Arnica Montana

Also known as arnica flowers, arnica root, common arnica, leopardsbane, mountain arnica, mountin tobacco and wolfsbane. Arnica is a perennial plant found in mountainous regions of Canada, the north of the United States, and in Europe. It has horizontal, dark brown roots and a hairy, stem which is occasionally lightly branched. The plant grows to a height of 1 to 2 feet, and has rounded oblong leaves. Yellow, daisy-like flowers bloom between June and August, with anywhere between 1 and 9 flowers on each plant. The outer tips of the petals are notched.

Arnica is diaphoretic, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, stimulant and vulnerary. It is mainly used externally as a tincture or salve to aid in the healing of wounds, bruises and skin irritation. When using a tincture of the plant, it should be very dilute, as it can sometimes cause blistering and inflammation when applied to the skin. A tea made from arnica flowers can be used on the stomach in a compress to relieve abdominal pains. Some doctors use arnica for internal bleeding and as a cardiac agent. This plant should never be used medicinally without first seeking medical advice.

Ar"ni*ca (#), n. [Prob. a corruption of ptarmica.] Bot.

A genus of plants; also, the most important species (Arnica montana), native of the mountains of Europe, used in medicine as a narcotic and stimulant.

⇒ The tincture of arnica is applied externally as a remedy for bruises, sprains, etc.

 

© Webster 1913.

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