Arnica

ARNICA A PLANT FOR SPORTSMEN AND WOMEN, BUT NOT ONLY...

Arnica montana, from its scientific name, is a herbaceous plant found mainly in the mountains (as its name suggests). Very popular, especially in traditional medicine in its chemical form, it is also commonly used by sportspeople for its benefits for the muscles.

WHAT PART OF THE PLANT IS USED ?

In order to obtain the maximum number of active ingredients and therefore a beneficial effect, the active ingredient is most often found in the form of a mother tincture. A mother tincture is a hydroalcoholic solution made from a mixture of the plant, in this case Arnica, and alcohol (ethanol). The mixture is macerated for at least three weeks at between 60 and 95 degrees Celsius. There is a whole process of mixing to recover as many active ingredients as possible. At the end of this maceration, the whole is filtered and can be used in chemical, homeopathic or cosmetic formulations.

The whole plant is used, because Arnica montana as a whole offers benefits, whether it's the stem, the leaves or the flower.

HOW DOES ARNICA BENEFIT THE SKIN AND MUSCLES ?

Arnica montana contains many molecules which give it the benefits we know.

It contains linoleic acid (omega 6) and oleic acid (omega 9).

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF OMEGA-6 AND OMEGA-9 ?

Omega 6 keeps the skin healthy and helps the body to protect itself. These are important because they are essential. They are not synthesised by the body, but are provided by our diet.

Omega 9s, on the other hand, are little known for their benefits to the skin, and yet there are many of them. Oleic acid is found at the base of our hydrolipidic film, the film that forms our skin's first barrier. Unlike linoleic acid, oleic acid is not an essential fatty acid. We synthesise it naturally.

Its presence in Arnica montana helps to nourish and protect even the most sensitive skin, as it reinforces the hydrolipidic film to maintain the skin's elasticity, suppleness and hydration.

Some studies have also shown that oleic acid has repairing and healing properties. It is said to promote cellular exchange during the healing process.

The Arnica plant contains other molecules that have a significant impact on our skin and muscles. It also contains :

thymol essential oil and mono- and sesquiterpenes, which help to reduce inflammation and protect the skin, and sesquiterpene lactones, which also help to reduce inflammation (1).

In addition, scientific studies have demonstrated the benefits of local application to the skin to relieve muscular pain and promote cellular exchange for healing(2, 3).

In conclusion, the active ingredient Arnica montana has its place in our products, as it helps warm up muscles before or after sport and reduces the appearance of haematomas.