Arnica oil is popular for its therapeutic uses all across the globe. Read on for information on the benefits of this oil and its uses.
Amruta Deshpande
Arnica oil is obtained from a plant called Arnica montana, which belongs to the Asteraceae plant family. It is a perennial herb with golden yellow daisy-like flowers, and tall stems. The flowers and roots of Arnica montana are widely used in herbal medicine because of their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
It is available in a variety of formulations, including sprays, gels, creams, tablets, tinctures, and oil. Arnica oil can be made from the infusion of fresh or dried flowers and can be used as a carrier. The oil is also used as a base for several other preparations, like creams and gels.
Benefits of Arnica Essential Oil
Arnica oil has been used for its magical healing properties for centuries. It is mostly used topically, and is effective in treating bruises, sprains, dislocations, acne, varicose ulcers, and hair loss.
Inflammation
Arnica preparations contain sesquiterpene lactones, which help in inhibiting the pain and swelling associated with inflammation. It is known for treating inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, and other such conditions.
This oil is also beneficial in treating bruises and insect bites. It is used to treat swelling of veins that are caused due to blood clots, and also to reduce swellings caused by fractures and sprains.
Traumatic Injury
Injury of any kind results in a lot of blood loss. Using arnica herbal oil on the affected area helps to stimulate the area and the immune system responds to it by sending blood supply to the injured site.
This prevents tissue build up and results in faster healing of the injury. Arnica oil is also used to relieve muscle aches, joint pains, and pain and discoloration associated with bruising.
Skin Care
The antiseptic and antibacterial properties of arnica oil make it useful in treating a number of skin ailments. Used topically, it is effective in treating acne, cuts, boils, and skin rashes. A lot of scar removal creams have it as an important constituent that helps in healing and reducing scars.
Hair
Use of this herbal oil for hair is gaining popularity these days. Regular use stimulates the scalp and promotes hair growth. It strengthens the hair roots, thus, making the hair healthy and preventing hair loss. It is also used in herbal dandruff treatment.
Other Uses of Arnica Oil
Arnica oil is used as a massage oil as it stimulates the body and soothes the muscle. A lot of athletes often use it for relieving over used and strained muscles. Diluted oil can be used as a mouthwash as it has anti-microbial properties. Another use is to reduce herpes symptoms, like cold sores.
Although arnica is considered to be safe for adults as well as children, the use of arnica preparations should be avoided during pregnancy. It is known to trigger uterine contractions and can lead to serious problems.
In spite of its many benefits, the oil should not be used on broken skin or rashes, and oral intake of arnica oil should be avoided, as it may be toxic and lead to certain health hazards.