Uses of Arnica Montana in Greece

Arnica Montana is one of 30 plants of the arnica genus. The plant resembles a large yellow daisy. Judith Ladner of the website "Grassland Species" writes that the origin of the name Arnica stems from the Greek word "arnakis," meaning lamb's wool. This refers to the soft, furry sepals that surround the flower of the plant. Montana indicates that arnica is an alpine plant; Mountain Tobacco, Wolfsbane and Mountain Snuff are other names for arnica.

Injury Relief

• Arnica Montana has long been used in Greece and across most of central Europe, where it grows in mountainous, arid regions. The herb is a natural anti-inflammatory. As such, Arnica Montana balms and muscle rubs are common remedies in the sports industry. Arnica Montana is most commonly used to alleviate aches, bruises and muscle strains as well as reducing the effects of arthritis and rheumatism.

Childbirth

• Arnica Montana is still given to women to relieve the pain during and after childbirth and to reduce emotional stress. the Society of Homeopaths describes it as "an indispensable remedy" in relation to childbirth. In the Babylonian legend of Etana, the hero "rode on the back of the god Shamash's eagle to the heavens to retrieve a medicinal plant that would relieve her pain." Writer and herbalist Giuseppe Maria Sesti speculates that this plant was probably arnica.

Dental Problems

• Traditionally, rural inhabitants of Greece used Arnica Montana to relieve toothache and other dental issues. This involved ingesting the herb orally in the form of a poultice in order to reduce swelling in the mouth. This practice is less common today due to the extreme side effects possible after a slight overdose of Arnica Montana.

Travel Sickness

• Arnica Montana is available in pill form from homeopathic stores. People susceptible to travel sickness can take the pill as directed in order to alleviate symptoms, including headaches and nausea.

Additional Information

• Arnica Montana is not edible and is used for medicinal purposes. It cannot be ingested in high quantities due its high toxicity levels. Effects of taking Arnica Montana can include nausea, vomiting and seizures as well as coma and organ failure in extreme cases.

  As with other homeopathic medicines, there is little proven evidence to support the benefits of Arnica Montana. The Herbalist website states: "It is important to note that none of these claims have been documented or confirmed by the FDA and no information...should be construed as medical advice."