Arnica montana Anhang
3
[Sarah Penrose]
Arnica montana L. (Asteraceae) is an herbaceous perennial plant growing
wild across the mountains of Europe and included on the International Union for
the Conservation of Nature endangered species list with regulated harvesting
confined to just several areas in France and Germany.(1)
Arnica flowers have been known for centuries as an herbal remedy. It is
a therapeutic plant used traditionally to treat various pathologic conditions
possessing significant anti-inflammatory, anti-osteoarthritic, anti-osteoporotic,
and anti-hemorrhagic activity. Arnica shows significant antioxidant and
protective effect, improves circulation, and also has analgesic properties.
Arnica has a very long history with regard to its homeopathic usage
since originally described by Samuel Hahnemann. Known as the classic
homeopathic medicine for trauma, Arnica has been widely used for the treatment
of several inflammatory conditions in pain management and postoperative
settings and used to reduce morbidity associated with various procedures,
including surgeries and treatments with lasers, and post-procedural edema and
bruising.
Arnica is indicated when a part of the body is bruised, with a sore
feeling. This can be produced by an injury, but from other causes also such as
the overexertion of an organ, or a strain, or an acute disease.
No other homeopathic medicine has been subject to more controlled
clinical trials.
A 2021 meta analysis found that homeopathic Arnica produced small effect
size.
across a series of 18
placebo-controlled trials (just shy of significance) and is equal to
conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the treatment of
postoperative pain, swelling, and functional limitations.
over and against placebo in
the prevention of excessive hematoma and other surgical sequelae – comparable
to that of anti-inflammatory substances.
A 2020 systematic review concluded
that perioperative Arnica seems to have a mitigating effect on ecchymosis, most
notably following rhinoplasty and facelifts citing
3 randomized studies using Arnica 1M potency as verum, and included
randomized studies finding no evidence in: Blepharoplasty; Elective hand
surgery; Saphenous vein stripping.
Arnica (30X) in the minimization
of postoperative edema showed a trend towards less swelling with significant
difference in the cruciate ligament surgery group in all 3 trial groups after
arthroscopy, implant or cruciate ligament surgery, with other studies finding
Arnica (D30) improved trismus but not pain or swelling after 3rd molar
extraction,
or in elective hand surgery.
Pain minimizationwas not
detected during randomized studies in rhinoplasty; elective hand surgery;(14)
arthroscopy, implant or cruciate ligament surgery;(16) third molar extraction;
and total abdominal hysterectomy.(18) A small decrease in pain score was found
in tonsillectomy, with no difference in analgesia, antibiotics, swallowing
function or visits to hospital.
A randomized double-blinded,
parallel-group study (GCP-standard) found Arnica (D4) preformed worse for pain,
but was equivalent to Diclofenac for wound irritation, mobility, and analgesia,
concluding that after foot operations Arnica can be used instead of Diclofenac
to reduce wound irritation.
Almost 50% of surveyed
surgeons regularly incorporated Arnica into their practice.
Systematic reviews and meta-analysis looking at the evidence for herbal
and homeopathic Arnica in postoperative plastic surgery concluded:
more rigorous studies are
needed to fully characterize herbal and homeopathic Arnica preparations’ effect
on decreasing edema and ecchymosis after rhinoplasty.
level II reproducible evidence
supports the use of Arnica to decrease postoperative edema after rhinoplasty citing
RCT (11) and a topical Arnica study (23) but omitting
the findings of Chaiet & Marcus which Knackstedt & Gatherwright cite
in their conclusion that Arnica has a mitigating effect on ecchymosis, most
notably following rhinoplasty and facelifts.
potentized Arnica
(homeopathic) is effective for treating several conditions including
post-traumatic and postoperative pain, edema, and ecchymosis citing Ianetti
which concluded Arnica is more effective than placebo for post traumatic and
postoperative pain, edema, and ecchymosis, suggestive that Arnica may represent
a valid alternative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs when treating
specific conditions.
no alteration in pain
perception but decreased limb swelling revealed overall treatment effect in
favour of Arnica (p = 0.04) citing 3 Brinkhuis et al., methodologically sound
trials (Jadad score of which showed a trend toward less postoperative swelling
compared to placebo, with a significant difference in the cruciate ligament
reconstruction group.
A recent study demonstrated that 80% of patients presenting for elective
plastic surgery utilized integrative medicine:
The Ernst & Pittler 1998 systematic review concluded the hypothesis
that Arnica is efficacious beyond a placebo effect is not supported by rigorous
clinical trials citing
8 placebo controlled clinical trials examining the outcome of a single
disease or condition using a non – individualized homeopathic prescription of
Arnica (all potencies)
as verum vs placebo.
Two studies gave statistically significant positives (Arnica superior to
placebo), and two studies showed numerically positive results (advantage of the
Arnica groups apparent without formal test statistics). Four studies showed
significant negatives Arnica not superior to placebo).
Use of the word rigorous is interesting as Jadad scoring judged the
quality of all included trials as methodologically weak. The authors’ stated
that generally speaking, the more rigorous studies tended to be the ones that
yielded negative findings and that there is no obvious common denominator to
differentiate between positive and negative studies. For example, one trial on
delayed-onset muscle soreness showed positive results for Arnica while another
methodologically superior trial showed negative results.
Within actual, real world homeopathic clinical settings, two
individualized case studies using Arnica in the treatment of bone marrow edema
(BME) of the knee joint have been published. The authors conclude that
individualized homeopathic medicine has a real place in treatment of the
common, but difficult to treat condition of BME of the knee, and that research
with more cases is needed to prove the effectiveness of this therapeutic
method.
These findings are consistent with sub-group data available in a
previous global systematic review which found that medicines prescribed in
individualized homeopathy may have small, specific treatment effects.
Researchers have stated that Arnica could have been applied wrongly in
Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT), as homeopaths do not treat a specific
condition but rather the whole human being it is therefore not strictly
according to the teaching of Hahnemann to use Arnica for trauma much like an
allopathic drug (7). Is RCT the best method to prove the efficacy of homeopathy
which adheres to clearly defined principles outlined in the Organon,
particularly Aphorism 3; ‘‘If the physician clearly
perceives what is to be cured in diseases, that is to say, in every individual
case of disease (knowledge of disease, indication), if he clearly perceives
what is curative in medicines, that is to say, in each individual medicine
(knowledge of medicinal powers), and if he knows how to adapt, according to
clearly defined principles, what is curative in medicines…’’?
In 2017 Mathie et al. tested their null hypothesis that the main outcome
of treatment using a non-individualized (standardised) homeopathic medicine is
indistinguishable from that of placebo, as a rigorous systematic review and
meta-analysis focusing on RCT of non-individualized homeopathic treatment had
not previously been reported; and concluded that better designed and more
rigorous RCT are needed in order to develop an evidence base that can
decisively provide reliable effect estimates of non-individualized homeopathic
treatment.
Researchers, for the past thirty years, have attempted to build a body
of substantial and impressive evidence based on clinical trials utilising the
RCT, subsequently verified through meta-analyses and systematic reviews with
the overall results being, at best, limited for homeopathy.
The recent controversial paper the spin of electrons and their role in
explaining the mechanism of action of the potentized homeopathic remedy will
likely play a role in future trial design because, if their hypothesis is
correct, it will change the whole concept of conventional medicine, concerning
diseases and their cure.
1 Falniowski et al., 2011. Arnica Montana. The IUCN Red List of
Threatened Species 2011: E.T162327A5574104. Available online
Https://Dx.Doi.Org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2011-1.RLTS.T162327A5574104.En
2 Tsintzas et al., 2020. Individualized Treatment of Bone Marrow Edema
of the Knee With the Aid of Classical Homeopathy: A Report of 2 Cases. Clinical
Medicine Insights: Case Reports [online]. January 2020. Available from:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7016301/
3 Duthen et al., 2022. Comparison of the Phytochemical Variation of
Non-Volatile Metabolites within Mother Tinctures of Arnica montana Prepared
from Fresh and Dried Whole Plant Using UHPLC-HRMS Fingerprinting and
Chemometric Analysis. Molecules. Apr 24;27(9):2737. Available from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9103735/
4 Iannitti et al., 2016. Effectiveness and Safety of Arnica montana in
Post-Surgical Setting, Pain and Inflammation. American Journal of
Therapeutics. January/February
2016 23: 1. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25171757/
5 Sherban et al., 2021. Growing role for arnica in cosmetic dermatology:
Lose the bruise. J Cosmet Dermatol. Jul;20(7):2062-2068. Available from
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jocd.14191
6 Vithoulkas, G. 1995. Materia Medica Viva: Volume 3. Alonissos, Greece,
International Academy of Classical Homeopathy.
7 Ernst & Pittler, 1998. Efficacy of homeopathic arnica: a
systematic review of placebo-controlled clinical trials. Archives of Surgery
[online]. Nov; 133 (11): 1187-90. Available from:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9820349/
8 Gaertner et al., 2021. Is Homeopathic Arnica Effective for
Postoperative Recovery? A Meta-analysis of Placebo-Controlled and Active
Comparator Trials. Front Surg.
Dec 17;8:680930. Available from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8718509/
9 Knackstedt, R., and Gatherwright, J. 2020. Perioperative Homeopathic
Arnica and Bromelain. Annals of Plastic Surgery. 84 (3), e 10–e 15. Available
from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31800557/
10 Chaiet SR, Marcus BC. 2016. Perioperative Arnica montana for
Reduction of Ecchymosis in Rhinoplasty Surgery. Annals of Plastic Surgery. May;
76 (5): 477-82 Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25954844/
11 Totonchi & Guyuron, 2007. A randomized, controlled comparison
between arnica and steroids in the management of postrhinoplasty ecchymosis and
edema. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Jul; 120 (1): 271-4. Available from:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17572575
12 Seeley et al., 2006. Effect of Homeopathic Arnica montana on Bruising
in Face-lifts. Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery. Apr; 82 (4): 459-468.
Available from https://www.liebertpub.com/full/doi/10.1001/archfaci.8.1.54
13 Kotlus et al., 2010. Evaluation of Homeopathic Arnica montana for
Ecchymosis After Upper Blepharoplasty: A Placebo-Controlled, Randomized,
Double-Blind Study. Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. 26 (6),
395-397. Available from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20683279
14 Stevinson et al., 2003. Homeopathic arnica for prevention of pain and
bruising: randomized placebo-controlled trial in hand surgery. Journal of the
Royal Society of Medicine. Feb; 96 (2): 60-5. Available from
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12562974/
15 Ramelet et al., 2000. Homeopathic Arnica in postoperative haematomas:
a double-blind study. Dermatology. 201 (4): 347-8. Available from
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11146347/
16 Brinkhaus et al., 2006. Homeopathic arnica therapy in patients
receiving knee surgery: results of three randomised double-blind trials.
Complementary Therapies in Medicine. Dec; 14 (4): 237-46. Available from:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17105693/
17 Lökken et al., 1995. Effect of homoeopathy on pain and other events
after acute trauma: placebo controlled trial with bilateral oral surgery. BMJ
clinical research h edition. Jun 3; 310 (6992): 1439-42. Available from
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7613277/
18 Hart et al., 1997. Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized
clinical trial of homoeopathic arnica C30 for pain and infection after total
abdominal hysterectomy.
Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. Feb; 90 (2): 73-8. Available
from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9068434/
19 Robertson et al., 2007. Homeopathic Arnica montana for
post-tonsillectomy analgesia: a randomised placebo control trial. Homeopathy.
Jan; 96 (1): 17-21. Available from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17227743/
20 Karow et al., 2008. Efficacy of Arnica montana D4 for healing of
wounds after Hallux valgus surgery compared to diclofenac. Journal of
Alternative and Complement Medicine [online]. Jan-Feb;14 (1):17-25. Available
from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18199022/
21 Ong et al., 2016. Interventions to decrease postoperative edema and
ecchymosis after rhinoplasty: A systematic review of the literature. Plastic
and reconstructive surgery. 5, 1448. Available from
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27119920/
22 Ruan et al., 2019. Integrative Medicine in Plastic Surgery: A
Systematic Review of Our Literature. Annals of Plastic Surgery. Apr; 82 (4):
459-468. Available from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30557187/
23 Simsek et al., 2016. Topical Application of Arnica and
Mucopolysaccharide Polysulfate Attenuates Periorbital Edema and Ecchymosis in
Open Rhinoplasty: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Study. Plastic and
Reconstructive Surgery. Mar; 137 (3): 530e-535e. Available from
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26910697/
24 Lee et al., 2017. The effectiveness of postoperative intervention in
patients after rhinoplasty: a meta-analysis. European Archives of
Oto-rhino-laryngology: official journal of the European Federation of
Oto-rhino-laryngological Societies (EUFOS): affiliated with the German society
for Oto-rhino-laryngology – Head and Neck surgery. Jul; 274, 2685-2694.
Available from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28314960/
25 Barlow et al., 2013. The effect of complementary therapies on
post-operative pain control in ambulatory knee surgery: a systematic review.
Complementary Therapies in Medicine. Oct; 21 (5): 529-34. Available from
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24050592/
26 Patel et al., 2017. Utilization and Perception of Integrative
Medicine Among Plastic Surgery Patients. Ann Plast Surg. May;78(5):557-561.
Available from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27759586/
27 Mathie et al., 2014. Randomised placebo-controlled trials of
individualised homeopathic treatment: systematic review and meta-analysis.
Systematic Reviews 3, 142. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25480654/
28 Hahnemann, S. 2005. Organon of Medicine. Sixth edition. Translated
from German by W. Boericke. New Delhi. Indian Books & Periodicals
Publishers. (Originally published in 1842).
29 Mathie et al., 2017. Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
trials of non-individualised homeopathic treatment: systematic review and
meta-analysis. Systematic Reviews. 6 (1), 63. Available from
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28340607/
30 Levy, D., Homeopathy’s ‘dark night of the soul’: reflections on
professional transition in Australia. Similia, The Australian Journal of
Homeopathic Medicine. June 2019;
31 (1), 39-41.
31 Vithoulkas & Berghian-Grosan, 2020. The Spin of Electrons and the
Proof for the Action of Homeopathic Remedies. Journal of Medicine and Life.
July-September 13 (3) 278–282. Available from:
https://medandlife.org/wp-content/uploads/4.-jml-2020-0140.pdf
[Deborah Olenev]
The Olympic athlete embodies the spirit of this remedy. The chief
characteristics of this remedy are:
1) A desire for invulnerability both physically and psychologically.
Kusse explains that Arnica montana belongs to the Asteracaea family of plants,
and this desire for invulnerability is a common characteristic of the plants in
this family. Bellis perennis is another first aid remedy that comes from this
plant family.
A beautiful example of this
desire or persona of invincibility, and the ability to conceal their
vulnerability is when one of the competitors in the U.S. snow boarding team had
an accident where he hit the edge of the wall on his back side. It looked like
it must have been terribly painful, but when he was interviewed afterward he
had a big smile on his face, and did not show any signs that he was injured. He
looked absolutely invulnerable.
2) Arnica montana people possess a tremendous amount of energy and self-confidence.
I saw this displayed time and again during the Olympics. The relay races were a
beautiful example of this energy, endurance and drive to come in first.
3) A high sense of responsibility and an urge to fulfill their tasks is
another Arnica montana trait. This quality was apparent at the Olympics when
one of the bob sledding competitors injured her calf while practicing the day
before, but it did not stop her. She competed the following day and won a medal
with her team mate.
This shows Arnica montana’s ability to push through despite injuries,
and the ability to hide or overcome their injuries to fulfill the task they
have set before themselves.
Another example is the ice skating champion who had won gold medals in
previous Olympics, accumulating many injuries over the years. Yet he overcame
all his physical obstacles, trained vigorously, and pushed through the pain to
compete one more time and win gold.
4) A desire to prove that they are strong is another characteristic of
people who need Arnica montana constitutionally. In order to do this they need
to have a challenge,
and what bigger challenge can a person put before herself or himself
than to win a medal at the Olympic games. The competition provides the arena to
display their talents
and strength.
5) According to Frans Kusse, Arnica montana people can be compared to an
impregnable fortress that is unapproachable. Underneath this need for
impregnability is a
fear of losing something of value, such as money or health. He says that
Arnica montana people are closed, and do not like to answer questions about
private matters.
For this reason they can be reluctant to go to doctors who ask too many
questions, but are okay with going to surgeons, who just act.
6) Arnica montana is the first remedy that we think of for people who
have been in an accident, and of course, the Olympics are a venue where
accidents will happen.
people who need Arnica montana are also attracted to activities where
accidents are likely to occur, such as skiing, snow boarding, ice hockey, bob
sledding, ice skating–
all the Olympic winter sports. Arnica can also be very frightened of
accidents and can try hard to avoid them. It is the first remedy we think of
for people who have never
been well since an accident, such as a head injury, or car accident.
Falling Down
7) Arnica montana should always be thought of for people who have
received an injury from a fall, or an injury from a blunt object. Arnica
montana is the greatest remedy for helping to heal people from bruises and
internal bleeding.
8) There is a shadow side to
Arnica montana’s invincible persona. According to Kusse the characteristics of
this shadow side are:
A fear of being hurt. Their desire for invulnerability is their reaction
to this fear.
A fear of losing something of value, such as their wealth or health.
An aversion to being consoled. They turn away the doctor or the
ambulance at the site of an accident, saying they are just fine, because it is
insupportable to them to admit that there is something wrong with them.
A fear of becoming dependent on someone else. They have to have their
financial affairs in order so that they do not depend on others.
A need to show that they are strong to cover up the fact that they are fearful
inside. Hence they desire a challenge where they can prove their strength.
Arnica montana a fascinating remedy with a large field of action. To
learn more about the remedy please watch the slide show and read the article on
the “Learn about Arnica Montana” section on the First Aid Creams website. Here
is the link:
http://firstaidcreams.com/learn-about-homeopathic-creams/learn-about-arnica-montana.
Arnica montana cream is available for purchase on the First Aid Creams website
as well
[Remedia.at]
Arnica wurde bereits durch Hildegard von Bingen (1099-1179) sehr ausführlich heilende Pflanze erwähnt.
Das Hauptmittel bei Verletzungen aller Art. Es wird nach Unfällen, Schock, Blutungen und bei Überanstrengung eingesetzt. Das Mittel hat eine Entzündung hemmende, blutungs- und Schmerz stillende Wirkung.
Vorbeugung gegen Entzündungen und Blutungen nach Operationen, Zahnextraktionen, Geburten, im Wochenbett etc. und zur >en Wundheilung angewendet werden.
Bei körperlichen Beschwerden hat der Patient ein starkes Wundheitsgefühl. Er findet keine bequeme Stelle im Bett und alles, worauf er liegt, erscheint zu hart. Er erträgt keine Berührung und
lehnt Hilfe ab.
Dosierung: Bei schwereren Verletzungen am 1. Tag C200 ca. alle 3-4 Stunden. Falls nötig, am nächsten Tag nochmals 2 Gaben.
Psyche:
Unruhe, Angst vor Berührung. Bagatellisiert die Beschwerden, lehnt Hilfe ab und will alleine gelassen werden.
Leitsymptome:
Zerschlagenheits- und Wundgefühl.
Starke Schmerzempfindlichkeit. Lässt sich nicht berühren und untersuchen. Alles, worauf er liegt, erscheint zu hart.
Rücken- und Nackenschmerzen > durch Nach-vorne-Beugen, (Hypericum > durch Nach-hinten-Beugen).
Folgen von:
Entzündungen, Verletzungen, Unfällen, Schock, Überanstrengung.
Modalitäten:
<: Berührung/Bewegung/Druck/Augenschließen (Schwindel)/vor Mitternacht/Kälte;
>: Wärme/warme Umschläge/Ruhe/Kopf nach vorne beugen (bei Nackensteifheit/Schleudertrauma)/Liegen;
Indikationen:
Abszess, Angst, Augenentzündung, Augenüberanstrengung, Augenverletzung, Blasenentzündung, Bluterguss, Blutungen, Durchfall, Erschöpfung, Fieber, Geburt, Gehirnerschütterung, Gelenkentzündung, Gerstenkörner, Harnverhalten, Heiserkeit, Husten, Injektionen, Insektenstiche, Keuchhusten, Knochenbrüche, Kopfschmerzen, Muskelkater/-krämpfe/-schmerzen, Nackensteifheit, Nasenbluten, Operationen, Prellung, Rückenschmerzen, Schlaflosigkeit, Schleudertrauma, Schwangerschaftsbeschwerden, Schwindel, Sehnenscheidenentzündung, Tennisellenbogen, Verbrennungen, Verletzungen, Verstauchung, Wund (Infektion/-laufen, zahnärztliche Behandlung, Zahnfleischentzündung, Zahnschmerzen, Zerrung.
Allgemein bei frisch entstandenen Verletzungen (Weichteile/mit Blutergüssen). Es wirkt auch bei Schock nach Verletzungen (siehe Aconit), anderen körperlichen Beschwerden, die nach Verletzungen auftreten. Folgen von körperlicher Überanstrengung (wie Rhus-t.). Es ist geeignet als Tetanusprophylaxe, wenn es für die Art der Verletzung paßt (das gilt im übrigen für alle Verletzungsmittel). Die Beschwerden werden meist durch Ruhe > und durch Bewegung verschlechtert. Die verletzten Teile sind empfindlich gegen Berührung.
Spezielle Indikationen: Prellung des Kopfes (Gehirnerschütterung), auch wenn Bewußtlosigkeit eintritt; Augenverletzung mit Bluterguß (Arn. bei Verletzungen der Gewebe um das Auge; Nasenbluten nach einem Schlag; Verletzungen der Genitalien (mit Bluterguß); Schlag aufs Herz. Arnica ist aber nicht nur ein Verletzungsmittel, sondern es hilft auch bei vielen anderen Erkrankungen. Hinweisende Symptome sind zum Beispiel: Der Patient will nicht angefaßt werden, fürchtet sich schon, wenn man sich ihm nur nähert; Trotz schwerer Krankheit behauptet
er gesund zu sein; Beim Waschen des Gesichtes kommt es zu Nasenbluten; Nasenbluten durch Husten und Einblutungen in die Augen beim Husten (Arnica kann Keuchhusten heilen); Schmerzen in den Muskeln und Gelenken, „Wie wund oder zerschlagen“ oder „Wie von einer großen körperlichen Anstrengung“.