Arnica
Latin name
Arnica Montana
Family
Asteraceae or Compositae
The Arnica montana species have yellow or orange flowers, and the flowers and roots are dried and used for medicinal and other purposes.
Arnica montana is native to Europe and Siberia, but other species in the Arnica genus also grow in North America, particularly in mountainous regions.
Etymology
Arnica has several nicknames, including wolf’s bane (which it confusingly shares with aconite) and mountain tobacco. Though it has a long history of medicinal use in many cultures, arnica is especially touted in Germany.
The German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832), who suffered from angina, credited arnica with saving his life.
Magical Uses: Arnica flowers increase psychic powers.
This herb is also associated with the harvest and can be used in rituals to ensure the fertility of crops.
Following a traumatic experience, lots of negative and painful emotions may be present. If not dealt with, these emotions can manifest physically as illnesses and other conditions. For protection, add the dried flowers to boiling water to make tea, and then sprinkle the liquid around the door and window frames of the home.
Meditate with arnica essence to release pent-up pain from past trauma, gain wisdom, and move forward in a balanced, harmonized way.
Arnica essential oil can be used in aromatherapy to promote positivity and gratitude.
Arnica flowers whole
Possible Side Effects
Arnica is known to cause side effects. This is true even when used in very diluted topical ointments or creams. More serious side effects can occur with oral forms.
Topical Use
In less-diluted formulas, arnica may cause a mild allergic reaction. This happens most often in people allergic to plants of the Asteraceae family. These plants include:
- Ragweed
- Marigolds
- Chrysanthemums
- Daisies7
Arnica can also trigger increases in blood pressure and heart rate. This is more likely if used in excess or on broken skin.1
More of the active ingredient can be absorbed through broken skin. On broken skin, arnica may also cause stinging.
Oral Use
Most homeopathic arnica remedies are very diluted. These are generally considered safe. Some forms, though, may contain detectable amounts of helenalin. These forms have health risks.
When taken by mouth, helenalin can cause:1
- Mouth and throat irritation
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Easy bruising and bleeding
- Rapid heartbeat
- High blood pressure
Avoid oral preparations containing pure arnica. These are more likely to cause symptoms. They can also damage the heart and increase the risk of organ failure, coma, and death.8
Contraindications and Interactions
In theory, arnica could slow blood clotting. Use of any non-homeopathic arnica should be discontinued two weeks before surgery. This will reduce the risk of postoperative bleeding.
Avoid arnica if you are taking blood-thinning drugs. The combination could increase your risk of bleeding and bruising.
These drugs include:
- Coumadin (warfarin)
- Plavix (clopidogrel)
- Heparin
- NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen
Little is known about the safety of arnica during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your doctor before using arnica in any form.