Asteraceae
Arnica
Arnica montana
⚠ Use with Caution
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Central European mountains
Also known as: Mountain Arnica, Leopard's Bane, Wolf's Bane, Mountain Tobacco
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Flower
Therapeutic Uses
Bruises, sprains, muscle soreness, hematomas, arthritis pain, post-surgical inflammation, insect bites — TOPICAL ONLY. Extensive clinical evidence for topical anti-inflammatory effect. Used homeopathically internally.
Herbal Actions
Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, vulnerary, antimicrobial, circulatory stimulant (topical only)
Active Constituents
Sesquiterpene lactones (helenalin, dihydrohelenalin — anti-inflammatory, toxic internally), flavonoids (patuletin, spinacetin), essential oil, thymol, phenolic acids
Preparation Methods
🧴 Salve/Balm🏺 Tincture
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | NOT FOR INTERNAL USE — toxic |
| Tincture | TOPICAL ONLY: dilute tincture 1:5 with water for compress, or use commercial cream |
| Notes | CRITICAL: Arnica is TOXIC if taken internally — for external use only (except homeopathic preparations). Apply cream or diluted tincture to unbroken skin only. Commercial creams (5–25% tincture) safe. Do not apply to broken skin or open wounds. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
⚠ Use with Caution
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: NEVER TAKE INTERNALLY (toxic — helenalin causes GI hemorrhage). Do not apply to broken skin. Avoid in Asteraceae allergy. Not for prolonged topical use.
Side Effects: Topical: contact dermatitis (common with prolonged use). Internal: severe GI irritation, hemorrhage, cardiac toxicity, death.