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| have an astringent effect. Eat fresh puréed apricots to combat diarrhea. Apricot oil is used as a skin softener while apricot jam is a traditional European nerve tonic used to combat insomnia and to strengthen a convalescing patient. |
| Arnica (Arnica Montana) |
| Also known as leopard's bane, this daisylike alpine flower has a long history of use in central Europe as a remedy for bruises and sprains. A popular folk remedy for heart problems, it is still used in Germany for that purpose. However, because it is extremely toxic, internal use of arnica is restricted in many countries. |
| Description: A perennial growing to around 24 inches with golden-yellow daisylike flowers up to two inches across. It grows from a basal rosette of oval-shaped, hairy leaves in summer. |
| Part used: Flowers. |
| Actions: Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, astringent, bitter, heart stimulant, immune stimulant. |
| Uses: Arnica creams are readily available and make an essential home remedy for strains and bruises, chilblains (if the skin is unbroken) or painful varicose veins. It encourages the circulation to promote healing and tissue repair. Recent research also suggests that the herb may have immune-stimulant properties. As an internal remedy, arnica is used in homeopathic doses for shock, traumatic injury, and to encourage healing after surgery Take arnica 6x tables (one tablet every thirty minutes) after any major shock, accident, surgery, or childbirth. |
| Cautions: Because of its toxicity, arnica should never be used on broken skin; in some cases it can cause contact dermatitis. It should be taken internally only in homeopathic doses; undiluted quantities can lead to palpitations, muscle paralysis, breathing problems, and, in rare cases, may be fatal. |
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