Arnica is one of the best-known medicinal plants from traditional naturopathy. The plant from the order Asterales also has a decorative look, which makes it quite attractive for cultivation in the garden.
What are the characteristics of the arnica plant?
Arnica (Arnica montana) is a perennial plant from the Asteraceae family that grows 30-60 cm high. It has yellow flowers, elongated leaves and blooms from May to September. The ideal location has acidic soil and little competition.
The importance as a traditional medicinal plant
Arnica has been described as an effective natural medicine by important people (such as Hildegard von Bingen) for several centuries. Over the centuries, a wide variety of common names for arnica have become common throughout Europe:
- Bergwohlverleih
- Angel Herb
- Dyer's Flower
- Mountain Root
- mountain paths wide
- Ladywort
- Caughtweed
- Motherroot
- Wulfsblöme
- etc.
Arnica is not only one of the so-called Marian plants that play a role in the consecration of herbs on the Assumption Day. Arnica bunches used to be planted at the corners of grain fields where the beneficial arnica fly (Trypeta arnica) could lay its eggs on them. Arnica is said to have positive effects on the following he alth problems:
- Inflammation
- cough
- Flu
- Diarrhea
- Rheumatism
- bruises
- poorly healing wounds
- etc.
Internal use is vehemently discouraged when self-dosing, but allergic skin irritations can also occur when used externally.
Arnica profile
- Name: Arnica
- Botanical name: Arnica montana
- Plant family: Daisy family (Asteraceae)
- preferred soil: acidic pH
- Growth height: between 30 and 60 cm
- Lifespan: perennial
- Flower color: yellow
- Leaf shape: elongated
- Flowering time: approximately from May to September (depending on location)
Grow arnica yourself in the garden
If you want to grow it in the garden for medicinal purposes, you should get real arnica seeds if possible, as the varieties bred for industrial cultivation usually contain lower concentrations of active ingredients. Due to the toxic components in the arnica plants, you should only use them as an external preparation for muscle and joint problems. In terms of location, the plants are relatively undemanding as long as there is no strong competition from neighboring plants. It can be sown under glass from February and outdoors from May. However, the flowers often only appear in the third year after the seeds have been sown.
Tip
Collecting arnica for your own use is not permitted everywhere, as the plant is protected in various countries. An alternative is growing in the garden, as you can ensure that the cultivation is free of any contamination.
