What is Arnica Oil?
Arnica oil is an a natural extract (also referred to as essential oils) that is produced from a plant named Arnica. Also known as mountain tobacco and leopard’s bane, Arnica (Arnica Montana) is a wildflower that grows in the European and North American Mountains. Commonly used since history in topical herbal medicines to speed up healing processes from bruises and other traumatic injuries, Arnica is deemed to consist bioactive compounds that help pain relief as well as anti-biotic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Ethno-botanical records have biblical evidence that Arnica oil was used for medicinal purposes for a very long time in the history of Europe and America. Modern day phytochemical analysis that studied the chemical composition of this plant extracts has found that these properties can be attributed to different types of active secondary metabolites that this plant produces.
Why is it important to our health?
Arnica oil constitutes different compounds like sesquiterpene lactones that are deemed to reduce inflammation and decrease pain. The constituent compounds of Arnica oil prevent bruising and scarring by stimulating white blood cells to disperse trapped blood and fluid from the injured tissues. Additionally, this oil is rich in a compound called Inulin which is a compound between sugar and starch that plants store in their below-ground organs as an energy reserve. Inulin has been used as a natural sweetener for patients of diabetes. Also, the herbal oil prepared from Arnica is known to contain higher concentrations of selenium and manganese which are very potent anti-oxidants. Manganese is a critical element needed for healthy bones, wound-healing and the metabolism of proteins, cholesterol and carbohydrates. Many studies have found that Manganese levels in the body affect the level of Iron, Magnesium and Calcium as well.
Generally speaking, here are some of the major uses of Arnica oil in regard to human health and well being:
1. To heal bruises and external injuries
Bruising is always an unwanted worry, and it is good to have something that helps restore our skin that is discolored and ruptured. Arnica oil is an excellent treatment against bruising as it helps restore the ruptured blood vessels. A study conducted by researchers at Northwestern University, Department of Dermatology has proved that the topical application of arnica was better at reducing bruises than low-concentration vitamin K formulations. A number of bioactive compounds might play role in this healing process, researcher have found.
2. For relieving sprains, muscle pain and other inflammations
Arnica oil is very potent remedy against inflammation and injuries associated with exercise. Topical application of arnica is effective in reducing pain due to inflammation and muscle damage, and hence this oil is among the first choice among athletes. On a research reported in the European Journal of Sport Science, participants who used arnica oil had less pain and muscle tenderness after as long as 72 hours of intense exercise. Traditionally, Arnica oil has been used for making medicines for hematomas, contusions, sprains as well as rheumatic diseases.
A compound named thymol that is one of the constituent of arnica oil has been found to be a very useful vasodilator of subcutaneous blood capillaries, hence eases the transport of blood and other bodily fluids. This makes it very useful anti-inflammatory agent, and speeds up the normal healing processes. Also, arnica oil helps remove congested blood by stimulating the flow of white blood cells and hence reforms torn muscles, joints and bruised tissues.
3. Treat Osteoarthritis
It has already been more than a decade that a scientific evidence of Arnica extract’s potential against osteoarthritis has been established. As reported in this research published in Rheumatology International, Arnica oil possesses characteristic feature of anti-inflammatory drug like ibuprofen while used as a treatment of osteoarthritis of the hands.
Not only for hands, Arnica oil is equally applicable for knee osteoarthritis. Several studies aimed at evaluating the safety and efficacy of topical arnica in both men and women have found that it is really helpful if applied twice daily for six weeks in a continuous level. For osteoarthritis, arnica oil is safe, well-tolerated and can be effectively used to obtain mild to moderate results.
4. Improving Carpal Tunnel
Carpal Tunnel is basically an inflammation of a very small opening below the base of the wrist. It is a physical injury, and Arnica oil is an excellent natural remedy for carpal tunnel. Arnica oil lessens the pain caused by Carpal Tunnel and in optimum level help the sufferers to avoid otherwise imminent surgery. Even for those who undergo surgery, this oil can help reduce the post-surgical pain by a drastic level.
5. Hair care and growth
Hair fall and baldness among both men and women are one of the biggest issues today. Arnica oil is used a natural treatment for hair. For anyone suffering from hair loss and finding it difficult to regrow the lost hair, Arnica oil is a perfect remedy. A regular scalp massage with arnica oil stimulates hair follicles and sets up a perfect environment for growing new and healthy hair strands. There are many shampoos, conditioners and other products that can be used with Arnica oil as an ingredient for baldness treatment pack.
Preparation of Arnica Oil
Industrial preparation of Arnica oil is done either by steam distillation or CO2 extraction, but that needs a lot of raw material to actually work out and is applicable only for large volumes. At home, with a few Arnica flowers, there is a simpler way to prepare Arnica Oil. Here, we have outlined a possible approach to prepare this essential oil at home:
What would you need?
Dried and Roughly ground arnica flowers, Olibe oil, Mason Jar, Bottle
Process:
● Firstly, take the mason jar and fill it with olive oil to a certain height such that you can also add arnica flowers to it. Make it sufficiently filled, but keep in mind the needed space for expansion.
● Apply a slow and steady heat for two to three weeks. You can use sunlight or a small pilot burner for it.
● After the prolonged heating, strain the oil and filter it with a clean muslin cloth.
● Add a teaspoon full of rosemary or citric acid to add the shelf-life of this infused oil.
Who is it for?
It is of the highest value for professional athletes and people who are involved in highly physical tasks. It is something that people prone to minor physical injuries in a regular basis keep it as an instant healing option.
Arnica oil tinctures are often recommended by homeopathic practitioners in order to treat ailments like motion sickness and seizure disorders.
The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of Arnica has benefits to people with inflammatory skin disorders as well. Traditionally, the herbs has been used as a topical treatment for burns, eczema and acne.
Where to buy arnica oil? What is the price range?
Arnica oil and related products (creams, gels, ointments and other formulations) can be purchased from several speciality stores. Arnica Oil is relatively an expensive buy, and generally the price range starts from around $15 for about 3-4 ounces of oil.
A number of options (in terms of brands) are available across online markets like amazon and ebay. Arnica oil is widely available to buy both on and off line.
Suggestions/precautions for using Arnica Oil
Since it is found to cause painful irritation, it should not be applied to an open wound directly. Also, taking the plant by mouth without medical supervision can be lethal as it may cause severe side effects like allergy and epithelial inflammation. The toxicity is caused by a compound called helenalin. Helenalin is an allergen that is associated with dermatitis in some persons.
The usage of arnica oil may cause side effects that are severe, more so if taken in very large amounts. External use of arnica extract in high concentrations for a very long period of time can cause blistering, skin ulcers and tissue necrosis. The major symptoms of arnica toxicity include vomiting, weakness, increased heart rate and nervous disturbances. While using arnica on kids and minors, it should be kept in mind that the dosage instructions need to be strictly followed. Adults too, need to be cautious while buying and using this alternative in regard to the stores, formulations and dosage.
The toxicity and negative effects of Arnica are largely dosage dependent. Hence, before deciding on how much of the preparation to use, it is advised to consult some reliable source. In case of unexpected irritations and unusual reactive symptoms, a medical practitioner needs to be immediately consulted for help.