Friday, June 29, 2012

Medical Uses For Arnica Montana







Arnica montana is one of the hundreds of homeopathic remedies used by physicians, physical therapists, athletes and others, to treat muscular pain.


Arnica montana is available as homeopathic pellets taken under the tongue or as a gel, cream or ointment applied directly to the skin.


Homeopathy was developed by German physician Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843), who learned extract hundreds of remedies from microdoses of plants, herbs, flowers and other substances such as gold, platinum and vegetable charcoal.


Identification


Arnica montana is a well-known homeopathic remedy used for sports injuries such as sprain, strains, minor joint pain, muscular pain or arthritis. It is safe enough to use with other medications.


Types


Arnica montana can be consumed as sugar pellets placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve slowly. Do not chew or swallow homeopathic pellets.


Arnica montana is also available as a cream, gel or ointment that is applied to the injured area of the body several times a day.








Time Frame


If you have an injury, such as a minor ankle sprain or muscular soreness, the sooner you can treat it withe Arnica montana after the onset of the injury, the better.


Significance


For minor injuries, such as muscular pain from overexertion or a bruised arm from falling off a bike, Arnica montana is effective at reducing swelling and pain.


Arnica montana is used in physician's office, physical therapy clinics and can be purchased without a prescription.


Benefits


Arnica montana is easy to take for many common minor sports injuries. As a cream or homeopathic pellet, it is convenient to carry while traveling and for use with children.


Warning


Do not take Arnica montana for more than 14 days. Reported side effects include irregular heart rate, stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and liver and kidney damage. In extreme cases, overuse or incorrect use of Arnica montana can lead to death.


If you have diabetes or are using anticoagulant drugs, see your doctor before taking Arnica montana.


If you develop an obvious skin reaction to arnica cream, discontinue use and see your physician or homeopath practitioner.


If you are pregnant, ask your doctor for advice before using arnica or any other homeopathic remedy.

Tags: Arnica montana, Arnica montana, muscular pain, cream ointment, homeopathic pellets, homeopathic remedy