DOSE: For infusion put 2 teaspoonfuls of the flowers in 1 cup of boiling water, simmer for 10 minutes,
cool. To be taken in 5-drop amounts, children less according to age.
EXTERNALLY: The liquid solution is also used on any unbroken surface to stop pain, such as in
compresses over rheumatic joints, bruises, painful swollen feet, etc. If bleeding is present a solution of
one part arnica to ten parts calendula (marigold) is unsurpassed for all lesions or open wounds.
Arnica salve is made by heating 1 ounce of the flowers with 1 ounce of cold-pressed arnica oil for a
few hours. This is useful for chapped lips and inflamed nostrils, bruises, joint pain, skin rash, and acne.
HOMEOPATHIC CLINICAL: Tincture of whole fresh plants, tincture of root for abscess, alienation,
apoplexy, back (pain in), baldness, bedsores, black eye, boils, brain (affections of), breath (fetid),
bronchitis, bruises, carbuncles, chest (the affections of), chorea, corns, cramp, diabetes, diarrhea,
dysentery, ecchymosis, excoriations, exhaustion, eyes (affections of), feet (sore), meningitis, miscarriage,
nipples (sore), nose (affections of), paralysis, pleurodynia, purpura, rheumatism, splenalgia, sprain,
stings, suppuration, taste (disorders of), thirst, traumatic fever, tumors, voice (affections of), whooping
cough, wounds.
RUSSIAN EXPERIENCE: At one time Russia had to import arnica from central Europe (Germany, Hungary,
etc.) for domestic use. This arnica (Arnica chamissonic) was previously thought to be superior to North
American arnica.
Of late, Russian researchers scientifically observed both species, comparing their medicinal value and
cultivation. The North American variety was the same as, if not better in many respects than, the European
arnica. Uses: Arnica montana has been used since the days of old in Russian folk medicine. Russian
people know of astonishing additional internal uses. To stop bleeding, boils, inflammation of the genital
organs, heart weakness, stimulation of the central nervous system, to promote bile, reduce cholesterol.
Externally: Wounds, bruises (black eye), skin conditions, and many others, the same as above mentioned.
Commercial: From Russian literature we learn of their commercial plantations and find a very detailed
description of their practice. Arnica is perennial. Once you sow seed, you may harvest for a good many
years with little care except at flowering season, which requires some labor to collect. Each acre requires
about 5–6 pounds of seed. Total harvest cannot be estimated, as it depends on soil conditions, climate,
and time for collecting. Due to international demand the price is always increasing. The use of arnica is
limited by the shortage of supply. American herbal agriculture, and herbalists, can extend the benefits of
Native American and Russian experience from the garden to the patient.