Arnica Montana

Where do we find the pathogenesis of Arnica ?

In Hahnemann's Materia Medica Pura, British Journal of Homoeopathy , Vol. VI., and L'Art Médical , Vol. XLIV.

What is Arnica ?

The Leopard's bane , a native of Central Europe. Tincture should be made from the fresh root in the same manner as described under Hydrastis and Sanguinaria . It must be imported.

Why is not the tincture made from the flowers, as recommended by some, as good ?

On account of the Arnica fly, which lays its eggs in the flowers, being apt to give them an irritating property resembling the effects of the Spanish fly.

Do all pharmacists make their tincture from the root ?

Some seek to compromise the question by using 1/3 blossoms and 2/3 roots, thereby producing an unreliable article.

What is the general physiological action of Arnica ?

It produces conditions in the system quite similar to those resulting from injuries, falls, blows, contusions. It is especially suited to cases where any injury, however remote, seems to have caused the existing trouble. After traumatic injuries , over-use of any organ, strains ; limbs and body ache as if beaten, bed feels too hard. On the skin it produces an acute dermatitis.

What is the great characteristic of the drug ?

A bruised, sore feeling all over the body ; the patient feels as if the had been pounded.

In what general conditions is Arnica a remedy ?

In mechanical injuries, sudden wrenching of muscles from strains ; haemorrhages from injuries ; for injuries to the soft parts accompanying fractures, bruises, ecchymoses, concussions of the brain and spine.

When, in injuries, is Rhus tox., preferable ?

Where the ligaments rather than the soft parts are injured, for it acts more on the fibrous tissues.

When would Hypericum be indicated ?

When there is injury to the nerves. It has been called the "Arnica of the nerves".

Give indications for Calendula in wounds.

When the wounds are ragged and there is loss of substance with great soreness and pain ; it reduces inflammation and promotes healthy granulation.

When should Staphisagria be thought of ?

In symptoms traceable to surgical operations ; smooth, clean cuts, etc.

What is the remedy for injuries to the bones ?

Symphytum officinalis.

What are the indications for Arnica in typhoid fever ?

Indifference to everything ; patients do not know or care that they are sick ; go to sleep while answering questions ; hot head, cool body and a bruised feeling all over the body ; complain that the bed is too hard and toss about to find a soft spot ; involuntary stools and urine ; petechiae all over the body ; ecchymoses and bed sores ; later a condition of stupor in which the lower jaw drops.

What are the rheumatic symptoms of Arnica ?

Rheumatism resulting from exposure to dampness, cold and excessive muscular strain combined ; the parts are sore and bruised ; gout, with extreme soreness.

What are the dyspeptic symptoms of the drug ?

Throbbing headache and drowsiness after a meal ; tendency to putrescence, foul breath, shiny tongue, belching of gas which tastes like rotten eggs ; tympanitic distension of the abdomen, foul smelling stool and a great deal of weakness.

What is the action of Arnica on the skin ?

It produces a peculiar form of erysipelas - a dermatitis with much itching and soreness, dark blue in color. Boils with great soreness.

What remedy antidotes the skin symptoms of Arnica ?

Camphor .

Why should Arnica be diluted before being applied externally ?

Because the tincture is resinous and not only liable to produce the condition above referred to in sensitive skins, but interferes with its easy absorption.