14 medicinal properties and uses of Arnica or mountain tobacco

What is Arnica? Arnica , Arnica montana , also called  sneezing or  mountain tobacco , is a lively herbaceous plant native to Europe where it grows wild and can reach half a meter in height. Arnica belongs to the botanical family Asteraceae , like chamomile  and calendula or marigold .

Arnica or sneeze has a pleasant aroma similar to chamomile and its flowers are yellow and very showy. The flowers are the ones that are mainly used in a great variety of  home remedies due to the medicinal properties of arnica , followed by the roots and rhizomes.

How is Arnica used?

Arnica is used for medicinal purposes mainly externally applying poultices, ointments, tinctures, infusions, etc.

Although traditionally it has been used internally as well, it is advisable to limit or avoid the internal use of arnica and restrict it to mouthwashes or gargles and external use.

In this article we are going to know the active principles and the medicinal action of arnica, what it is good for with its uses and health benefits of its use.

Active principles and medicinal action of Arnica or sneezer

This plant has triterpenes, phenols, flavonoids, coumarins, phytosterols, tannins, carotenes and bitter principles such as arcinin .

Arnica has a powerful anti-inflammatory, fungicidal, astringent, febrifugal, antiplatelet, cardiotonic, vulvar, antispasmodic, rubefacient, antibiotic, choleretic, antihistamine, healing, immunostimulant, sedative and analgesic action.

Read about the properties of other medicinal plants

14 medicinal properties and uses of Arnica or mountain tobacco

1.- This medicinal plant is a natural remedy for dislocations, bumps, trauma and sprains. It is applied externally in the form of a poultice, making an ointment or oil infused with arnica.

2.- Recover the health of your skin with arnica. This plant improves cases of irritation, itching, acne or eczema. Prepare an infusion and apply it locally. Or we can opt for oil, poultices or ointments. .

3.- Arnica helps us to relieve neuronal, joint, rheumatic and muscular pain.

4.- It is a useful medicinal plant to regulate the oiliness of the skin or scalp with seborrhea.

5.- Arnica can help prevent alopecia. .

6.- Accelerates recovery in cases of thrombophlebitis and edema caused by trauma.

7.- If we make mouthwashes with arnica infusion or tincture, we will maintain optimal oral health.

8.- Arnica is beneficial for bruises or bruises. .

9.- Facilitates good wound healing by massaging the area with arnica oil.

10.- Dried sneezing flowers are used to decongest the respiratory tract

11.- The external application of mountain tobacco improves hemorrhoids. .

12.- Another of the medicinal actions of arnica is that it has a sedative effect.

13.- To reduce fever, apply a cloth soaked in arnica infusion on the head.

14.- Improves stiffness and movement by reducing inflammation and pain.

Contraindications of Arnica Montana

This medicinal plant is not recommended during pregnancy or lactation.

It should not be applied in children either.

Do not apply this plant on open wounds on the skin.

This is general information. To find out how to use or take this plant, consult a health professional who can give you guidelines for use according to your medical history and your particular needs.