Arnica
ARNICA
Arnica montana, Arnica spp., A. cordifolia, A. latifolia, A. acaulis
Common Name
Family
Chinese Medicine Name
None
Ayurvedic Name
None
Parts Used
Flowers, rhizome, whole plant
Actions
Energetics
Warming and drying
Edible Uses
Not edible. For external uses only.
Native To
Native to North America, growing from Alaska to California, in the Rocky Mountains (A. cordifolia & A. latifolia), and from Pennsylvania to Florida (A. acaulis). Arnica montana is native to Europe from Scandinavia and Central Europe (A. montana ssp. montana) as well as southern France, Spain, Portugal (A. montana ssp. atlantica).
Geographic Distribution
Arnica species don't generally travel beyond their native lands. It can, however, be cultivated as an annual in most places.
Botanical Description & Identification
Arnica flowers are herbaceous perennials with bright yellow flowers similar to sunflowers. They consist of a central disc florets producing fruits that display whitish bristles that are stiff to the touch. The flowers grow from 1-4 inches in diameter. The plant is in full bloom during the summer. The entire plant can grow up to 2 feet tall. The green leaves have a slightly hairy upper surface, varying in shape from lanceolate to heart shaped to ovate. The fewer leaves along the stem are typically lance shaped and smaller. The hair like bristles are what make arnica stand easily apart from other flowers in the wild, as is their bright orange color.
Key Constituents
Sesquiterpene lactones, volatile oil, flavonoids, phenolic acids, resins, tannins, bitters, coumarins, carotenes, mucilage, and polysaccharides
Sustainability Issues
THIS IS A VULNERABLE PLANT. CULTIVATED SOURCES SHOULD BE USED. WILDCRAFTED ARNICA SHOULD BE AVOIDED.
Arnica is considered an 'under review' plant according to United Plant Savers ; it may shortly become added to the 'At Risk' plant species grown in the United States. It is best to use cultivated sources from other parts of the world as those too may be over-harvested.
Harvesting Guidelines
At this time it is best to avoid harvesting wild arnica in order to protect its wild populations. Harvesting cultivated plants should be collected when the aerial parts in bloom. The entire plant may be collected and used, with the flowers and roots being the most medicinally potent. Arnica flowers typically bloom during the summer and the rhizomes are best harvested in the spring or autumn.
Uses
**BENEFITS OF ARNICA:
Arnica may:
*Aid in mending bruises & sprains
*Ease aching body parts
*Stimulate hair regrowth
*Aid circulatory disorders
*Soothe muscles
*Soothe inflamed joints
*Aid in calming edema
*Ease swelling
*Soothe overexertion from athletic activities
*Ease symptoms related to varicose veins
Arnica is useful in the following more common disorders and diseases:
Bruises, arthritis, swellings, nerve pain, mouth sores, pre and post-dental or other surgeries, sore throat, headaches, stomach cramping, cardiac restoration, angina, homeopathic remedy for injuries, hematoma, edema, fractures, thrombosis, arthralgia, rheumatic joint pains, inflamed insect bites, muscle stiffness, and muscle pain.
Most common uses:
Most commonly used for immediate injuries, athletic injuries, including symptoms of sprain, swelling, bruising, muscle aches. It is known to help prevent injuries from turning severe.
Fun Facts:
Arnica is:
* A plant awarded Flower of the Year (1986, Germany) and Medicinal Plant of the
Year (2001, USA).
* Nicknamed 'wolfsbane, or wolf flower' as it was known in Germanic myth to
'boost the strength of the grains for the year by its presence in the fields' by
'preventing the Corn Wolf spirit from escaping before the corn had ripened'
(Glenn, 2012).
* Camphor weed, an herb known as 'arnica' in Mexico and other southwest regions
of the US, is used similarly to arnica as a topical preparation for injuries, however it
is not true arnica. Camphor weed can be taken internally and taken as a tea.
References
Glenn, L. (2012, February 29). History of arnica and nettle. American Botanical Council. https://www.herbalgram.org/resources/herbclip/herbclip-news/2012/history-of-arnica-and-nettle/
Hoffman, D. (1987). The Herbal Handbook: A User's Guide to Medical Herbalism.
McIntyre, A. (2019). The Complete Herbal Tutor: The Definitive Guide to the
Principles and Practices of Herbal Medicine. Wood, M. (2008).
The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants
The Herbal Academy Herbarium and Materia Medica. Copyright: The Herbal Academy.
https://unitedplantsavers.org/species-at-risk-list/arnica-arnica-spp/
Safety
To be used topically. Internal usage is to be avoided with the exception of homeopathy.
May be used topically on unbroken skin only. Arnica should not be applied to open wounds.
Dose
Arnica should be dosed internally only in homeopathic amounts and depending on individual needs.
Studies and Research:
The Effect of Topical Arnica on Muscle Pain
Arnica Montana L. - A Plant of Healing: Review
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MONOGRAPHS
According to the FDA herbal education may not be linked to any product for marketing purposes and may not make claims to treat, prevent, or cure any disease. Because of this it must be stated that the information provided in the monograph section of this website is for general educational purposes only and not to be taken as medical advice, nor is it meant to make claims that the products listed in the Apothecary with the above ingredients will cure, treat, or prevent any disease.
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