This is an important question. From my studies in herbal medicine, I know that some plants and herbs should be ingested with caution. Some plants, such as arnica montana, are toxic to livestock, and can cause liver complications in humans if ingested at concentrated levels.
A Toxic Remedy - Important Information on Helenalin and the Side Effects of Arnica Montana5/26/2017 I was taught originally that Arnica, or A. montana, is not particularly safe to eat. After my researching the most recent medical studies on PubMed, I now have a different opinion.
Is Arnica toxic? The health benefits of A. montana are derived from sesquiterpene lactones, a class of chemical compounds commonly found in many plants throughout the world. Our research into the potential effects of Arnica montana introduced us to the chemical Helenalin. |