Arnica

Genus: Arnica
english name: arnica root, common arnica, arnica flowers, mountain arnica, mountain tobacco
latin name: Anica montana

Family: Compositae
Contenents: Arnicin, Carotenoids, Flavonoids, Inulin, Phulin, Sesquiterpene lactones, Tannin, Thymoil
Parts used: fresh or dried flower heads, rhizome
Properties: analgesic, antimicrobal
Uses
internal uses: stimulates blood circultion, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities that can reduce pain and swelling; it raises blood pressure.
external uses: used in liniment and ointment preparations used for strains, sprains, and bruises. In homeopathy, arnica has a long history of topical use for injuries, blows and contusions. In homeopathy, arnica has a long history of topical use for injuries, blows and contusions.

Arnica is endemic of Europe, from iberian peninsula to Scandinavia. It grows in soils arid and rich of silicon; and also in mountain areas above 500 metres until 2500; it’s absent at the level of the sea. This herb is a genus with about 30 perennial herbaceous species; the genus name Arnica may be derived from the Latin arna, "lamb", in reference to the soft, hairy leaves. Several species, such as Arnica montana and Arnica chamissonis, contain helenalin, which is a sesquiterpene lactone that is a major ingredient in anti-inflammatory preparations (mostly against bruises). They show large yellow or orange flowers, 6-8 cm wide with 10-15 long ray 9 florets and numerous disc florets. The flowers have a slight aromatic smell.