Sometimes you can find the most potent herbs in the most mundane places. This philosophy isn’t more true than with Arnica’s existence and continual medicinal use.
That’s right, those yellow daisy-looking flowers you find in parts of North America aren’t just colorful wildflowers! Arnica is an anti-inflammatory herb that possesses some pretty impressive pain-reliving abilities. But what are the uses for this beautiful little flower? And what are some ways you can implement the use of this herb into your life? Let’s learn about Arnica the pain-relieving herb together!
What is Arnica?
As mentioned above, Arnica is a perennial flowering plant found throughout western North America and certain parts of Eurasia and the Artic! It is a hardy herb with velvety leaves and deep roots that help it remain tall enough to soak in all that sunlight! Its flower can be either yellow or orange, with leathery petals surrounding the seedhead in a rosette.
There are dozens of different species of Arnica. On the east coast of the United States, you will be able to find Arnica acaulis, and towards the western half of the country, you’ll discover Arnica angustifolia. The species you want for medicinal news, though, is Arnica montana. Also known as “mountain arnica,” this herb variation is toxic when ingested but possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties that can aid muscle aches and bruises. This Arnica is the best pain-relieving herb.
Other names for Arnica include “leopard’s bane” and “wolf’s bane,” though this can often confuse Arnica with the much stranger-looking Aconitum. Luckily for you, there is little chance you’ll mistake Arnica for Aconitum due to the latter’s purple, drooping flower that directly contrasts Arnica’s sunflower-esque petals.
How Can I Use Arnica?
Though Arnica’s simple appearance can lead to assumptions about its medicinal properties, this lovely flower packs quite a punch as an anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxor. It is toxic if ingested, so don’t swallow any Arnica products!
The best way to use Arnica is as a salve or paste. Topical application of Arnica balms to sprains, muscle aches, insect bites, joint pain, and bruises will help alleviate the pain and mild swelling.
Is Arnica Safe?
Though Arnica is helpful for inflammatory-style injuries, we don’t recommend taking Arnica orally or putting the salve on broken skin. Orally taken Arnica can cause vomiting, dizziness, and heart tremors.
Arnica can also cause skin irritation if you have sensitive skin. Eczema and other skin-irritating illnesses can occur if you overuse Arnica or use it on freshly healed skin. Never apply Arnica to open wounds, as you may experience the same dizziness and vomiting when you take the herb orally! Always check with your doctor before implementing a new herb into your repertoire of healing remedies!
Excellent Arnica Products for You
We at The Alchemist’s Kitchen value pure, properly harvest herbal remedies above all else. One of our most popular products is our Arnica and Hemp Liniment Oil. This excellent body oil is crafted in New Mexico using freshly harvested Arnica flowers and our full-spectrum CBD oil. Apply to sprains, bruises, bug bites, and joint pain to feel this fantastic herbal aid’s cool, alleviating effects.
If you want a more on-the-go salve for your achy needs, then our Cool Soothe Balm should be your go-to pain-relieving medicine! This fantastic balm was created in collaboration with Lauren Raba from Catskill Botanicals. The Cool Soothe Balm uses only the purest CBD, Arnica, and other cooling herbs.
There are plenty of fabulous products to find at The Alchemist’s Kitchen. Find the perfect herbal remedies for all your needs and more here! And if you’re taking the plunge with Arnica, do it safely!
