This is the best and most used preparation of Arnica.
DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 2 to 4 drs.; sheep and pigs, 15 ms. to 1 dr.;
dogs, 5 to 30 ms. This dose can be given every three hours to maintain
the circulation of the skin; as a diaphoretic, the dose can and may be
increased and combined with other diaphoretics.
INCOMPATIBLES.--Its action is antagonized by ammonia, alcoholic
stimulants, opium, camphor, etc.
SYNERGISTS.--Aconite, veratrum viride, digitalis and arterial sedatives,
generally increase the effects of arnica.
ACTIONS.--Arnica is irritant, stimulant, depressant; antipyretic,
diuretic, diaphoretic and is used as a vulnerary, it dilates the
circular blood vessels. It irritates the gastro-intestinal tract. In
alcoholic solutions (as tincture of arnica) it inflames the skin when
used full strength.
In small doses it increases the action of the heart, raises arterial
tension and stimulates the action of the skin and kidneys.
Large doses produce a transient excitement, followed by depressed
circulation, respiration and temperature.
USES.--It is a very efficient diaphoretic for horses in one or two ounce
doses diluted in one pint of water; one-half ounce of fluid extract
pilocarpus may be added at the outset of inflammatory diseases of any
kind, such as lymphangitis, laminitis, pulmonary diseases, etc.
Excellent to stop a chill and prevent the following fever or
inflammatory action. It does this by dilating the blood vessels of the
skin, thus attracting the blood to the surface and away from congested
internal organs. It is indicated in sthetic fever of any kind; azoturia,
rheumatism, especially inflammatory or articular; congestion of the
brain, kidneys, etc., externally much used, but of little value on hairy
animals.