Arnica montana
| Arnica montana | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 6 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Self Pollinated | |
| Height: | 1' |
| Width: | 0.5' |
| Blooms: | Mid Summer |
| Open Woods Forest | |
| Native to: | |
| Medicinal Rating: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Arnica montana (common name: arnica)
Propagation: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in pots outdoors. Sow stored seed in early spring in a cold frame[1]. A period of cold stratification is helpful[2]. The fresh seed can germinate in 3 - 4 weeks at 13°c according to one report[3], though it can be slow, difficult and erratic and take 2 years to germinate[4]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in the following spring.
Division in spring.
Cultivation: Prefers a moist, well-drained humus rich soil, preferably lime-free[5]. One report says that it is often found in calcareous soils in the wild[6]. Tolerates a pH in the range 5.8 to 7.6. Prefers a mixture of sand, loam and peat[7]. Prefers a position in full sun[7][3]. Succeeds in light woodland[8] and in a rock garden or border[7][8].
Plants are hardy to about -25°c[9].
This species is declining in the wild, probably because of over-collection as a medicinal herb. It may become extinct in part of its range[5].
Range: C. Europe.
Habitat: Calcareous soils in mountain pastures[6]. Found especially on granite or siliceous soils in the Alps, up to 2500 metres. Pasture and open woodland, usually on poorer acid soils[5].
Medicinal: Arnica has a long history of herbal use, especially as an external treatment for bruises and sprains[10][2] - it is an ingredient of a number of proprietary preparations[2]. Internally, it has been used in the treatment of heart complaints and as a booster for the immune system[2]. Arnica increases local blood supply and accelerates healing, it is anti-inflammatory and increases the rate of absorption of internal bleeding[11]. Generally the plant is nowadays only recommended for internal use as a homeopathic medicine, principally for treating shock, injury and pain[11]. If used as a decoction or tincture it stimulates the circulation and is valuable in the treatment of angina and a weak or failing heart, but it can be toxic even at quite low doses and so is rarely used this way[11].
The flowers are the part most commonly used[1][10], they are harvested when fully open and dried - the receptacles are sometimes removed since these are liable to be attacked by insects[1]. The root is also used, it is harvested after the leaves have died down in the autumn and dried for later use[1].
The whole plant is antiecchymotic, antiphlogistic, nervine, sternutatory, vulnerary[1][6][12][13][14]. Although a very valuable remedy, it should be used with caution. It has been known to cause contact dermatitis when used externally and collapse when taken internally[2]. Only take it internally under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.
The freshly crushed flowers cause sneezing if inhaled[10].
The leaves have also been smoked as a tobacco[10], though it is unclear whether this was for medicinal reasons
The whole plant, harvested when in flower, is used in homeopathic remedies[10]. It is especially useful in the treatment of traumatic injuries, sores and bruises[10]. The homeopathic dose has also been used effectively in the treatment of epilepsy and seasickness, and it might be of use as a hair growth stimulant[4].
Pollinators: Bees, flies, lepidoptera, self
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Known Hazards: The whole plant is toxic and should only be used for external applications to unbroken skin[12][8][15][16].
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Grieve, Margaret. A Modern Herbal. Penguin, 1984.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Bown, Deni. Royal Horticultural Society Encyclopaedia of Herbs and Their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, 1995.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Rice, Graham. Growing from Seed Volume 2. Thompson and Morgan, 1988.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Stuart, Malcolm. The Encyclopedia of Herbs and Herbalism. Orbis Publishing, 1979.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Chiej, Roberto. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald, 1984.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Hylton, Josie and William Holtom. Complete Guide to Herbs. Rodale Press, 1979.
- ↑ Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Perennials - The Definitve Reference. Pan Books, 1991.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 Castro, Miranda. The Complete Homeopathy Handbook. Macmillan, 1990.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 Chevallier, Andrew. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Dorling Kindersley, 1996.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Launert, Edmund. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn, 1981.
- ↑ Uphof, Johannes. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim, 1959.
- ↑ Mills, Simon. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism.
- ↑ Frohne, Dietrich and Hans Pfänder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Timber Press, 1984.
- ↑ Schofield, Janice. Discovering Wild Plants.