A
Rash (f; CRC); Rheumatism (2; BIS; KOM; PH2; PIP); Seborrhea (f; APA); Sore (f; BGB); Sore
Throat (f; APA); Sports Injury (1; WAM); Sprain (2; BGB; CAN; PH2); Stomatosis (2; BIS;
KOM; PH2); Swelling (2; APA; CAN; KOM; MAB; PH2; SHT); Thrombophlebitis (2; PIP);
Tumor (1; CRC; MAB); Typhoid (f; BGB); Uterosis (f; PH2); Varicosis (f; MAB); Water
Retention (1; APA; MAB); Wound (2; BGB; CRC; PHR); Yeast (1; MAB).
Dosages (Arnica) — Do not take internally (APA); 2 g herb fl (1 tsp = ~0.5 g)/100 ml water (APA;
BIS); 2 g herb/100 ml water (KOM).
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Arnica) — Class 2d Externally; not for
use on broken skin; Class 2b Internally (AHP). Commission E reports contraindications of
hypersensitivity and adverse effects of local reactions. Contraindications of hypersensitivity to
sesquiterpene lactones and adverse effects of allergic reactions also reported. The tincture should
not be applied in undiluted form (AEH). Irritant and allergic reactions from topical applications
of arnica preparations. CAN caution that sesquiterpene lactones (SL), aromatic compounds
widely distributed in certain plant families, with highest concentrations generally found in leaves
and flowers, may cause dermatosis and GI tract irritation. Sheep and cattle poisonings due to
SL-containing species have been reported. Cases of allergic contact dermatosis in humans have
also been reported (AHED1). “Arnica is poisonous if taken internally. It is irritant to mucous
membranes and ingestion may result in fatal gastroenterosis, muscle paralysis (voluntary and
cardiac), increase or decrease in pulse rate, palpitation of the heart, shortness of breath, and
may even result in death” (CAN). It contains cardiotonic principles and an adrenaline-like
pressor substance (CAN). Vomiting, rapid pulse, redness of the face, stinging pains, heart and
respiratory dysfunction, cerebral symptoms, rigor, severe diarrhea, abdominal pains, and bloody
expectoration result from abuse of the flower tincture or decoction as an abortifacient possibly
fatal. Children should not use internally or on open wounds (WAM). Because of the oxytocic
sesquiterpene lactones, to be avoided when pregnant (BIS). Internal use not recommended
anymore. Risk:benefit ratio probably not good. One fatal case resulted from ingestion of 70 g
arnica tincture (SHT).ARRACH (Chenopodium vulvaria L.) ++Activities (Arrach) — Antispasmodic (f; EFS); Depurative (f; EFS); Emmenagogue (f; EFS; HHB;
PH2); Nervine (f; EFS); Vermifuge (f; EFS).
Indications (Arrach) — Amenorrhea (f; EFS); Cramp (f; HHB; PH2; EFS); Dysmenorrhea (f;
EFS); Enterosis (f; HHB); Hysteria (f; HHB); Pain (f; HHB); Rheumatism (f; EFS; HHB); Worm
(f; EFS).
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Arrach) — Not covered (AHP). “Hazards
and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2).ARROW-POISON (Strophanthus sarmentosus DC.) XPH2 and EFS entries below generic (i.e., mostly for S. kombe Oliv. & S. gratus (Wall. & Hook.)
Baill.).
Activities (Arrow-Poison) — Antiseptic (f; HDN); Anxiolytic (f; PH2); Cardiotonic (1; PH2);
Digitalic (1; PH2); Diuretic (f; EFS); Emetic (f; HDN); Negative Chronotropic (1; HDN); Negative
Dromotropic (1; HDN); Pediculicide (f; HDN); Positive Bathmotropic (1; HDN); Positive Inotropic
(1; HDN); Tonic (f; HDN).