Common Names: Arnica flowers, arnica root, common arnica, leop-ardsbane, mountain arnica, mountain tobacco, wolfsbane.
Medicinal Parts: Flowers, rootstock.
Description: Arnica is a perennial plant that is generally found in mountainous areas of Canada, the northern U.S., and Europe. The horizontal, dark brown, branched rootstock sends up a slightly hairy, simple or lightly branched stem that reaches a height of 1 to 2 feet. The basal leaves are oblong-ovate and short-petioled; the upper leaves are smaller and sessile. Each plant has one to nine large, yellow, daisy-like flowerheads whose rays are notched on the outer tips. The flowers appear from June to August. Properties and Uses: Diaphoretic, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, stimulant, vulnerary. Arnica is primarily for external use. Used as tincture or salve, it helps to promote the healing of wounds, bruises, and irritation. However, only very dilute solutions of tincture should be used, since the tincture can cause blistering and inflammation when applied. Arnica is also sometimes used as a poultice, and a tea made from the flowers for a compress on the stomach to relieve abdominal pains. The dilute tincture can be helpful in inflammation of the mouth and throat, and some doctors use it for internal bleeding and as a cardiac agent. Except in emergencies, arnica should not be used for any purpose without medical direction.
Preparation and Dosage: Use professionally prepared remedies whenever possible.
Infusion: Use 1 tsp. dried flowers with ½ cup boiling water. Take in three equal portions during the day for diaphoretic, diuretic, and expectorant action.
External Wash: Steep 2 heaping tsp. flowers in 1 cup boiling water. Use cold.
Tincture: Use a dilute solution of 1 to 2 tbsp. to a cup of water.
Ointment: Heat 1 oz. flowers in 1 oz. olive oil or lard in a water bath (as in a double boiler) for a few hours. Strain through several layers of cheesecloth.
