Arnica

[Dauxside]

As y'all know Wu blew out a disc this summer. What are your thoughts about putting her on/keeping her on as a theraputic herb the Arnica?

...as an aside, also for myself for the fibro & arthritis? Any side effects (I have IBS and colitus)

[golden&hovawart]

Arnica


Description

Arnica Montana is a herb which has been used from the oldest of times to cure wounds. Starting in the 16th century this herb has been used In North America, Germany and Russia due to its anti-inflammatory and calming effects. It should not be confused with Arnica Chamissonis, which is not a medicinal herb, but a decorative one.

The active compounds contained by arnica are its volatile oil, carotenoids, flavornoids, and triterpenic alcohol. Its roots contain volatile oil (0.5 - 1.5 %), caffeic acid, inuline, thymol, and saccharose.

Arnica has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, decongestive and antifungal properties. It also stimulates the forming the granular tissues and thus accelerating the healing process. It eliminates micro-organisms and keeps bacteria and pathogenic funguses from multiplying.

The arnica flowers are used for treating the pale face skin complexion, wounds, bruises and burns. It should be noted however that the arnica flowers are not harmless because the arnica tincture can be an irritant when applied locally on skin or even internally in small doses can provoke gastro-enteritis or the paralysis of central nerve system. Other medicinal uses of this herb involve the treatment of bruises, dislocations, bacterial infections, skin cancer, bronchitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, flu, lung virosis, cystitis, nephritis, kidney infections, coronary insufficiencies, hypertension, breastplate angina, cerebral trauma, headaches, paresis, semiparesis, insomnia, heart palpitations, nightmares, night terrors, moral depressions, neurosis, hysteria etc.

The mixtures from arnica are as follows:

• Tincture - recommended in cases of trauma, sprains, and wounds by applying a dab on the affected area. Internally, the arnica tincture is administrated in 3-4 doses daily. The usual dose consists of one spoon diluted in approximately 100 ml of water. It is also recommended in treating breathing disorders by completing the antibiotic effect recommended by the physician. Many satisfactory results are obtained in cases of poor health conditions and also in treating urinary renal illnesses. In treating throat infections, gargling with arnica is recommended. One to two spoons of arnica are dissolved in half a glass of water and caution should be employed as to not swallow the mixture. The tincture can also be used by the individuals highly sensitive to cold to energetically rub their feet numb with cold or the chest. A salve of chamomile is usually applied on the rubbed spots. Warning! Arnica tincture is toxic if more than 30 drops are administrated in the same day. Over dosage of arnica is very dangerous, leading to digestion problems, nausea and even diarrhea. For children younger than 7 years old arnica can only be administrated under medical surveillance.
• Oil - it is prepared in the following way: one handful of arnica flowers are grinded and then put into a jar, on top of which 200 ml of pumpkin or soybean oil is poured. For two weeks the mixture is left to heat in the sun and after that it gets strained.
• Powder - is obtained from dry arnica flower by grinding them with an electrical grinder and then strained to obtain the white powder. From this a white powder giving off a strong perfumed smell is obtained from which only a really small quantity is administered four times a day.

Ointments based on arnica and black bryony - have the same usages as the other products containing arnica. Arnica creams are renowned for their ability of treating acne.
Thought this might help you!.
I've never used it on a continuous way!.
have you thought of doing aquatherapy or acupuncture on her?.That would also help tremendously!.

[Dauxside]

We swim in the ocean, I think of it as salt therapy

Thanks so much for the overview I'm just worried about long term for both of us. I'm very into homeopathic but I do know that just like conventional drugs there can be side effects and some should not be used on a regular basis.

I don't think I could do acupuncture, can't do it for me - such a fool about needles. I can give shots all day long but if one comes near me I'd freak. She's got extremely sensitive skin so I'd worry about that too with her. Comes from probably not just bad breeding but lying in filth for 4 months as a puppy

I'm searching the web now - may just *have* to go on found a site that says it helps to quit smoking (I smoke 2 packs a day - American Spirit, no chemicals)

*edit*

Crumbs I have my answer:

Side Effects

Arnica has been well tolerated in studies when used in very diluted (homeopathic) doses for up to two weeks under the supervision of a qualified health care professional. However, at high doses, arnica may lead to serious side effects and death. Some people may experience stomach discomfort, including nausea and vomiting. Liver and kidney damage has also been reported. Organ failure may occur from high doses. Skin rashes, eczema or lesions in the mouth may occur. These side effects may be the result of arnica allergies. It is best to avoid using topical arnica on open wounds or near the eyes and mouth. There is a report of mouth ulcers caused by a mouthwash containing arnica and other ingredients.

Other side effects may include muscle weakness, organ damage, coma and death. Irregular heart rhythms, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure or failure of the heart to beat may occur when arnica is taken by mouth, especially in large doses. In theory, arnica may increase the risk of bleeding. If you have diabetes or use anticoagulants (blood thinners) or antiplatelet drugs and are considering using arnica, discuss this with a health care professional. It may be necessary to stop taking arnica before some surgeries.

So a few weeks or a week a month but that would be the only length of time.

[BabyElephant]

What other supplements are you taking? I have RA and can recommend a few good supplements to reduce swelling and inflammation (one of them which would also help the IBS and colitis).

[Dauxside]

I take the ester c, Cayenne, White willow, and daily I eat blueberries.

[BabyElephant]

Fish Oil (not Cod Liver Oil) is proven to reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritis - you need to get the right balance of EPA and DHA though and take a suitable amount to get the benefit. I'll look up the amounts for you.

Aloe Vera Gel is also good for reducing inflammation associated with arthritis, colitis, IBS etc. But you have to be careful which brand you get, how much Aloe Vera is in the drink and whether it's whole leaf (which can cause stomach cramps and other side effects) or filtered and stablised.

Green Lipped Mussel is supposed to be good but I couldn't stomach the smell!

Linseed/flax seed oil is also good for reducing inflammation and of course glucosamine & MSM.

I need to get my notes out to see if there's anything I've missed.

[Dauxside]

Originally Posted by BabyElephant

Fish Oil (not Cod Liver Oil) is proven to reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritis - you need to get the right balance of EPA and DHA though and take a suitable amount to get the benefit. I'll look up the amounts for you.

Aloe Vera Gel is also good for reducing inflammation associated with arthritis, colitis, IBS etc. But you have to be careful which brand you get, how much Aloe Vera is in the drink and whether it's whole leaf (which can cause stomach cramps and other side effects) or filtered and stablised.

Green Lipped Mussel is supposed to be good but I couldn't stomach the smell!

Linseed/flax seed oil is also good for reducing inflammation and of course glucosamine & MSM.

I need to get my notes out to see if there's anything I've missed.

TA BE I eat Flaxseed meal almost daily - just love the taste, didn't know about the reduction of inflamation but it does help *cough* move things through

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM LOVE Green Lipped Mussels, as a matter of fact making cioppino with them either tonight or tomorrow (GLM, shrimp, cod, scallops and baby squid.)

I can get the organic Aloe Vera at the health food store.

Oh thank god, can not abide Cod oil (my nana's favorite nighttime treat *gack*) - will look at health food store this weekend when I do my regular market.

[fairlight]

I would not stay on Arnica more than 10 days straight. Same with echinacea tincutre, you can only stay on it for about a 10 day period of time and let off for the rest of the month. Then go back the following month.

[Dauxside]

Originally Posted by fairlight

I would not stay on Arnica more than 10 days straight. Same with echinacea tincutre, you can only stay on it for about a 10 day period of time and let off for the rest of the month. Then go back the following month.

Thanks Fair, that's what I think I want to do for both myself and Wu. At this point I'm willing to try anything to give us both better quality of life.

[fairlight]

Put it this way Daux it may not help but it sure can't hurt if taken correctly. You go girl!