There are many plants in the world that can be useful when used appropriately. Arnica is one of these plants. It has been used medicinally by Native Americans for centuries. Some of its first use dates back to the 1500s, and it is still popular today.
About Arnica
Arnica is a perennial aster that is part of the sunflower family and has the classic "sunflower" look. There are more than 30 species, but only two, one in Europe and one in North America and Canada that are used medicinally. The medicinal species in North America is known as Arnica chamissonis. It prefers to grow in moist meadows preferring full sun. The lance-shaped leaves are textured and are grouped in four to ten pairs, with yellow flowers that bloom throughout the summer. The flower heads have 13 ray flowers about 1/2 inch long. It produces brown seeds that help spread the growth of this plant in small stands. When it goes to seed they have the typical parachute fluff like a Dandelion. It has an underground stem with small fiber-like roots.
Medicinal Uses
Many Native American tribes including the Catawba use the roots to prepare a tea that would aid in the alleviation of back pain. The Shuswap used parts of this plant to treat sore eyes. The Thompson used a poultice of the mashed plant to treat bruises and cuts, they also made an infusion of the plant and took it to treat tuberculosis. The Aleut made a poultice of the leaves and applied it to drain cuts and boils. The Eskimos of Alaska boiled young stems and leaves for food, the plant was only eaten when young and tender. The Okanagan-Colville mixed the roots with a robin's heart and tongue and combined this with ochre paint and then dried this mixture into a powder. This powder was used as a love medicine. The user went to the water and faced east and recited certain words, mentioned the name of the person he or she desired, and marked his or her face with this mixture.
Did You Know...
There are more than 100 arnica-based teas and preparations that are marketed in Germany to treat sore throats.
If not taken appropriately it can cause severe liver damage and improper ingestion can cause gastroenteritis or cardiac arrest. Always consult your doctor before taking this homeopathically.
The European arnica used medicinally is known as Arnica montana.
Today Arnica is used as a homeopathic remedy and is typically applied to the skin as a gel, ointment, or salve to reduce pain and inflammation.
Arnica is also used to promote hair growth and to prevent hair loss and can be found as an oil or shampoo.
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