Many plants are used in medicine because of their medicinal properties. Arnica mountain grass, which will be discussed in this article, has many medicinal properties and finds its application not only in traditional medicine, but also in traditional, as well as in cosmetology.
- Brief description and places of growth
- Chemical composition
- Medicinal properties
- Use in traditional medicine: recipes
- The juice
- Infusion
- Decoction
- Tincture
- Compress
- Application in cosmetology
- Preparation of medical raw materials
- Contraindications and harm
Brief description and places of growth
Arnica belongs to the Astrovich family and is a perennial herb. The stem of the plant reaches a height of 50-60 cm, it contains one or two pairs of fairly small leaves. The root system is represented by one thick rhizome and many small lateral roots. Flowering occurs in June - July. Flowers look like daisy, yellow in color, with an orange tint. Grows mainly in mountainous areas. There are many arnica plantations in the Carpathians: in coniferous forests, on mountain lawns, less often - on mountain slopes. In traditional medicine are used flowers of arnica mountain,less commonly used roots. 
Chemical composition
The main active ingredient, due to which arnica is widely used as a drug, is arnitsin. Its content is about 4%, according to physical signs - it is a bitter dye. It consists of three components: arpidiol, faradiol and saturated hydrocarbon. In addition, the flowers contain essential oil, tsinarin, lutein, organic acids (lactic, malic and fumaric), tannins, vitamin C, inulin, fructose and sucrose.
The roots contain unsaturated hydrocarbons, organic acids (formic, angelic and isobutyric) and essential oil. 
Medicinal properties
Arnica has many healing properties, since its chemical composition is quite diverse. First of all, preparations from the flowers of this plant have a stimulating and tonic effect in relation to the nervous system (and in large quantities - and soothing), relieve seizures, correct the work of the cardiovascular system.The flowers are also able to expand the vessels of the brain, in obstetrics they are used as a hemostatic agent. Arnica tincture has a choleretic property, its long-term use reduces the level of cholesterol in the body. Indications for use arnica is in the following disorders:
- bleeding of internal organs;
- gastrointestinal tract diseases;
- disorders in the cardiovascular system;
- hypertension;
- increased nervous irritability;
- myocarditis;
- angina pectoris
Use in traditional medicine: recipes
From the description it is clear that arnica is used for medicinal purposes quite widely. Preparations with it are used both internally and externally.
The juice
The juice is squeezed from the fully revealed flowers of arnica. It is recommended to consume with honey. When bleeding, to stimulate cardiac activity, to reduce the pressure in 1 tbsp. l honey add 30 drops of juice, take before meals, 2-3 times a day. Juice is also prescribed for epilepsy: add 40 to 60 drops in a spoonful of honey. Apply it externally to the treatment of skin ulcers, burns, boils and frostbite. 
Infusion
Infusion is made from flowers. A teaspoon of arnica flowers is poured with two cups of hot water and drawn for about two hours, then filtered. It should be consumed within two days.
For outdoor use, for example, to rinse the throat and mouth, the infusion is prepared more concentrated. For the same amount of water take 3 spoons of flowers. 
Decoction
The broth is prepared from the root of the plant. To do this, two tablespoons of chopped root pour two cups of water, bring to a boil and boil for about 5 minutes. Next, insist about an hour. Drink it 1 tbsp. l three times daily before meals. Used such a decoction to reduce the pressure. 
Tincture
To prepare the tincture, sliced arnica is poured with alcohol (70%) in the ratio of 1:10, infused for about two weeks without access of sunlight, and then filtered.It is used in gynecology with heavy menstrual bleeding, has a choleretic effect. In folk medicine use with stomach ulcers, convulsions, bronchitis. 
Compress
Compresses are prescribed for rashes on the skin, bruises, boils, burns and frostbite, as well as for sprains and muscle sprains. For a compress, three small spoons of flowers are poured with two cups of boiling water and left for a couple of hours, then filtered. In this infusion, a cotton swab is moistened and applied to problem areas twice a day for 20-50 minutes.
Application in cosmetology
Arnica is used in cosmetology as a means of providing anti-inflammatory effect. A decoction of flowers wipe the skin with acne, pimples and redness. The extract from it is added to cosmetics for the care of teenage and young skin. Cosmetics with the addition of this herb also perfectly tones the skin and reduces inflammation. Her extracts are also added to hair care products and deodorants.
Preparation of medical raw materials
Flowers are collected in the summer, at the beginning of flowering. At a later harvest, the petals may peel off during drying. This should be done in dry weather, after drying dew. Make sure that the petals do not have eggs and larvae of parasites. They should be dried as quickly as possible, at a temperature of 55-60 ºС. Dried material should be stored in an airtight container, in a dark cool room. Unlike flowers, roots are dug out in the fall. Dry them in the same way. They retain their properties for 5 years.
Contraindications and harm
Mountain arnica has such contraindications:
- pregnancy and lactation;
- increased blood clotting;
- individual intolerance.
It must be remembered that arnica - toxic plant and it should be used with caution, strictly following all dosages. In case of overdose, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, frequent urination, shortness of breath. 
