CW Apothecary is one of the leading suppliers of Arnica Flower. Mexican arnica may be infused in alcohol or oil and used to make skin care products, including facial washes, soap, salves, lotions and hair and scalp conditioners. Sometimes this herb is used in combination with other herbs with similar skin-loving qualities.
It is traditional to pick arnica flowers at the summer solstice, also known as Midsummer’s Day, which is when they come into full bloom. It’s interesting to note that the golden flowers bear a strong resemblance to the summer sun.
Benefits: Arnica is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It contains a wide array of inflammation-fighting plant compounds, such as sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. As such, it's believed to help with pain management. Arnica is excellant at releiving arthritis pain. It warms the area and stimulates blood flow, and is a anti-inflammatory.
Suggested Uses: Arnica is used topically for a wide range of conditions, including bruises, sprains, muscle aches, wound healing, superficial phlebitis, joint pain, inflammation from insect bites, and swelling from broken bones. More recent studies suggest it may also be helpful in the treatment of burns.
Harvesting: When harvesting in the wild pick the flowers sparingly, never harvest the roots. This will destroy the plant. The flowers and best for medicinal uses, but the leaves and stems also contain beneficial properties. Pick the flowers in early afternoon after the morning dew has evaporated. Never pick all of the flowers just leaving the stems. Only harvest 1/3 of the flowers off the plant.
Warnings: Use of this herb is limited to topical applications and homeopathic preparations, Not for internal use.
| NAME OF HERB |
Arnica |
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| BOTANICAL NAME |
Heterotheca inuloides |
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| PLANT PART USED |
Flowering tops |
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| PROCESSING |
Whole arnica flowers |
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| ORIGIN |
Mexico |
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| COMMON NAMES |
mountain daisy, leopard's bane, and mountain tobacco. |
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