Arnica is a homeopathic Remedy for Alleviating pain. The homeopathic effect of Arnica in bruising reduces pain considerably and when it is used properly, if necessary in conjunction with other homeopathic remedies, it is only in extreme cases that a conventional prescription pain medication would become necessary. The indication for Arnica is bruising, and its effectiveness in this situation is what has caused Arnica to become the most commonly used homeopathic remedy around the world. It has certainly been responsible for demonstrating the efficacy of this form of medicine more than any other remedy.

Arnica is one of the most widely known, valued and useful of all homeopathic remedies. It is especially suited to cases when any injury, however remote (old injuries), seems to have caused the present trouble. After traumatic injuries, overuse of any body part, strains.

• Mental or physical SHOCK
• Epilepsy from traumatic injuries.
• To lessen trauma of bruising after giving birth.
• Prevents post-partum hemorrhage and puerperal complications if given just after delivery.
• Before and after surgery.
• Dental work - used before and after it will minimize bruising, soreness and bleeding (also see Phos.) It can be alternated with Hypericum to ease pain.
• Eye injuries and ocular hemorrhage.
• Ear flap hematoma - to absorb blood under the skin.
• After strokes (it absorbs internal bleeding very quickly) alternate with Belladonna.
• Over endurance events, racing, agility competitions, dressage, etc.
• Accidents and injuries; car accidents, falls, (the animal may be in shock), bruising, sprains and strains.
• For any blunt trauma where the skin is not broken.
• Old past injuries.
• A muscular tonic.

Note: Arnica, the plant, tincture, cream or gel should never be applied externally anywhere there is broken skin, cuts or abrasions (use Calendula or Hypericum in these cases).

Keynotes:

• Bruising
• Trauma
• Pain
• Difficulty getting comfortable
• Fear of being touched
• Arnica has an affinity for BLOOD. BLOOD VESSELS. Nerves, Muscles, Digestive organs

Modalities:

Worse from any kind of touch, pressure or movement.
Better when lying down and resting.

Dose:
In acute injury it is given at any potency, but generally the higher the better, even 10M, as soon as possible after the event, and as frequently as necessary thereafter. In surgery, it is useful to commence dosage the day before the operation, and during surgery drop doses can be administered sublingually by the attending anesthetist. After surgery, it may be continued at lower potency, e.g. 30c b.i.d. (twice a day).

For a veterinary treatment and dosing guide to homeopathy, we recommend using Pet Remedy Charts, 'Homeopathy to the Rescue' for dogs, cats, horses or birds.

Source:
Arnica is very much an Alpine plant, the higher it grows the more aromatic it becomes. It grows naturally on places where climbing accidents and falls can occur, especially in extreme altitudes.

The name is derived from the Greek deity 'Anakis' (lord of the air). Arnica has also been called 'lambskin', because of the texture of it's leaves; the specific name montana refers to its natural habitat in Central Europe, being relatively high mountain meadows around the 1,000 meter mark. It flowers in July and August and prefers specific soil; it's roots seek peat-moors where trees have been cut down in the clearing of woods. It thrives where the debris of plants and soil meet to form a layer of humus decay.

It's flowering crown attracts many insects. One of them a fly called, Tripeta arnicivora and its larvae which live and nourish themselves in the bottom of the crown. Additionally, a number of fungi grow as parasites on the surface of the plant. The plant in its whole state is poisonous and can cause skin irritation on contact.

The homeopathic mother tincture is prepared from the whole fresh plant - roots, flowers and leaves.

In remedy provings, Arnica produced conditions upon the system quite similar to those resulting from injuries, falls, blows, contusions and septic conditions.

The provings of Arnica include a 'bruised feeling', difficulty getting comfortable when lying on hard surfaces, and pain and stiffness of muscles which is relieved somewhat by motion. Pain on touch may be so great that it leads to a fear of being touched.

Abbreviations: Arnica, Arn. (Mountain Daisy)