Arnica

Botany & Composition

Family Compositae or Asteraceae.

Arnica grows in sandy, well drained, granite or silica rich soil at high altitudes. This perennial plant produces bright yellow, daisy-like flowers during the summer and grows to about 2 feet high. The main part used is the dried flower. Since it is difficult to grow it has become a protected species in some parts of Europe.

Geography: Native to the mountainous areas of Europe, South Asia and Russia.

Historical Uses

The first known mention of any use of Arnica was in the 12th Century. Its leaves and flowers were used in compresses. Since the 18th century it was most often used (the dried flowers) in salves and ointments. In recent years, it is becoming increasingly popular in undereye gels and creams that help improve the appearance of dark circles, undereye bags and crows feet.

Stories & Legends

According to European folklore, it was discovered when shepherds noticed their injured animals gravitating to the plant. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832), the German philosopher and poet, drank arnica tea to relieve his angina. It is rarely used for this any longer due to the threat of toxicity. The name Arnica is believed to come from the latin word ptarmica (which means, to sneeze) because it is known to cause sneezing when freshly squashed or in dry powder form. French mountaineers used to smoke its leaves instead of tobacco.

Found In

I-Waken Eye Serum, I-Recover Mind+Body Gel