Originating from European mountainous regions, mountain arnica flowers contain active ingredients with recognized therapeutic properties and their maceration in sunflower oil provides an oily macerate very popular with athletes. Indeed, very anti-inflammatory, it soothes muscle tension of all kinds. But it has many other uses: do you suffer from circulatory problems? Here is a macerate for you! Latin name: Arnica montana L. Part used: Flowering tops
This article was updated on 28/07/2023Main properties
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anti-inflammatory :
Arnica oily macerate is anti-inflammatory thanks to the sesquiterpene lactones contained in Arnica flowers: helenaline and dihydrohelenaline exert an anti-inflammatory action in animals, by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, molecules normally responsible inflammation. In addition, this effect is reinforced by carotenoids and flavonoids which are also extracted during maceration. Therefore, Arnica oily macerate is ideal for sensitive and irritated skin.
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anticoagulant, circulatory :
Arnica is known to act on blood circulation. Indeed, sesquiterpene lactones and helenaline inhibit platelet aggregation, which tends to increase bleeding time. This is why it is better not to put Arnica oily macerate on an open wound. On the other hand, once coagulation has taken place, Arnica is very useful in limiting the extent and duration of bruising, and it promotes blood circulation in the case of varicose veins for example.
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antimycobacterial :
Helenalin and other sesquiterpene lactones have shown antiparasitic activity in vitro against certain protists of the genus Trypanosoma. This activity was also found in an alcoholic extract of Arnica flowers, so we can legitimately think that it is found in the case of Arnica oily macerate. Furthermore, studies have proven that oleic and linoleic acids have antibacterial activity against certain Gram+ bacteria.
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antimitotic :
The sesquiterpene lactones in this oily macerate inhibit keratinocyte mitosis, which inhibits the growth and renewal of hair follicles. Arnica oily macerate is therefore suitable for the formulation of products which seek to slow down hair development.
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repairer :
Arnica oily macerate has a stimulating and protective action on the skin barrier. Indeed, we have been able to show that sunflower vegetable oil, which constitutes the basis of this macerate, protects the skin from nosocomial infections and improves the skin barrier function. Thus, with the compounds extracted from Arnica flowers, this oily macerate is an excellent skin protector.
Characteristics and composition
Cosmetic features
- Skin type: all skin types.
Organoleptic characteristics
- Appearance: oily liquid
- Color: greenish to orange-yellow
- Odor: floral, slightly bitter.
- Touch: dry.
Characteristics for formulation
- Unsaponifiable and active ingredients: flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactones, coumarins.
- Comedogenicity index: 0 (=non-comedogenic)
- Oxidation stability: sensitive
- Inci name: helianthus annuus seed oil, arnica montana flower extract
Fatty acid composition
- linoleic acid (omega 6 PUFA): 48 to 74%
- oleic acid (omega 9 MUFA): 14 to 40%
- palmitic acid (AGS): 4 to 9%
- stearic acid (SFA): 1 to 7%
Physical characteristics
- Density at 20°C: 0.910 to 0.930
- Flash point: 100
- Peroxide value: 20
- Refractive index at 20°C: 1,470 to 1,480
Botanical characteristics
- Botanical family: Asteraceae
- Country of origin: Metropolitan France.
- Distilled part: flowers
- Obtaining process: maceration in sunflower oil
- Latin name: Arnica montana L.
Precautions for use
- Arnica is toxic to the nervous, digestive, respiratory and cardiac systems, and it should not be ingested. Its oily macerate is thus reserved for skin use.
- Do not take at the same time as anti-coagulants / anti-platelets so as not to increase the risk of bleeding.
- It is advisable to do not use it on open wounds.
- This oily macerate is sensitive to oxidation.
- Consult your doctor if taking concomitant medications.
- People allergic to Asteraceae should seek medical advice before use.
Authorized ways of use
Authorized users
Storage
Store preferably in a cool place, away from light and heat.
In case of Aches, Muscle cramp, Muscle pain, Tendinitis, Joint pain
Efficiency: ++++
Arnica oily macerate is anti-inflammatory : it limits the muscle and tendon inflammation due to its natural content of sesquiterpene lactones (helenaline and arnifoline). This oily macerate is therefore ideal in the event of tendonitis or sprain. Traditionally used in this role for many years, this usage has been recognized by the EMA (European Medicinal Agency) within the framework of bruises, sprains and localized muscle pain. It will therefore be ideal for reducing bruising, calming pain and promoting good healing in cases of tendinitis, bruises, blows, stiff neck, etc.
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Application advice :
a few drops on painful or inflamed areas, twice a day.
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Complementary essential oil(s) :
for greater effectiveness, add a few drops ofwintergreen essential oil orLemon Eucalyptus respecting a 20% dilution.
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Other suitable vegetable oils :
- Use in synergy to relieve osteoarthritis.
- Use in synergy against tendonitis. Apply very delicately to the painful area, 6 to 8 drops, 3 times a day for 5 days: 30 drops of Italian Helichrysum essential oil + 10 drops of Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil + 10 drops of Lavandin Super essential oil + 10 drops of Peppermint essential oil + 60 drops of Arnica oily macerate .
In case of'Edema, bruise, hematoma, contusion
Efficiency: ++++
Circulatory, Arnica oily macerate promotes smooth blood circulation. This helps to resolve bruises and swelling as well as any situations where your blood stagnates. However, you must pay attention to your anticoagulant effect and its risk of promoting hemorrhage. Do not use on an open wound!
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Application advice :
a few drops massaged into the affected area, twice a day.
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Complementary essential oil(s) :
it is possible to combine it with essential oils such asitalian Helichrysum essential oil to promote good venous circulation at the rate of 1 drop of Italian Helichrysum for 4 drops of Arnica.
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Other suitable vegetable oils :
Use in synergy with essential oils. Dfrom 3 years old, 2 drops applied locally to the bruise, bump or hematoma, 5 times a day until it disappears : 30 drops of Italian Helichrysum essential oil + 10 drops of True Lavender essential oil + 10 drops of Cypress de Provence essential oil + 50 drops of Arnica oily macerate. More details : essential oils against hematomas.
In case of'Sprain
Efficiency: ++++
Arnica oily macerate has anti-inflammatory and circulatory benefits. In the event of a sprain, it will therefore be ideal to reduce pain, swelling and bruising, thus promoting good healing.
Reserved for ages 6+. Repeat 3 times a day for 5 days. Gently massage the painful area with 6 to 8 drops of this mixture:
- 30 drops of essential oilItalian Helichrysum
- 10 drops of essential oilLemon Eucalyptus
- 10 drops of essential oil Lavandin Super
- 10 drops of essential oil Pepper mint
- 60 drops of oily macerate'Arnica
Also remember to keep the joint fixed. More details or other users: essential oils to relieve sprains.
Against the Varicose veins, heavy legs
Efficiency: ++
Arnica oily macerate is rich in active and unsaponifiable ingredients which will be useful in the event of varicose veins or heavy legs. Arnica promotes blood circulation, in particular by acting on the small capillary vessels likely to be responsible for varicose veins. The oily macerate of Arnica thus facilitates blood circulation and strengthens the wall of the vessels.
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Application advice :
a few drops massaged from the bottom to the top of the leg, twice a day.
Arnica in homeopathy
L'Homeopathic arnica has three main properties: anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anticoagulant. Homeopathy is a very gentle treatment option, which is suitable for both children and adults. Homeopathic Arnica granules are useful in cases of shock (bruises), emotional shock (accident, bad news) or joint and muscle pain (sprain, aches, cramps). The granules should be taken directly after the incident.
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Bibliography
Publication: Klaas, CA, Wagner, G., Laufer, S., Sosa, S., Loggia, RD, Bomme, U., Merfort, I. (2002). Studies on the Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Phytopharmaceuticals Prepared from Arnica Flowers. Planta Medica, 68(5), 385–391. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2002-320
Publication: Dilika, F., Bremner, P., & Meyer, J. (2000). Antibacterial activity of linoleic and oleic acids isolated from Helichrysum pedunculatum: a plant used during circumcision rites. Fitoterapia, 71(4), 450–452. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0367-326x(00)00150-7
Publication: Darmstadt, GL, Badrawi, N., Law, PA, Ahmed, S., Bashir, M., Iskander, I., . . . Santosham, M. (2004). Topically Applied Sunflower Seed Oil Prevents Invasive Bacterial Infections in Preterm Infants in Egypt. The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal,
Publication: Kriplani, P., Guarve, K., & Baghael, US (2017). Arnica montana L.–a plant of healing. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 69(8), 925-945.
Publication: Shiffman MA (2012) Arnica montana. In: Prendergast P., Shiffman M. (eds) Aesthetic Medicine. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Work : de la Charie, T. (2019). Treat yourself with essential oils. Why and how does it work? Editions du Rocher.
Website : EMA, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (2014). Community herbal monograph on Arnica montana L., flos. https://www.ema.europa.eu/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-arnica-montana-l-flos_en.pdf
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