Arnica (Arnica Montana)

Arnica montana, is a European flowering plant with large yellow head. Arnica is used in herbal medicine.

About Arnica
Arnica Montana is endemic to Europe. A. Montana grows in nutrient-poor meadows. Arnica montana has tall stems, 2060 cm high, supporting usually a single flower head. Most of the leaves are in a basal rosette, but one or two pairs may be found on the stem and are, unusually for composites, opposite. The flower heads are yellow, approximately 5 cm in diameter, and appear from May to August.

Medicinal Uses of Arnica

Arnica has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, decongestive and antifungal properties. It accelerates the healing process and eliminates microorganisms and keeps bacteria and pathogenic funguses from multiplying. The arnica flowers are used for treating the pale face skin complexion, wounds, bruises and burns. Other medicinal uses of this herb involve the treatment of bruises, dislocations, bacterial infections, skin cancer, bronchitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, flu, lung virosis, cystitis, nephritis, kidney infections, coronary insufficiencies, hypertension, breastplate angina, cerebral trauma, headaches, paresis, semiparesis, insomnia, heart palpitations, neurosis, hysteria etc.

Harmful Effects of Arnica

The arnica flowers are not harmless. However, the arnica tincture can be an irritant when applied on skin, and if taken internally in small doses can provoke gastro-enteritis or the paralysis of central nerve system. Irritation inside the mouth may occur when arnica is used as a mouthwash. Very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.

Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha)

Withania Somnifera, ( Ashwagandha meaning Horses smell), is a plant in the Solanaceae or nightshade family. Several other species in the genus Withania are there . It is used as a herb in Ayurvedic. The herbal root extract has been traditionally used as a tonic

About Ashwagandha
It grows as a short shrub with a central stem from which branches extend radically in a star pattern and covered with a dense matter of wooly hairs. The flowers are small and green, while the ripe fruit is orange-red and has milk-coagulating properties. The plant's long, brown, tuberous roots are mainly used for medicinal purposes. It is cultivated in Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Nepal . It is kharif crop grown 1500 meters above sea level.

Medicinal Uses of Ashwagandha

In Ayurveda, the berries and leaves of Ashwagandha are also applied to tumors, tubercular glands, carbuncles, and ulcers. It helps to reduce anxiety and help to cope with daily stress. Helps reduce pain and swelling. Prevent effect of aging. Also used for fertility problems.

Harmful Effects of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha doesn't cause side effects when taken as directed. However, large doses of ashwagandha may irritate intestinal tract, stimulating the frequent production of loose bowel movements. This may contribute to abdominal cramping, bloating or discomfort. Dehydration may occur as a consequence of chronic diarrhea.

Conclusions
Ashwagandha and Arnica are important herb that are widely used in Ayurvedic and Homeopathic treatment. they are free from serious side effects. More clinical research needs to be conducted on them to make them more effective and widely used.