Arnica
(Arnica montana · Leopard's bane)
Probably the best-known homeopathic remedy. Arnica is associated with the bruised, sore aftermath of falls, blows, overexertion and physical shock, in people who often insist they're fine.
Source
A yellow mountain daisy native to Europe
Kingdom
Plant
Abbreviation
Arn.
Home acute kit
Commonly included
The classic picture
(a remedy is chosen when the whole picture fits the person, not from a single symptom)
Sore, bruised, beaten feeling, whether from an injury or from overexertion
The bed or chair feels too hard, so the person keeps shifting position
Says they are fine and wants to be left alone, even when clearly hurt
Fear of being touched or approached because of the soreness
Tends to feel better
Lying down, especially with the head low
Tends to feel worse
The slightest touch
Movement
Damp cold
How it compares
(remedies that are often confused with Arnica)
-
Aconite
(Aconitum napellus)
For the fright and panic around an accident; Arnica for the physical trauma.
Read moreCompare side by side -
Bryonia
(Bryonia alba)
Bryonia's pain is sharp and much worse for any motion; Arnica's is a bruised soreness.
Read moreCompare side by side
Side-by-side comparisons
Free printable guide
12 remedies to keep at home
Arnica is one of the 12 remedies in my free home-kit guide: when to think of each one, how to tell them apart and a printable checklist.
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From the classic texts
“Produces conditions upon the system quite similar to those resulting from injuries, falls, blows, contusions.”
“Sore, lame, bruised feeling all through the body, as if beaten; traumatic affections of muscles.”
Articles that mention Arnica
The Essential Homeopathic Duo: Arnica for Bruises and Aconite for Sudden Shocks
Homeopathic Support During Pregnancy: What’s Safe and When
Homeopathic Remedies for Motion Sickness, Jet Lag and Travel Stress
Looking for more than a quick remedy?
Acute remedies can be a starting point for short-term complaints. Ongoing or recurring issues call for a full case: a detailed conversation about your physical, mental and emotional symptoms, so the remedy fits you as a whole person.
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