Arnica

Latin Name: Arnica montana
Family: Compositae

Description: Arnica is an aromatic perennial. The downy, egg-shaped leaves form a flat rosette, from the center of which rises a flower stalk, 1-2 feet high, bearing orange-yellow daisy-like flowers. The rhizome is deep brown, cylindrical, usually curved, and bears brittle wiry rootlets on the underside. Arnica thrives in a mixture of loam, peat, and sand. It may be propagated aby root division or from seed

Parts Used: Flower heads, leaves, and rhizomes

Plant Properties: Stimulant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory

Uses: EXTERNAL USE only. Arnica is primarily used externally for aches, strains, bruises, and injuries where the skin has not been broken. It can relieve rheumatic pain. It is anti-inflammatory and speeds healing by improving the local blood supply.

Plant Preparations 

Arnica oil Infusion: Put leaves and flowers in a warm carrier oil of your choosing for three days. Then squeeze and strain through a cloth. Bottle and label for External Use Only.

Arnica liniment: Put leaves and flowers in rubbing alcohol or vodka for at least a week in a warm place. Then squeeze and strain through a cloth. Bottle and label for External Use Only.

Contraindication – For EXTERNAL USE only. Even at a low dose, it can be toxic when taken internally. Repeated applications may produce severe inflammation.