The Herbarium
Print plate
Arnica botanical plate

Herb. No. 109 · Asteraceae

RangeFig. atlas
Approximate native range — a teaching atlas, not a survey

Alpine and subalpine Europe. Cultivated A. chamissonis often stands in for wild montana.

Native · Europe

Native Also grown
LegalCautionplant

Arnica

Arnica montana

Medicinal herbsHarvest

A mountain daisy for bruises — a skin plant, never a tea.

Arnica is an alpine Asteraceae whose flower has a long European record as a bruise and sprain oil. The same plant, swallowed as a tea or tincture, can irritate the gut and the heart. This plate is topical: a dilute oil or gel on closed skin. Meadow lookalikes exist. Cultivated A. chamissonis often stands in for wild A. montana.

Flavor

Not a flavor. Resinous, bitter, and not for the mouth.

Parts used

Flower heads (external)

Helpful

  • A real topical tradition
  • A handsome alpine daisy

Cautions

  • Toxic internally
  • Asteraceae allergy
  • Not for open wounds

Field assistant

Ask about traditional use, safety, or the law. The assistant will not teach illegal cultivation or give medical orders.

Related symptoms

bruisesmuscle tensionjoint pain

Remedies with this plant

  • Arnica on closed skin

    Adult: a thin film, 1–2 times a day, a few days. Stop if a rash. Not a body-butter slather.

Harvest this plant

When to cut, how to dry, and how to store it — garden and kitchen crops only.

Open harvest notes