Arnica montana, or mountain arnica, is a European plant with golden yellow, daisy-like flowers and broad flat leaves. In the wild, Arnica montana grows to about 2 feet high, and is at home in high-elevation meadows. It has also been cultivated as a garden flower or medicinal herb. Arnica Montana 200C is a homeopathic remedy made from extracts of the Arnica montana plant.
History
Arnica montana has been used medicinally since at least the 1500s, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. Historically, arnica has most often been used in topical creams and ointments for the treatment of bruises and strained muscles. It is taken internally in the highly diluted forms found in homeopathic medicine. Homeopathy is a method of healing developed by the German doctor Samuel Hahnemann in the late 18th century, according to homeopathic practitioner and instructor David Little.
Potency
Homeopathic remedy potency is denoted by a number located after the name of the plant substance. A tincture of the plant is made following procedures set by the United States Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia, advises homeopathic veterinarian Christina Chambreau. One drop of tincture is diluted with 99 drops of water to create a 1C potency homeopathic remedy. A single drop of this solution is then diluted with 99 more drops of water to create a 2C potency. Arnica montana 200C is a tincture of arnica, diluted 200 times in succession.
Benefits
Homeopathic Arnica montana may be taken internally for treatment of low back pain, and it is used topically and in homeopathic treatment for bruises and muscle aches caused by physical trauma, advises the University of Maryland Medical Center. Arnica 200C addresses deep physical pain with an accompanying emotional effect, as homoepathic practitioner Jennie French describes in a set of three case studies of her use of Arnica montana. Arnica is beneficial when the patient is hurt in such a way that they do not wish to be touched -- even if that patient is a dog, advises homeopathic veterinarian Christina Chambreau.
Misconceptions
Although it sounds illogical, in homeopathic practice a 200C remedy is considered more potent than the common 6C or 30C potencies. Arnica montana 200C has no molecules of the original Arnica tincture in it, homeopathic veterinarian Christine Chambeau advises, but it is considered stronger than a lower-number potency. Higher potency Arnica montana remedies should only be administered after lower potency remedies have lost their effective impact, according to homeopathic practitioner Jennie French.
Warning
Medical practitioners are not in accord on the benefits and risks of homeopathy and other alternative or complementary medicines, advises the University of Maryland Medical Center. Always consult your physician before treatment of any traumatic injury, and never take Arnica montana internally except in the highly diluted homeopathic form.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Arnica
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Low Back Pain
- Simillimum.com: Homeopathic Online Education
- Homeopathicdoctor.com: Dr. Wilson Answers Frequently Asked Questions About Homeopathy in the U.S.
- University of California Davis College of Veterinary Medicine: Homeopathic Medicine and Flower Essence Therapy in Your Veterinary Practice
- Hpathy.com: Arnica Montana in a One, and a Two, and a Three
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