Practical
Plants

Arnica angustifolia alpina

Mountain Tobacco

a perennial member of the Arnica genus in the family Compositae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Genus
Arnica
Life cycle
perennial
Height
0.5 m
Fertility
Insects
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects

Uses

Toxicity

Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The whole plant is toxic and should only be used for external applications to unbroken skin[3].

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The whole flowering plant is antiecchymotic, antiphlogistic, nervine, sternutatory and vulnerary[3]. This species is closely related to A. montana and is included in that species by some botanists. The medicinal uses of that plant are as follows:- Arnica has a long history of herbal use, especially as an external treatment for bruises and sprains[5][6] - it is an ingredient of a number of proprietary preparations[6]. Internally, it has been used in the treatment of heart complaints and as a booster for the immune system[6]. Arnica increases local blood supply and accelerates healing, it is anti-inflammatory and increases the rate of absorption of internal bleeding[7]. Generally the plant is nowadays only recommended for internal use as a homeopathic medicine, principally for treating shock, injury and pain[7]. If used as a decoction or tincture it stimulates the circulation and is valuable in the treatment of angina and a weak or failing heart, but it can be toxic even at quite low doses and so is rarely used this way[7]. The flowers are the part most commonly used[9][5], they are harvested when fully open and dried - the receptacles are sometimes removed since these are liable to be attacked by insects[9]. The root is also used, it is harvested after the leaves have died down in the autumn and dried for later use[9]. The whole plant is antiecchymotic, antiphlogistic, nervine, sternutatory, vulnerary[9][12][13][10][2]. Although a very valuable remedy, it should be used with caution. It has been known to cause contact dermatitis when used externally and collapse when taken internally[6]. Only take it internally under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. The freshly crushed flowers cause sneezing if inhaled[5]. The leaves have also been smoked as a tobacco[5], though it is unclear whether this was for medicinal reasons The whole plant, harvested when in flower, is used in homeopathic remedies[5]. It is especially useful in the treatment of traumatic injuries, sores and bruises[5]. The homeopathic dose has also been used effectively in the treatment of epilepsy and seasickness, and it might be of use as a hair growth stimulant[8].

Product or use
Antiecchymotic
Product or use
Antiphlogistic
Product or use
Nervine
Product or use
Sternutatory
Product or use
Vulnerary

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

This plant is used as a hair conditioner[3]. No further details are given.

Product or use
Hair care

Environment

Range
N. Europe. N. Asia and Northern N. America.
Habitat
Pasture and open woodland on neutral to calcareous soils[4]. Bare rocky alpine slopes and summits[11].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 3+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - sow early spring in a cold frame[4]. Only just cover the seed and make sure that the compost does not dry out. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer. Division in spring[4].

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Prefers a moist, well-drained humus rich soil, preferably lime-free[4]. This species is more lime tolerant than other members of the genus[4]. Prefers a mixture of sand, loam and peat[1]. Closely related to A. montana[8].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩

  2. Mills. S. Y. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism.

    ↩

  3. Schofield. J. J. Discovering Wild Plants - Alaska, W. Canada and the Northwest.

    ↩1↩2↩3

  4. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  5. Castro. M. The Complete Homeopathy Handbook. Macmillan. London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-333-55581-3

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6

  6. Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  7. Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London 1996-00-00 ISBN 9-780751-303148

    ↩1↩2↩3

  8. Stuart. M. (Editor) The Encyclopedia of Herbs and Herbalism Orbis Publishing. London. 1979-00-00 ISBN 0-85613-067-2

    ↩1↩2

  9. Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-14-046-440-9

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  10. Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim 1959-00-00

    ↩

  11. Hitchcock. C. L. Vascular Plants of the Pacific Northwest. University of Washington Press 1955-00-00

    ↩

  12. Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-356-10541-5

    ↩

  13. Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn 1981-00-00 ISBN 0-600-37216-2

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