Arnica

Arnica montana

After two weeks away on holiday the change in the flowers on the mountain is amazing. Walking up the new Gemsweg to Maennlichen I encountered at least seven different orchids, plus the paradise lilly. At the top, 2300m, Arnica montana is nicely in bud and about to show her face.

In the 1950's Dr Alfred Vogel, a Swiss Naturopath said of Arnica that it was to be found everywhere in Switzerland. Now it is a protected plant due to its dwindling numbers. True that here in the Swiss alps it remains fairly prolific, hence it has a partial protection status. However, the rest of Europe it is illegal to pick.

Arnica likes a poor soil, as do all the meadow flowers. To such an extent that under the flight paths in France it has died out due to air pollution.

Arnica is for topical use only, and in very diluted amounts as it can produce allergic reactions. I think everyone knows that it is for bruises and swelling, only to be used on intact skin though.

Homeopathically it can also be used in cases of shock, both emotional and traumatic. Hence it is often suggested for use immediately following surgery, where it reputedly reduces bruising and swelling post operatively. Several cosmetic surgeons I know recommend their patients take it. Please tell the hospital staff, so that they are in the picture.

There has been some research comparing Arnica Gel to Ibuprofen Gel applied to arthritic fingers. Arnica came out equivalent to the Ibuprofen, reducing pain and improving movement, with the addition that it can be used concurrently with Warfarin, unlike Ibuprofen.

The English equivalent, for use on bruises etc, is the common daisy, its old name was bruisewort.