Its effectiveness against bruises, blood effusions and oedemas has been accepted for a long time, but (here’s the new scoop) recent studies have proved that arnica is supreme against muscle and joint problems, inflammation of the oral cavity and throat, insect bites and superficial phlebitis.
In France it is called the tobacco of the Savoyards, the herb of falls, the poor man’s cinchona, or the sneezing herb. Arnica is pretty widespread in temperate climates; it flourishes in abundance in the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Vosges. Baptised Arnica Montana or Arnica Chamissonis, arnica is a lively plant of the Compositae or Asterceae family.

These are the flowery leaders which concentrate the medical virtues of this plant from the mountainous regions of Europe and the south of Russia, but also the west of North America, from the north of Mexico to Alaska, where there are three species: Arnica fulgens, Arnica Sororia and Arnica Cordifolia. In Europe, the plant enjoys a fair amount of popularity, especially in Germany, where many arnica based products are on the market (homeopathic tinctures, ointments and pills). This infatuation has, however, put the Arnica Montana species in peril to the point that the German authorities have restricted its exploitation. Now then cultivate another species, Arnica Chamissionis, to which the German pharmacopoeia attribute the same properties.

Ulcers and gingivitis

Recently, various studies have confirmed the traditional medical usage of arnica. External arnica is used nowadays to treat haematomas, ecchymosis, oedemas, sprains, muscular or articular inflammation (rheumatic), and inflammation of the oral cavity and throat, gingivitis and mouth ulcers. Scientists recognize as well its efficiency for its external use in treating boils, insect bites, superficial phlebitis and articular and muscular pains.
Thus, the results of a double blind test using a placebo carried out with eighty-nine subjects suffering from venous insufficiency indicated that arnica gel can augment the tonus of the veins, diminish oedemas and relieve the sensation of heaviness in the legs.
In the course of a test without placebo conducted with seventy-nine subjects suffering from a light arthritis of the knee, the participants reported some relief of the pain after topical applications of arnica gel.                                                                                                              In another double blind test carried out on thirty-seven subjects who had undergone endoscopic surgery to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, the patients were treated either with a combination of internally taken homeopathic arnica and topically applied arnica gel, or they were given a placebo. The patients treated with arnica reported a significant decrease in post-operational pains in relation to those who where given the placebo. This demonstrates the anti-inflammatory effect of arnica.

Take caution

Even though in the past the plant was taken internally, notably by infusion for the treatment of heart and respiratory troubles and to relieve diarrhea and dysentery, today it is considered as toxic and it is only advised for external use, with the exception of homeopathic products for internal use.

Arnica montana, how to use it

Haematomas, sprains, insect bites, articular pains

• Infusion for compresses: infuse five to ten minutes, 2g of dried flowers in 3.5 ounces (100ml) of boiling water. Apply a compress several times a day.

• Ointment: 25% tincture or 15% oil of arnica in a neutral crème. Apply it several times per day. Do not apply it on open wounds.

• Arnica Oil: one part of the plant for five parts vegetable oil. Massage with it several times a day.

Inflammation of the throat and oral cavity

• Dilute the tincture in ten parts water. Use the solution as a mouthwash or for gargling several times a day. Do not swallow.