Juan Fernando González G.

We have all felt pain caused by a blow at some point. The explanation of what happens is simple: the body's smallest blood vessels (capillaries) suffer these impacts and give rise to the formation of the famous “bruises”.

For this type of injury or discomfort, Homeopathy has a very powerful ally. It is about Arnica montana, a plant native to Central Europe that is found abundantly in meadows and more or less humid coniferous forests (cedars, cypresses and firs, for example).

Some historical data indicates that mountain climbers used to chew fresh arnica bushes to relieve muscle aches; They also smoked it to combat respiratory problems, especially bronchitis and coughs, although this application was sometimes contradictory because the mucous membranes were irritated. Thanks to the aforementioned attributes, this plant was baptized as “mountain tobacco”. Some documents certify that the peasant class of the 16th century used arnica very frequently to treat muscle aches and bruises.

Now it is known, without a doubt, that this species of flora has analgesic (eliminates pain), antiseptic (prevents infections), anti-inflammatory, antifungal (fights fungus) and antihistamine (allergic reactions) powers. As if that were not enough, this homeopathic remedy helps in wound healing.

From the consulting room

Dr. Alberto Sacristán Rubio, a homeopathic doctor and specialist in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Barcelona, ​​explains that special attention must be paid to muscle pain that arises while carrying out a sporting activity, be it training or competition. "It is important to note that the drug Arnica montana, taken before and after exercise, considerably helps to reduce the sensation of muscle pain, for example, in the context of a marathon." 

Dr. Sacristán Rubio, an expert in Physical Activity from the Autonomous University of Madrid, points out: “I have to say that I always resorted to arnica if there was a blow; if not, he did not prescribe it. I had to see the patient with his bruise and tell me that he had fallen, that he had sprained his ankle or some similar incident. But of course, if you study a little physiology, you can see that with sports activities, or at least with many of them, such as running, cycling or weight training, muscle damage occurs as a result of exercise .  

"This muscle tissue will regenerate to regain its functionality and as this process progresses, it is possible to perform the same exercise with progressively less muscle damage. This is where the arnica plant can provide great benefits, since by modulating the process it favors this muscle regeneration ”, he points out. 

In support of science 

Numerous study groups around the world have taken on the task of tackling the public health crisis posed by the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, cancer cells, and pests. In the case of Mexico, the research of scientists from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) stands out, working to develop "sustainable" pesticides and chemotherapy agents that have been called "xenobiotics". 

It is about finding a tool so that antibiotics and pesticides do not produce resistance, or at least not do it so quickly, which would make their usefulness longer and more functional, says Francisco Javier Espinosa García, from the Institute for Research in Ecosystems and Sustainability (UNAM), Morelia campus. 
In the search for substances that inhibit resistance to xenobiotics, they discovered that mexican arnica produces so-called scaffolds, which inhibit resistance to insecticides anddecrease the resistance mechanism of cancer cells. 

 Already knew? 

• At some point, arnica was in danger of extinction due to being overharvested. However, today it is produced and collected in an organized way so that future generations can enjoy its benefits. 

• Homeopathy specialists estimate that approximately 70 percent of the human being's immune strength comes from the emotional sphere. In other words, being sad or depressed reduces resistance to the onslaught of disease. It is known that Arnica montana, in addition to its ability to resolve physical ailments derived from trauma, can effectively help treat depressive, anguish, anxiety and stress conditions. 

References
 ·         Morales López, R., Morales Pascual, R. La Homeopatía de México. Volumen 82, número 682, enero-febrero 2013, p. 35-38).
 ·         Sacristán Rubio, A. Qué es Árnica Montana y cuáles son sus usos. https://www.hablandodehomeopatia.com/que-es-arnica-montana-y-cuales-sus-usos/.
 ·         Hernández Bracamonte N., La Árnica Montana. Una Revisión Bioquímica y Homeopática. (La Homeopatía de México. Volumen 82, número 685, julio-agosto 2013, p. 28-34.).
 ·         Revista Plenilunia. México. https://plenilunia.com/noticias-2/buscan-en-plantas-mexicanas-compuestos-para-enfrentar-crisis-por-bacterias-y-plagas-resistentes/74874/