Arnica

(Arnica montana L., Compositae Arnica SPP.)

Also called:
Arnica flowers, arnica root, common arnica, leopard's bane, mountain arnica, mountain tobacco, wolfsbane.

Description:
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.
The creeping rhizome producing in the first year a basal rosette of 4-8 decussate, ovate, yellowish-green, downy leaves, 4-7cm (1 5-2.75in) long.
In the second year a flowering stem 30-60cm (1-2ft) high bears 2-6 decussate leaves (most other members of the Compositae with which arnica may be confused have alternate, not opposite, leaves).

Parts Used:
Florets separated from the involucre (the official pharmaceutical form) or the entire flowerheads, fresh or dried.
Rarely also the cylindrical rhizome.

Habitat and Collection:
Native to Europe; most species occur mountainous areas of Canada and the northern U.S..
Found mainly in the Alps, rarely in the Jura, at altitudes of 1,000-2,800m (3,280 9,180ft), especially in humus soils.
Not found wild in Britain.
The flowerheads are collected when in flower and are dried in the shade as rapidly as possible at less than 35°C (95°F).
The rhizome is collected in autumn.
Arnica is a protected plant in Switzerland

Constituents and Action:
Volatile oil containing polyacetylenic compounds; flavones; substances acting on the circulatory system but not identified.
Diaphoretic, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, stimulant, vulnerary.
Externally arnica is used for bruises; it is rubefacient and a skin irritant.
Internally it is irritant to digestive tract and kidneys (diuretic)
It increases biliary secretion and influences blood pressure, initially lowering and subsequently increasing it.
Seldom used internally because its primary active constituents are considered toxic.
Arnica is primarily for external use.
Externally as an anti-inflammatory, pain reliever and antiseptic for sprains, bruises, acne, injuries and swelling caused by bone fractures, insect bites, rheumatic pains and chilblains.
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.

Forms available:
Creams, ointments, gels, tinctures, homoeopathic preparations.

Usage:
Use professionally prepared remedies whenever possible.
Tincture: Use a dilute solution of 1 to 2 tbsp. to a cup of water, (1 tablespoonful of tincture in 0-25 litre (0.5pt) of water) in compresses for bruises, inflammations and dislocations.
Also as a gargle for inflammations of the mouth and throat (20 drops of tincture in a tumbler 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.
External Wash: Steep 2 heaping tsp. flowers in 1 cup boiling water. Use cold.

As an internal remedy, arnica is most often used in homoeopathic doses for shock, traumatic injury and to encourage healing after surgery. Homoeopathic medicines are stronger at higher dilutions: Arnica 6X tablets are readily available from health-food shops and chemists, while Arnica 30X is more likely to be found at a specialist supplier.

Apart from homoeopathic medicines, internally it should only be used with utmost care because of its toxicity.
Infusion: Use 1 tsp. dried flowers with 1/2 cup boiling water. Take in three equal portions during the day for diaphoretic, diuretic, and expectorant action.

Caution:Use only on short-term basis for acute conditions.
In large doses it may be poisonous.
Arnica should not be used on open wounds or broken skin.
Can cause allergic dermatitis in sensitive persons or with prolonged uses.
It should only be used externally: taken internally it can cause gastroenteritis, lead to palpitations, muscle paralysis and breathing problems. High doses may damage the heart and in rare cases can induce cardiac arrest.
Significant side effects have been reported for doses of around 30 ml of a 1:5 tincture (in the UK only 1:10 tinctures of arnica are permitted) and in rare cases it may be fatal.
Avoid if you're pregnant.

Important information:
Protected in the wild in parts of Europe.
May be at risk in the wild elsewhere; needs further study.