Skip to content
Arnica (Arnica montana)
Materia Medica
Family: Asteraceae
Botanical name: Arnica montana L.
Common names: Arnica, Mountain Arnica, Leopard’s Bane
Parts used: Flower heads
Growth habit: Perennial herb
Primary traditions: European topical herbal use
Actions & Energetics
Historical European materia medica describes the flower heads as a topical vulnerary and anti-inflammatory for bruises and sprains. Internal use of the crude plant is not part of ordinary traditional practice. The plant is the source of homeopathic Arnica preparations.
Botanical Description
Arnica montana is a perennial of mountain meadows with a basal rosette of leaves and solitary or few yellow daisy-like flower heads on upright stems. The plant is native to European mountains and is protected in many areas.
Traditional Indications
European herbals record the flower heads for external application to bruises, sprains, and muscle soreness. The plant is not traditionally used internally in crude form. Homeopathic preparations of Arnica are widely available and are a separate tradition.
Preparations & Dosage
Topical Ointment or Tincture
Flower heads are macerated in oil or alcohol and applied externally to unbroken skin for bruises and sprains. Ordinary traditional use is external only.
Constituents
The flower heads contain sesquiterpene lactones (including helenalin), flavonoids, and essential oil. The sesquiterpene lactones are responsible for both the traditional topical activity and the potential for skin irritation.
Modern Research
Studies have examined topical Arnica preparations for bruising and muscle soreness. Results are mixed. Internal use of the crude plant is not supported by modern clinical practice.
Adverse Effects
Topical application to unbroken skin is generally well-tolerated. Skin irritation or contact dermatitis can occur in sensitive individuals. Internal use of the crude plant is not part of ordinary practice and can cause gastrointestinal and other adverse effects.
Interactions & Contraindications
Topical use is the traditional application. Internal use of crude preparations is not recommended. The plant should not be applied to broken skin.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Topical use on unbroken skin is the primary traditional application. Internal use is not recommended.
Habitat & Cultivation
- Native range: European mountains
- Habitat: Alpine and subalpine meadows
- Cultivation: Grown for the flower heads; wild populations are protected in many countries
Harvesting & Drying
Flower heads are harvested when fully open and dried carefully. The plant is slow-growing and wild harvesting is restricted in many areas.
History, Folklore & Spiritual Use
Arnica has been used in European folk medicine for bruises and injuries for centuries. It appears in traditional pharmacy as a topical preparation and later became a staple of homeopathic practice. The plant remains protected in many European countries due to overharvesting.
Materia Medica Summary
Arnica (Arnica montana) is a European mountain perennial whose flower heads are traditionally applied externally for bruises and sprains. Ordinary use is topical only. The plant is protected in many areas and is the source of homeopathic Arnica preparations.