Common Names
Arnica, leopard's bane, mountain tobacco
Botanical Name
Arnica montana
Family
Asteraceae
Medicinal Uses
Bruises/sprains, Pain Relief.
Properties
Analgesic, Circulation, Nervine, Vulnerary.
Parts Used
Roots, flowers
Constituents
Volatile oil (containing thymol), resins, a bitter principle (arnicin), carotenoids, flavonoids.
Habitat
Arnica is a perennial plant that flowers from June to July and prefers acid and poor soils. It is mainly found in grassland and shrubland and alpine mountain environments.
Side Effects
Repeated applications can cause skin irritation, which makes it unsuitable for longer term use. Not for use on open and bleeding wounds.
How to Prepare
1. Arnicated oil, (Arnica flowers infused in oil), or extracts.
2. Arnica is often used in homeopathy and should only be taken internally in the extremely diluted form common to homeopathic remedies.
