Arnica (Arnica Montana)

Common names: Leopard's bane, Mountain tobacco, Common Arnica, Mountain Arnica, Mountain Daisy, Wolfsbane

An ancient German folk custom was to plant arnica around fields of grain. It was believed that the spirit of a wolf wandered through the fields. The arnica was thought to prevent the “Grain Wolf” from escaping before the grain was harvested, and that his spirit would enter the sheaves and strengthen the crop.

Growing wild high on alpine mountainsides, the arnica flower is sometimes called a ‘mountain daisy,’ though you can always tell the difference because of its rich golden-orange color. The word “arnica” comes from a Greek word for “lamb’s coat” – soft hairs cover the green oval-shaped leaves that surround the flowers.

A member of the sunflower family and related to dandelions, arnica plants thrive in temperate climates, and can be found in the mountain woods and pastures all along the central part of the European continent and the Pyrenees, and in the mountains and plains of Siberia, Canada, and the American northwestern states.

Unusual among plants, it blooms in late summer or autumn. Its flowers are harvested when in full bloom, and then dried. In fall after the leaves dry and drop, the rootstalks (rhizomes) are collected. Both flowers and roots may be used in tinctures.

Herbalists in many traditions have used arnica for centuries for its anti-bruising, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial qualities. Plastic surgeons today recommend application of arnica cream after surgery and many athletes swear by arnica liniments to ease sore muscles, strains, sprains and bruises.

Science tells us that arnica acts by increasing local blood supply, which accelerates healing. It provides real pain relief for osteoarthritis and joint pain sufferers. It even has been shown to promote hair growth!

Because of its wonderful healing properties for the skin, arnica is an integral part of LevensESSENTIE Gold ^®. Paul Penders also uses arnica as a key ingredient for scalp cleansing and skin toning products.

Watch this blog for more from the Paul Penders Organic Herbal Garden. Paul Penders products are formulated from organically grown herbs and flowering plants. Special cold blending and other scientific processes help retain the natural benefits of these gifts from Mother Nature.

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