Arnica

Arnica
Botanical: Arnica montana (LINN.)
Family: N.O. Compositae
Description
Cultivation
Constituents
Medicinal Action and Uses
---Synonyms---Mountain Tobacco. Leopard's Bane.
---Parts Used---Root, flowers.
---Habitat---Arnica montana or Leopard's Bane is a perennial herb,
indigenous to Central Europe, in woods and mountain pastures. It has been
found in England and Southern Scotland. but is probably an escape.

 Description
The leaves form a flat rosette, from the center of which rises a flower stalk, 1 to 2 feet high, bearing orange-yellow flowers. The rhizome is dark brown, cylindrical, usually curved, and bears brittle wiry rootlets on the under surface.

---Cultivation---Arnica thrives in a mixture of loam, peat, and sand. It may be propagated by root division or from seed. Divide in spring. Sow in early spring in a cold frame, and plant out in May. The flowers are collected entire and dried, but the receptacles are
sometimes removed as they are liable to be attacked by insects.
The root is collected in autumn after the leaves have died down.

---Constituents---A bitter yellow crystalline principle, Arnica, and a volatile oil. Tannin and phulin are also present. The flowers are said to contain more Arnica than the rhizome, but no tannin.

---Medicinal Action and Uses---In countries where Arnica is indigenous, it has long been a popular remedy. In the North American colonies the flowers are used in preference to the rhizome. They have a discutient property. The tincture is used for external application to sprains, bruises, and wounds, and as a paint for chilblains when the skin is unbroken. Repeated applications may produce severe inflammation. It is seldom used internally, because of its irritant effect on the stomach. Its action is stimulant and diuretic, and it is chiefly used in low fevers and paralytic affections.

Arnica flowers are sometimes adulterated with other composite flowers, especially Calendula officinalis, Inula brittanica, Kragapogon pratensis, and Scorzonera humilis.

A homoeopathic tincture, X6, has been used successfully in the treatment of epilepsy; also for seasickness, 3 X before sailing, and every hour on board till comfortable.

For tender feet a foot-bath of hot water containing 1/2 oz. of the tincture has brought great relief. Applied to the scalp it will make the hair grow.

Great care must be exercised though, as some people are particularly sensitive to the plant and many severe cases of poisoning have resulted from its use, especially if taken internally.

British Pharmacopoeia Tincture, root, 10 to 30 drops. United States
Pharmacopoeia Tincture, flowers, 10 to 30 drops.

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Common Names
Hairy Arnica

Habitat
Middle elevation creeks and moist meadows to alpine.

Harvesting
Root and flowers are the strongest, it's your choice. We harvest flowers and upper stems. Whole above ground is OK. The perennial roots will grow back if aboveground parts are harvested. This is the most ecological method if the species is strong enough. Root harvest requires thought for the continuation of the stand, but it can be done without difficulty. If harvesting for drying, harvest young flowers or buds as they go to seed quickly during the drying process.

Processing
Fresh herb is best for tincture. Fresh plants may cause an oil to go rancid from too much water, so either wilt or dry the herb.

Uses
Primarily topical for bruises, sprains, injuries, perhaps arthritis. Increases blood flow to the area, without the warming effect of other counterirritants. Useful to potentate other topical herbs....mix with St.John's Wort Oil for nerve trauma....Comfrey Oil for tendonitis....etc. 

Do not use on broken skin. Discontinue use if reddening of the skin occurs......either dilute, harvest more of the aboveground parts for the next batch, or switch species. Arnica is used homeopathically for similar things (bruises, etc., incl. shock), however it may be taken internally in
such dilute dosages. Always check label to be sure it's homeopathic.

Tinctures are used topically for oily problems, oils for dry problems. I personally use Arnica oil for most purposes. Michael Moore uses it internally. Use with caution. Check MPPW.

Related Plants
Arnica cordifolia, Arnica montana (species used in herb trade). There are protected Arnicas in our area, so check before harvesting. The Northwest region is the global center of biodiversity for the genus Arnica.