• Low growing perennial
• Clumps of yellow flowers
• Good for bruises
• POISONOUS -NOT TO BE TAKEN INTERNALLY

Although not the true mountain arnica this much easier to grow perennial from North America has very similar properties and can be used in much the same way externally. It makes a pretty addition with its heads of yellow/orange flowers.

Plant Care

• Height: 10-30cm
• Type: Hardy
• Aspect: Sun
• Soil: Well drained/alkaline
• Flower colour: Yellow/orange
• Flowering period: May – July

Arnica prefers a sunny well drained site where it will spreadgently to form a decent patch. It generally self-seeds well, althougth the seeds float away on mini parachutes, so if you want to plant them yourself you should harvest them just before this happens. Arnica grows very easily in containers and should be split after a couple of years to stop it becoming pot bound.

Usage

Arnica has been used by Native American tribes for healing bruises, sprains and wounds for centuries.
Arnica oil can be made by infusing fresh or dry flowers in sunflower oil and can be applied externally. This has been used in products to reduce inflammation in muscles and joints, especially sports injuries.
It is not taken internally as a tea as it can irritate the stomach but it is widely used as an internal homeopathic treatment.