Arnica montana
Arnica
a perennial member of the Arnica genus in the family Compositae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Compositae
- Genus
- Arnica
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Height
- 0.3 m
- Spread
- 0.15 m
- Fertility
- Self fertile, Bees, Flies, Lepidoptera, Self
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Bees, Flies, Lepidoptera, Self
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[16][3][14][5].
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.
Arnica has a long history of herbal use, especially as an external treatment for bruises and sprains[8][9] - it is an ingredient of a number of proprietary preparations[9]. Internally, it has been used in the treatment of heart complaints and as a booster for the immune system[9]. Arnica increases local blood supply and accelerates healing, it is anti-inflammatory and increases the rate of absorption of internal bleeding[10]. Generally the plant is nowadays only recommended for internal use as a homeopathic medicine, principally for treating shock, injury and pain[10]. 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[10]. The flowers are the part most commonly used[12][8], they are harvested when fully open and dried - the receptacles are sometimes removed since these are liable to be attacked by insects[12]. The root is also used, it is harvested after the leaves have died down in the autumn and dried for later use[12]. The whole plant is antiecchymotic, antiphlogistic, nervine, sternutatory, vulnerary[12][15][16][13][4]. 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[9]. Only take it internally under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. The freshly crushed flowers cause sneezing if inhaled[8]. The leaves have also been smoked as a tobacco[8], though it is unclear whether this was for medicinal reasons The whole plant, harvested when in flower, is used in homeopathic remedies[8]. It is especially useful in the treatment of traumatic injuries, sores and bruises[8]. 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[11].
- Product or use
- Antiecchymotic
- Product or use
- Antiphlogistic
- Product or use
- Nervine
- Product or use
- Sternutatory
- Product or use
- Vulnerary
Environment
- Range
- C. Europe.
- Habitat
- Calcareous soils in mountain pastures[15]. Found especially on granite or siliceous soils in the Alps, up to 2500 metres. Pasture and open woodland, usually on poorer acid soils[7].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 6+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- very acid, 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 - best sown as soon as it is ripe in pots outdoors. Sow stored seed in early spring in a cold frame[12]. A period of cold stratification is helpful[9]. The fresh seed can germinate in 3 - 4 weeks at 13°c according to one report[2], though it can be slow, difficult and erratic and take 2 years to germinate[11]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in the following spring. Division in spring.
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Prefers a moist, well-drained humus rich soil, preferably lime-free[7]. One report says that it is often found in calcareous soils in the wild[15]. Tolerates a pH in the range 5.8 to 7.6. Prefers a mixture of sand, loam and peat[1]. Prefers a position in full sun[1][2]. Succeeds in light woodland[3] and in a rock garden or border[1][3]. Plants are hardy to about -25°c[6]. This species is declining in the wild, probably because of over-collection as a medicinal herb. It may become extinct in part of its range[7].
References
F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00
Rice. G. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 2. Thompson and Morgan. 1988-00-00
Holtom. J. and Hylton. W. Complete Guide to Herbs. Rodale Press 1979-00-00 ISBN 0-87857-262-7
Mills. S. Y. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism.
Schofield. J. J. Discovering Wild Plants - Alaska, W. Canada and the Northwest.
Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books 1991-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30936-9
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Castro. M. The Complete Homeopathy Handbook. Macmillan. London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-333-55581-3
Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31
Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London 1996-00-00 ISBN 9-780751-303148
Stuart. M. (Editor) The Encyclopedia of Herbs and Herbalism Orbis Publishing. London. 1979-00-00 ISBN 0-85613-067-2
Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-14-046-440-9
Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim 1959-00-00
Frohne. D. and Pf�nder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe 1984-00-00 ISBN 0723408394
Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-356-10541-5
Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn 1981-00-00 ISBN 0-600-37216-2