What is the Arnica Tea?
Arnica tea is an infusion prepared from the dried flowers of the Arnica plant, derived from the medicinal herb Arnica montana. It is a perennial member of the sunflower family with large, daisy-like flowers and native to Central Europe and North America. The plant is also referred to as wolf’s bane, leopard’s bane, mountain snuff, and mountain tobacco.
Though it is referred to as a tea, this infusion should never be intended for internal use under any circumstances. It contains the active ingredient, helenalin, a potentially toxic and deadly substance when ingested.
Benefits
Tracing back the health benefits of Arnica to the North American Cataula tribe, the earliest individuals to exploit Arnica, infusion of this herb are used to ease back pain. This healing tea is popularly known for reducing inflammation, easing pain and treating infections due to two significant compounds: sesquiterpene and dihydrohelenalin.
Arnica tea is also rich in phytonutrients like flavonoids; polysaccharides such as inulin and mucilage; organic tannins; and resin. For this reason, they are sought in the market as an effective pain reliever and anti-inflammatory.
Externally, Arnica herbal tea is used for their antibacterial and their ability to treat inflammations. The anti-inflammatory property of Arnica is linked to the presence of thymol derivatives, which are known vasodilators. Typical uses of Arnica tea include alleviating muscle pain and used as a treatment for injuries. They are also used to treat chapped lips, pimples, cold sores, to promote wound healing, and reduce the symptoms of rheumatic pain and swelling brought by fractures and insect bites. As a mouthwash or gargle, diluted Arnica tea can be used to treat a sore throat and gum infections.
Arnica tea also plays a role in the treatment of dandruff and believed to promote hair growth. When diluted, Arnica tea can be directly applied to the scalp, or you can rinse your hair with the Arnica infusion. An improved blood circulation could be behind this beneficial effect.
How to Make Arnica Tea?
The preparation of Arnica tea can be practically performed at home. You can use fresh or dried Arnica flower heads whichever you prefer.
First, place a powdered Arnica flower in a cup of boiling water. Allow the mixture to soak for at least 5-6 minutes before straining. With clean muslin cloth, soft towel, or filter paper, strain the tea and obtain the concentrated infusion of Arnica tea.
Let the tea cool at room temperature before applying it to the skin to prevent any irritation or burns. For bruises or areas with pain or swelling, dampen a towel with the warm infusion and apply to the desired area. You can also prepare a more significant quantity of Arnica tea to soak swollen feet.
Side Effects
Like most of the herbal medicines with potent medicinal effects, Arnica tea also posts some potential side effects. Possible side effects should be carefully monitored and evaluated taking into consideration the toxic side effects of Arnica derivatives.
• When used directly in open wound or broken skin, possible skin irritation or toxicity can be observed
• Long-term use can cause psoriasis, eczema and skin rash
• Hypersensitivity to Arnica tea as manifested by dryness, itching, and redness
Though serious side effects are rare for topical products, the occurrence of unusual or unmanageable side effects should be consulted immediately to your healthcare provider.
Precautions in Using Arnica Tea
Remember that Arnica tea should never be used internally as they are considered toxic and poisonous when ingested unless with the guidance and recommendation of your physician. Accidental ingestion may cause stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and inflammation of the mucous membranes, which may eventually lead to death.
The herb Arnica is a known abortifacient that’s why it is not recommended for pregnant women. In fact in the medieval times, mild preparations of Arnica infusion were used as an emmenagogue- a preparation to quicken labor, ease the pain of delivery, or promote menstrual flow.
Where to purchase and pricing
The reputation of Arnica tea is gaining popularity and becoming known in the market for its numerous health benefits which include treating wounds and bruises; relief of arthritis, muscle pain, and sprains; promote hair growth, and manage other forms of skin inflammation.
Most of the time, tea bags are preferred for their ease of preparation and can be used straight out of the box. Tea Bags are sold at your favorite supplement shop, or you can grab them directly on Amazon, eBay or Walmart.
A box of Arnica tea with 25 bags is usually priced at $4 to $8. Dried Arnica flowers are also available and sold at $3 per ounce. Prices may differ depending on the brand and desired quantity, but generally, Arnica tea is very affordable considering the health benefits attributed to the product.
What You Should Not Forget
Aside from Arnica tea preparations, other forms of Arnica products are available in the market like lotions, shampoo, creams, gels, and ointments.
Though Arnica tea can be quickly prepared in just a few steps, precautions should always be observed like access of children to the ingredients and accidental ingestion of the by-product.
When using ready-made Arnica tea or other products derived from this potent herbal plant, always read the label and product inserts to make sure that you are using the product for its intended purpose and no other else.
Keep in mind that Arnica tea is not intended for oral use, as they are toxic and can be fatal when ingested. You can enjoy the health benefits of Arnica tea without risking or harming yourself. Always ask the guidance of your healthcare provider before adding Arnica tea to your health regimen.