Mountain arnica occupies a key place among medicinal perennial plants, as it has a unique chemical composition and is widely used in many fields. The grass can be found in the clearings of coniferous forests. The largest number of plants is concentrated in Lithuania, Latvia and Western Ukraine. Mountain arnica is listed in the Red Book, therefore it is categorically impossible to uproot the grass.
Description and chemical composition
Mountain arnica looks quite rosy and welcoming. The plant has drooping stems, basal, oblong, ovoid leaves. During flowering, flowers appear in the form of baskets of bright orange and yellow shades. The maximum growth of arnica mountain reaches 60 cm. Flowering occurs in June-July. The fruits have a cylindrical pointed shape.
It is believed that the most favorable period for harvesting arnica fruits are sunny, clear days without precipitation. As a rule, in medicine and folk remedies, the flowers of the plant are used, but the roots and leaves are also rarely used.
Mountain arnica has a rich chemical composition, due to which the effect of the use of medicines based on this plant is achieved. The main component is arnicin. The latter, in turn, consists of three elements: a saturated hydrocarbon, arpidiol and faradiol. The flowers also contain essential oil and cynarin. In addition, arnica is rich in vitamins, lute, various organic acids, unsaturated hydrocarbons and other substances.
Due to its pleasant smell, arnica is used in perfumery and the alcoholic beverage industry.
The healing properties of the plant
The plant is widely used in medicine and cosmetology. Many massage therapists use arnica oils and products for their sessions. The procedure allows you to remove sprains, and is indicated for sports injuries.
Arnica medicines can be used in the following cases:
- for the prevention of retinal disease;
- as a disinfectant;
- to lower bad blood cholesterol;
- after childbirth to contract the uterus;
- in order to normalize the menstrual cycle;
- to prevent seizures and prevent paralysis;
- to get rid of intestinal parasites.
Also, decoctions and infusions of arnica mountain are used to eliminate skin rashes, treat ulcers and boils. When a cold sore appears on the lips, an external decoction is the ideal remedy to quickly fix the problem.
In addition, arnica tincture is used to improve the tone of the nervous system, reduce the excitability of the brain and as a sedative. The systematic use of a plant-based product helps to prevent the onset of seizures and normalize the heart rate. Arnica is also used during the recovery period after cerebral hemorrhage.
Contraindications for use
Before starting the use of drugs with the addition of mountain arnica, it is imperative that you familiarize yourself with the contraindications and possible side effects in case of an overdose. Not all people can take arnica infusions, as the plant’s essential oil is toxic and can cause serious harm to the body. Taking the drug is contraindicated in the following cases:
- during pregnancy;
- during lactation;
- children under three years old;
- people with a high level of blood clotting;
- with individual intolerance.
If, after taking the drug, shortness of breath, chills, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea are observed, then further use of the drug must be stopped.
