Article of the Month - October 2006
Photograph used with the kind permission of
Biopix.
www.biopix.dk |
Homoeopathy’s most famous remedy is arnica. Everybody has heard of Arnica Montana and it is widely accepted as an effective remedy. Arnica creams and gels are widely available, and most people assume it is a simple remedy for minor muscle aches.
Ever wondered how the plant was made? Well, before the plant flowers, the root is unearthed. The root is chopped, pulped and macerated (made soft by soaking) in alcohol before being diluted and succussed. Succussed is the homoeopathic way of saying shaken. Traditionally, the dilutions used to be gently pounded on a bible to maximise the shaking effect.
The wonderful thing about homoeopathy is that it reveals the wisdom in our language and thinking. If we think about arnica the plant itself and how we use it in homoeopathy, it is amazing how many connections are revealed.
Below is a table of how the plant relates to the remedy, or some may call it the doctrine of signatures.
| The Plant |
The Remedy |
It is an alpine plant preferring open landscape |
Someone needing arnica will want to breathe or be in open air |
Plant is more aromatic at high altitude locations, grows naturally where accidents and falls occurs |
Remedy grows where it is needed the most in nature. Excellent for improving circulation of mountaineers. Nature is providing us with what need should we fall! |
The roots grow in torn part of earth, where debris of other plants mixes with it; plant flower itself looks like crown leaves were torn apart due to irregularity. It thrives on debris. The flower appears somewhat battered. |
Will restore being torn apart from above, the mind: mental and emotional trauma, and from below, what we consider the physical body. Great for feeling battered, emotionally and physically.
Arnica is wonderful for shock and trauma, even those in the distant past. It is not just a remedy for acute conditions, but also for chronic ones.
|
Withstands damage from insects |
Treats bruising and physical damage |
Plant produces inulin (polysaccharides) which acts like food during autumn and winter. |
Inulin passes through the digestive system unabsorbed, so is used to sweeten foods for diabetics. Persons needing sugar tend to worse for consuming for sugar. |
It is an irritant, stimulant, depressant and irritates gastrointestinal tract. |
Typical conditions that arnica can help with include skin irritations, bruising, has an affinity to digestive organs, and mental/emotional shock. |
The plant found in areas of injuries and falls. It is high up, as if to stop would be failure. The location would mean that climbers draw on reserves to keep going – to be strong and show it/prove it. |
The person will take extra-ordinary measures to ensure success due to a fear of failure. Will push themselves unnecessarily hard to prove that they are more than up to the challenge. Will put on a brave face always: in battle in the face of injuries, for success, even when injured they will insist that they fine. |
 |
There are many reasons to use arnica and don’t be afraid to be inventive. Arnica has an affinity for soft tissue, muscles and the circulatory system.
Toothache? Rub a bit of arnica on the cheek or near the lip corresponding to the tooth/teeth involved.
It is not just for bruising.
Aching feet from shopping all day in town, or
aching muscles after the gym, then rub it on. It is very healing after surgery or any kind of trauma; car accidents, sport accident. Try it for pain relief. It is especially indicated for
marathon runners as they delve deep into reserves to push and strain their bodies onwards.
Speakers and singers, this is great for laryngitis where high notes bring on a cough.
Arnica can also help prevent deep vein thrombosis and can be used on planes for just such a purpose. It is also a great remedy for jet lag. It is an absolute must for the
traveller.
So the next time you see arnica, realise that it is so much than an ache remedy. It is truly one of nature’s most generous gifts.
QVC, the shopping channel on TV at
www.qvcuk.com sell huge bottles of arnica gel (500ml and 1l sizes) that last a long time and are a must in the household for topical applications. They represent the biggest value I have seen in arnica gels.
