recurringfevers such as typhoid or malarial fever.Symptoms better For lying down; for lyingwith the head lower than the feet.Symptoms worse For cold surroundings;for damp; for the slightest touch.Skin conditionsSYMPTOMS Hard, dry, swollen skin due to insectbites, bed sores, small, painful boils, red,blistering skin eruptions, or varicose ulcers.Symptoms better For lying down.Symptoms worse For cold; for damp; for touch.ROOTSOURCE DETAILSORIGINGrows in alpine pastures and woodlandsof the Pyrenees, Siberia, and centralEurope, especially Switzerlandand Germany.BACKGROUNDTraditionally used externally as an ointmentto improve local blood supply and speedhealing in the treatment of bruises, sprains,and muscle pain.PREPARATIONThe whole flowering plant, including theroot, is steeped in alcohol, filtered,diluted, and succussed.COMMON NAMESArnica, leopard’s bane, sneezewort,mountain tobacco, mountain daisy.Leaves aresoft andcovered infine downFLOWERINGSTEMSee also Circulation, pages 184, 230; Breast problems, page 201; Grief, page 213; Men’s health, page 264; Dizziness, page 266