Some wild occurrences of arnica exist in Spain, some Balkan countries and northern Europe, but the plant has been cultivated more and more since it has been possible to develop an arnica variety for field cultivation (variety “Arbo”). As a result, the cultivation of Arnica chamissonis Less. as a substitute in eastern Germany became obsolete.
Arnica: what parts of the plant are used?
As a remedy, mainly the flower heads (Arnicae flos) or the tincture obtained from them are used. Rarely, the root or the whole plant is also used.
Arnica – characteristics of the plant
Arnica is a 20 to 60 centimeters high perennial shrub with opposite, hairy leaves. Furthermore, the plant has one to three, rarely five, flower clusters that are either terminally localized or arise from the leaf axils.
The yolk-yellow flowers are large, with 15 to 25 individual flowers. The plant is subject to species protection.
Arnica as a medicine
The drug Arnicae flos consists of the dry and usually disintegrated flower corollas, alternatively, the individual ligulate or tubular florets. At the upper end of the ovary are the characteristic grayish-white and bristly so-called pappus hairs, which give the drug its whitish appearance. The golden yellow tip of the ray florets is more shriveled than that of the tubular florets.
Smell and taste of arnica
Arnica smells faintly aromatic. The taste of arnica can be described as slightly bitter and pungent.
