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Arnica's anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties
Arnica is a plant known for its medicinal benefits, growing mainly in the mountains of central and eastern Europe. It has become very popular in the world of physiotherapy and massage for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, which make it an excellent natural remedy when treating various muscular and skin complaints.
Belonging to the sunflower family (asteraceae), along with marigold and chamomile, its scientific name is arnica montana. It has a characteristic yellow-orange colour, a light green stem that is over 30 centimetres tall and a scent reminiscent of chamomile.
Also known as mountain tobacco, arnica flowers contain around 150 active substances including essential oils, salicylic acid, carotenes, flavonoids and resin, making it a plant that promotes the regeneration of connective tissue after an injury, blow or bruise.
It does not have the profile it deserves, so at Telic we are going to take a look at the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties of arnica, so that you can learn how this medicinal plant can help you to prepare and recover both your muscles and ligaments, helping prevent possible injuries from exercise.
What are the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties of arnica montana?
Anti-inflammatory properties
Arnica has been shown to be a powerful and effective natural anti-inflammatory substance and this is because it is composed mainly of helenalin. This material is the main reason behind its therapeutic use, since its anti-inflammatory effect is better than that of most sesquiterpene lactones.
Thanks to helenalin, arnica reduces inflammation by inhibiting the action of chemicals that cause inflammation, helping to bring down the swelling associated with injuries, eliminate redness and bruising, and improve joint mobility.
Because of its ability to calm inflammatory processes and speed up muscle recovery after high-intensity physical exertion, it is widely used by people doing high-intensity exercise on a daily basis, leading to it being commonly referred to as the "sportsperson's flower".
Pain-relieving properties
Arnica's high flavonoid and phenolic acid content gives it an analgesic capacity that allows it to relieve pain, not only at the muscular or joint level due to injuries or bruises, but also for headaches.
This is because the compounds in arnica act as pain sensation inhibitors, blocking the nerve signals that transmit discomfort, making arnica a very effective natural analgesic for localised pain relief.
More of arnica’s properties that you should know about
In addition to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect, arnica also has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that give it enormous healing power, preventing bacteria from moving freely and infecting wounds or ulcers on the skin, acting quickly and, above all, effectively.
Likewise, this sportsperson's flower improves blood circulation, which is very beneficial for treating problems of varicose veins and venous return, which appear due to the accumulation of blood as a consequence of a blow, as well as for accelerating the healing of bruises.
Because of all these properties, arnica has become an ideal plant for caring for muscles and other body tissues in a completely natural way.
How can you take advantage of the benefits of arnica?
First of all, it should be made clear that arnica can NEVER be drunk as an infusion, as it can be highly toxic and dangerous, resulting in headaches, dizziness, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Arnica should only be used topically, in the form of an ointment, gel or oil that incorporates this plant in its formulation in the appropriate dose, allowing it to be applied to the skin.
Because of its beneficial properties in reducing inflammation and muscle and joint discomfort, arnica is a plant commonly used in massage oils, creams and gels, making it a very effective product for keeping muscles and joints in perfect condition before, during and after exercise or physical exertion.
OXD products with arnica for muscle pain relief
OXD arnica body gel 250 ml
This body gel provides intense care for the skin thanks to the properties of the arnica, soothing, revitalising and comforting at the same time.
Also available in 500 ml.
OXD arnica massage cream
A cream designed for use when giving longer professional massages, providing the benefit of the antiseptic, astringent and relaxing effects of the arnica, enriched with vitamin E.
OXD arnica + harpagophytum recovery gel 1000 ml
This is a post-competition recovery gel with extract of arnica and harpagophytum, a plant from South Africa known as "devil's claw", which also has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, ideal for use after physical exertion. It promotes muscle comfort and recovery, preventing and reducing muscle fatigue.
OXD arnica massage oil 1000 ml
A professional massage oil with arnica, an almond base and enriched with vitamin E, highly beneficial for combating swelling, sagging skin and relaxing muscles.
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