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For many hundreds of years, people relied on the natural medicinal properties of flowers, trees, herbs and other types of plant life. It has only been relatively recently that the potent properties contained within many plants and herbs has been synthesized and condensed into pills, capsules and tablets available over the counter or with a doctor’s prescription.
Arnica is one such herb that has a long and respected history of treating everything from sore throats to tooth extraction pain. Arnica is useful in all its parts, from the sunflower-like flowers to the leaves and roots.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the beneficial properties in the arnica plant are most commonly extracted by freeze drying and then crushing the flowers, plants and/or roots and then adding them to the preparation being made.
According to WebMD, arnica is offered in a variety of formats, including a tea, a balm, a tincture, an oil, various preparations for hair and skin, oral pills, an injectable and other forms.
In this article, learn about 10 unthinking benefits of arnica oil you likely didn’t know about until now.
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Ease skin rash, irritation, and infection.
Arnica hails from the sunflower family and has been nicknamed “mountain daisy” by some. Just thinking about sunflowers probably makes you smile, and this is how your skin feels when you apply arnica to ease the discomfort that can arise from skin rashes, irritation and infections.
What to do: You can find organic lotions and balms that contain arnica oil at local health stores or online. Just smooth the arnica infused balm or lotion over the area that is under stress.
Heal bruises and broken surface blood vessels.
According to the Department of Dermatology at Northwestern University, pure arnica oil is a wonderful healing agent for bruises and small broken blood vessels near the skin’s surface. As well, arnica has shown promise in treating postpartum bleeding and helping the body resolve internal bleeding issues.
What to do: Smooth pure arnica oil over the bruised or bleeding area. Do this two times a day until the issues in the area are resolved. For internal bleeding, an oral or injectable may be used under a doctor’s supervision.
Relieve the aches, pains and stiffness associated with arthritis.
Several studies have linked the use of arnica to effective relief of arthritis symptoms. Patients have found arnica to be as effective as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) in relieving discomfort associated with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and other forms of arthritis.
What to do: Apply a topical-based arnica balm, oil or lotion to the affected area twice per day for up to six weeks or as needed.
Reduces inflammation associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.
According to the New York Times, up to three percent of all adults (women and men) will suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome at some point during their career. This syndrome affects the main opening between the arm and the hand, located right at the wrist, where an important nerve threads through.
When the opening becomes inflamed, it constricts the nerve, leading to tingling, pain, numbness and eventual disability.
What to do: Spread arnica balm or oil directly over the area experiencing inflammation and/or pain. Do this twice per day.
Related: 17 Uses For Aloe Vera That Will Blow Your Mind
Aids athletes in improving performance.
One of the greatest risks for serious athletes is failure to heal fully after intense training or events before resuming exercise.
Arnica benefits include the ability to reduce inflammation, soreness, muscle pulls, strains, sprains and tears. It does this by improving circulation and blood flow to the affected area to speed healing.
What to do: Apply a preparation of topical arnica every four hours during awake hours as needed until symptoms subside.
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Regrow lost hair.
For men in particular, the age-related thinning and eventual loss of hair can be a source of embarrassment and discomfort. But women are also susceptible to genetic thinning of hair, and hair loss can also arise due to endocrine and hormonal imbalance, strong medications, serious illness, systemic stress and other reasons. Arnica has been shown to aid in regrowing lost hair.
What to do: Many hair treatments, including shampoos and conditioners, include arnica. You can also use arnica oil directly on the scalp during massage to stimulate new hair growth.
Faster healing of incisions after surgery.
Because arnica can stimulate blood flow and better circulation, it can be a powerful ally in healing after a surgical procedure. Cosmetic/plastic and medical surgeons alike commonly recommend taking arnica orally or using it as a balm after surgery.
What to do: You can find a homeopathic oral preparation of arnica at most natural food stores and also online. Or you can use arnica oil or a balm if you prefer. Apply twice per day over the affected area or as directed by your surgeon.
Clearing up problem skin.
Arnica uses that are best known include easing inflammation, accelerating healing and relieving pain. But another great benefit of arnica oil is in clearing up “problem” skin – skin that is affected by acne, blackheads, whiteheads, clogged pores or combination skin.
What to do: Arnica benefits shine with problem skin because arnica naturally has anti-microbial properties. As well, arnica naturally soothes, moisturizes and nourishes the skin, which can balance combination skin, heal sunburns and wind-chapped skin and lips and rejuvenate the skin overall.
Just smooth on a skin lotion or use arnica oil directly over problem areas.
Reduce the appearance of stretch marks after weight loss or pregnancy.
Many women get upset about the stretch marks that appear after they have delivered their baby. As well, both women and men can feel self-conscious about weight loss-induced stretch marks.
Topical arnica in gel, balm, cream or oil form can reduce the appearance of these marks and also smooth and nourish distressed skin.
What to do: Smooth on the arnica preparation of your choice right over the affected area of skin. You can do this four times per day while awake or as needed.
If you are still pregnant and wish to begin treating stretch marks, be sure to consult your doctor before using arnica.
Reduce the risk of cavities, gingivitis, gum disease and tooth pain.
Even though arnica has long been used as a homeopathic remedy for tooth pain, tooth extraction, sore throats and other oral health issues, it still isn’t talked about enough. Arnica is an ingredient in many toothpastes, oral rinses and mouthwashes available commercially today.
Because arnica contains anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic and anti-fungal properties, it can effectively ward off gum disease, tooth decay, bacterial infection and other common oral health problems.
What to do: Use your preferred arnica preparation during your normal oral health routine once to twice daily.
Related: 10 Natural Teeth Whitening Options For a Beautiful Smile
Give Arnica Oil A Try!
Arnica definitely contains a wonderful storehouse of health benefits, which explains why so many health practitioners remain so enthusiastic about its uses in a variety of contexts. But when you first learn about all of the different ways arnica oil can benefit your life, you might quite naturally feel overwhelmed.
The best way to proceed here is simply to choose one tip that particularly caught your attention and try out what is suggested in that tip. See how it works.
If you have a particular health concern that one tip addresses, perhaps that is the tip for you to use right now. From here, you can use the other tips as the need arises in a very natural and healthy way.
Buy a bottle of arnica oil from Amazon!
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