View source for Arnica Montana

'''Arnica Montana''' is a perennial herb.  Growing close to the ground, its leaves form a flat rosette from which rises a 1 to 2 foot high flower stalk bearing orange-yellow flowers.  It grows in the woods and mountain pastures of Central Europe and has also been found in England and Southern Scotland.

Arnica has been used for centuries to treat inflammation of pains, soreness and bruising.  Arnica stimulates white blood cell activity which causes a breakdown of congested blood by dispersing trapped fluids.  Creams or salves are the most popular way of administering the herb to bruised areas, although it can also be ingested in specially prepared homeopathic remedies.

Arnica is recommended for use in its strongest tablet form a week before any heavy body modification procedure i.e. [[Implants]], [[Tongue splitting|tongue splitting]], genital modifications, etc., and then continued for as long as required.  Salve should also be applied to the swollen/bruised  area of transdermal and subdermal implants until discolouration has subsided.  One should not apply cream directly to the wound or near transdermal studs.  After the procedure increase the dose of Arnica from normal directions (on packet) to 5 every few hours.

Arnica is also useful in the healing of piercings, especially tongue piercings.   It is also recommended for use after plastic surgery.  Arnica is available to purchase in health food and homeopathic shops.  

== Risks ==
Arnica should NEVER be taken in its raw form.  Without special preparation it can cause intestinal bleeding, abdominal cramps and sickness.