Arnica is a herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family and its botanical name is Arnica montana . It grows well throughout Europe and Asia, especially in hilly and mountainous areas in a sunny location.

Arnica is currently a protected plant because with growing urbanization and anthropization there are less and less suitable areas for its development and in this way we are risking to lose the best natural habitats in which arnica grows.

This officinal plant grows from 20 to 60 cm in height and blooms in yellow flower head inflorescences similar to large daisies. Arnica flowering occurs between the beginning of summer and the end of September .

Arnica flowers start from the month of July and we will have to collect only the flowers just opened in order to get the maximum of active ingredients.

When the arnica blooms, we can then collect its inflorescences, dry them in the shade and use it to obtain healthy products such as mother tinctures, herbal remedies and also for homeopathic formulations. In fact, arnica is a medicinal plant used in traditional medicine since ancient times and still today it is widely used as a natural remedy.

Growing requirements of the arnica

Arnica loves sunny and bright areas but fears excessive summer heat and drought. In fact the ideal areas are hill and mountain environments, perhaps even protecting the arnica with the shadow of some trees and shrubs closer.

The arnica soil must be dissolved, with a slightly acidic and above all well drained pH. In fact, it is recommended to add a little expanded clay or pumice to the soil in order to have better water absorption and distribution in the soil.

The arnica does not have great water needs it will be sufficient to water it regularly for the first year and check that the soil remains fresh even in summer .

Grow arnica

Arnica can be sown directly in the open field after the frosts have passed and spring begins . In case you want to prepare the seedlings, it is possible to sow in a protected seedbed already in autumn and then transplant in spring young seedlings of arnica.

The seeds are placed on a soil or scattered with an average distance of 2 centimeters. Irrigation in this time of germination is essential but we will not have to exceed the rottenness of the seed or young seedlings.

We can also grow arnica starting from the rhizome that will have to be divided to get new arnica seedlings. You will need a very sharp knife to cut the rhizome into parts and thus have more rhizome parts with roots.

When we have to plant the arnica we will need holes in the ground at least 30 centimeters apart from each other. The best time to carry out the transplant is spring but also at the beginning of autumn it is indicated since the arnica seedlings will have more time to develop the roots and thus become stronger.

In case we wanted to grow arnica in pots, it is possible and also quite easy to do it, only we will have to remember to add gravel or expanded clay on the bottom and above all remember to repot arnica every 2 years .

What does arnica contain?

Arnica has a phytocomplex composed of phenolic compounds, flavonoids such as essential oils, tannins and bitter substances such as sesquiterpenes lactones including elenaline.

These active ingredients have a strong anti-inflammatory action capable of decreasing the cascade process of inflammatory mediators, thus preventing the outbreak of inflammation from spreading or becoming chronic. In addition, elenaline has direct action on the cells, thus promoting the activity of our immune system.

The essential oils present in arnica have a disinfectant, expectorant, eupeptic action but above all stimulate blood circulation and therefore support the cardiovascular system .

The active ingredients present such as flavonoids are also excellent antioxidants capable of reducing the action of free radicals responsible for the cellular aging of the body.

Finally, the arnica also has a pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory action as well as having a good ability to eliminate harmful bacteria to our body.

When to use arnica

Arnica is used in the form of gel or ointment in cases of bruises, traumas, hematomas, muscle and joint pain, various types of inflammation and capillary problems. Topical use is the best and the most recommended because of its direct effect on the affected areas.

The action on the skin of the arnica cream is specific in the case of acne, insect bites, boils, skin eruptions, inflammation of the skin, mouth and throat but also in case of phlebitis and fever.

Traumas and distortions have a prompt resolution with arnica-based cream due to its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory action. In these cases arnica is also recommended as a homeopathic remedy to be hung every 2 hours after the trauma suffered.

Furthermore, topical products based on arnica are excellent for muscle pain in the back but also in the limbs and neck. The arnica can also be inserted during a massage to help relax and recover after sports or other fatigue.

There are special plasters to be applied to the body that gradually release the active ingredients of arnica and are highly recommended especially for back and joint problems .

Finally, arnica can also be used as a stimulant of brain functions, as a tonic for the central nervous system and as a support for the immune system.

In the latter case, the mother tincture of arnica is the best remedy to gargle with antiseptic effect and for oral use, obtaining the anti-inflammatory and stimulating benefits of the immune system.