Photo: Bernd Haynold · CC BY-SA 2.5 · Source
Arnica
Arnica montana
Family: Compositae | Parts Used: Flower heads
Arnica is a perennial herb native to Europe, belonging to the Compositae family. It is recognized for its capacity to reduce bruising, inflammation, and pain through external application. It stimulates circulation to affected areas and facilitates the body's natural healing response following physical trauma. The flower heads are the parts used and contain essential oils, sesquiterpene lactones, bitter glycosides, alkaloids, polyacetylenes, flavonoids, and tannins.
Traditional Uses
- Reduces bruising and injuries
- has anti-inflammatory action
- Wound-healing (vulnerary) effects
- Stimulant properties
- Analgesic (pain-relieving) qualities
- Stimulates circulation to affected areas
Properties
Key Constituents
Preparations & Dosage
- Apply infused oil or liniment externally using a clean cloth on unbroken skin
- External use only
TCM Profile: Poisonous, warm energy
Cautions
- Do not take internally; internal use can be toxic.
- External use only.
- Do not apply to broken skin or open wounds.
- May cause allergic contact dermatitis, especially in individuals sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family.
- Discontinue use if skin irritation occurs.
- Consult qualified healthcare providers before use, especially if pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
- Contraindications: allergy-asteraceae, breastfeeding, not-for-internal-use, pre-surgery, pregnancy, toxic-use-caution
Habitat & Growing Conditions
Native to Europe, some species grown in the US zones 4-9. Likes moist, sandy, well-drained soil in full sun.
Sources & Research
The Way of Herbs, Michael Tierra p88
The New Holistic Herbal, David Hoffmann p176
Herbs An Illustrated Encyclopedia, Kathi Keville p45
Published Research:
Arnica Montana | PubMed (2012)
Arnica montana L.: Doesn't Origin Matter? | Plants (Basel, Switzerland) (2023)
Arnica montana L. - a plant of healing: review | The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology (2017)
Myth Versus Reality: A Review of Social Media Claims and Scientific Evidence for Arnica montana in Postinjectable Pro... | Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] (2025)
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are under the care of a health care provider or taking prescription medication, check with your provider before using any herbal supplement.