Medicinal Monday - Heartleaf Arnica

The common name of this beautiful yellow flower, Heartleaf typifies the way the petals and leaves surround and color this plant. Heartleaf resembles very small sunflowers with their bright yellow petals and a golden center.  Native Americans found many uses for this perennial herb and use it for a variety of ailments including love potions.

About Heartleaf Arnica

This perennial herb is native to North America and can be found from Alaska to California; to New Mexico and as far east as Michigan.  Heartleaf grows up to 24 inches high and spreads by tender creeping rhizomes. This hardy plant can survive in many habitats but thrives in mountain meadows and forests.  The leaves are heart-shaped with finely toothed edges.  The daisy-like flowerheads are studded with resin glands and each one has a golden yellow center with a bright golden ray of petals radiating out. The fruit and seed of this plant are dispersed on the wind. Heartleaf Arnica can live up to twelve years.

Medicinal Uses
A common use by many Native American communities is to use it as a poultice to soothe strained muscles and bruises. In addition to this application, the Shuswap make an eyewash from this plant to treat sore eyes.  The Thompson mash the plant and use it to treat swellings, cuts, and bruises, they also make an infusion to treat tuberculosis.  The Okanagan-Colville use the roots as a love medicine. Roots are mixed with a robin's heart and tongue then dried into a powder. The user is instructed to go into the water and face east.  He would recite certain words including those of the person he loved, and, then mark his face with the yellow powdered Heartleaf Arnica mixture.

Did  You Know

This plant can survive periodic wildfires because it can resprout from its long rhizomes.

Arnica contains several chemical compounds with anti-inflammatory properties and is being investigated for possible pain relief for arthritis.

According to a European folk tale, the medicinal value of arnica was discovered by shepherds who noticed that injured sheep and goats were attracted to this plant.

About The Institute for American Indian Studies (IAIS)

Located on 15 woodland acres the IAIS preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs.  We have an outdoor replicated 16th c. Algonkian Village and Wigwam Escape and a Museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present that allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut.