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Home -> Shop By Store -> ArnicaArnicaArnicaArnica is also commonly called Mountain Tobacco, Wolfsbane, Mountain Daisy and Leopard's Bane. This remarkable plant has a bright yellow, daisy-like flower that blooms throughout the summer months. Preparations made from the flowering heads have been used in homeopathic medicine for hundreds of years. Arnica is found wild in the mountainous areas of Europe where it is a protected species. Arnica popular in Germany where over 100 drug preparations are made from the plant. The name arnica is said to be derived from the word ptarmilos, Greek for “sneezing”. One sniff of arnica can make you sneeze. The herb was known by Methusalus and was widely used in the 16th century in German folk medicine. Largely as a result of exaggerated claims in the 18th century by Venetian physicians, it was, for a short time, a popular medicine. The active components in arnica are sesquiterpene lactones, which are known to reduce inflammation and decrease pain. Other active principals are thymol (an essential oil), flavonoids, inulin, carotenoids and tannins. Uses of Arnica: Arnica works by stimulating the activity of white blood cells that perform much of the digestion of congested blood, and by dispersing trapped, disorganized fluids from bumped and bruised tissue, joints and muscles. The herb is known to stimulate blood circulation and can raise blood pressure, especially in the coronary arteries. The plant is used externally for arthritis, burns, ulcers, eczema and acne. It has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities that can reduce pain and swelling, improving wound healing. A tincture of flowers can be used in the treatment of sprains, wounds and bruises, and also to give relief from rheumatic pain, if the skin is not broken. Salves made with arnica can now be found in many health food stores and are well worth having in the medicine cabinet. Historical Use: Arnica has been used extensively in European folk medicine. Its flower and root have been used as a pain reliever, expectorant, and stimulant. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 - 1832), the German philosopher and poet, drank arnica tea to ease his angina in old age. Internal use is extremely risky and is not recommended. In countries where arnica is indigenous, it has long been a popular remedy for a variety of problems. Precaution Do not take arnica internally except under supervision of a qualified herbalist or homeopath. Never apply to broken skin. Sow the small seed in spring or early fall in either a pot, plug or seed tray, and cover with perlite. Place the trays in a cold frame as heat will inhibit germination. The seed is slow to germinate, even occasionally as long as two years! Once the seedlings are large enough, pot up and harden off in a cold frame. Deadhead the flowers in summer. Harvest for medicinal use just before they come into full flower. In the fall collect the seeds and either sow immediately or store in an airtight container for sowing in the spring. Dig up roots of 2nd or 3rd year growth after the plant has fully died back in late autumn or early winter for drying. Being a mountainous plant, arnica is happiest in a sandy soil, rich in humus, and in a sunny position. It is a highly ornamental plant with a long flowering season. It is ideally suited for large rock gardens or the front of a border bed. Well worth growing for its beauty alone! Arnica’s root produces creeping rhizomes, which are easy to divide in spring. This is a much more reliable means of propagation than sowing seed. Caterpillars and slugs sometimes eat the leaves. Simply spray with a natural horticultural soap. |
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