ARNICA
Arnica montana
COMMON NAMES: Leopard’s bane, arnica.
FEATURES: Arnica is of the thistle family, found growing in the northern mountain states of the United
States and Canada.
A perennial herb, with a slender, blackish rhizome 1–2 inches long, from which are given off numerous
filiform roots. The stem, 10–12 inches high, is erect, pubescent, rough, striated, either simple or with one
pair of opposite branches. The leaves, 1½–3 inches long, are few, entire, sessile, opposite, obovate; the
radical ones crowded at the base, the upper smaller than the rest. The heads, 2–2½ inches wide, are large
and solitary at the summit of the stem and lateral branches. The involucre is cylindrical, dull green, with
purplish points and hairy. The disc flowers are yellow and numerous, with tumular corolla with five
spreading teeth. The ray flowers are about fifteen in number, yellow in color. It flowers in July and
August.
Arnica is a treasure indeed and has been sought diligently by people living in accessible localities. The
root of Arnica montana, the mountain tobacco, yields a small quantity of oil and resinous substance.
MEDICINAL PARTS: Rhizome, flowers.
SOLVENTS: Boiling water, alcohol.
BODILY INFLUENCE: Stimulant.
USES: The utmost care should be taken when given internally, as large amounts are poisonous. In
emergencies causing mental or physical shock, pain and swelling after a troublesome dental extraction,
sprains of joints, fractured bones, headaches (even concussions), good results follow the internal
administration of arnica. Persons recover much more rapidly than under morphine.
Administer no more than 5 drops of tincture (children less) every 3–4 hours, and continue as long as the
symptoms seem to require for the above mentioned.
Spirits of arnica can be made by putting the flowers in brandy or medicinal (internal uses) alcohol. In
about three days the tincture may be used: 5 drops every 3–4 hours.