ARNICA ARNICA Flowers and rhizomes — Origin: Central Europe
Arnica montana
THE PANACEA OF BUMPS AND BRUISES
Arnica montana, the emblematic yellow flower of the mountains of Central Europe, is a perennial plant that thrives in elevated meadows and wild prairies. Its intrepid and hardy rhizomes can withstand the harshness of winter at high altitudes.
TEACHINGS FROM TIME IMMEMORIAL
The use of arnica in phytotherapy has long been documented. The famed Pedanius Dioscorides nicknamed it alcimos, i.e., “healthy.” In the 14th century, in his Commentarii on the works of the aforementioned Greek physician and botanist, Matthioli mentioned it under its current name, arnich. In 1625, arnica was cited in Jakob von Bergzabern’s botany treatise for the same properties that we attribute to it today: caring for bruises after minor bumps and falls. Its sylvan and fantastical German name, Bergwohlverleih (“wolf killer”), which sounds straight out of a fairy tale, is testament to the danger the plant poses to certain animals. One might wonder what kind of wolf would be willing to bite into it. . . . According to popular belief, arnica was associated with the demonic eyes of that carnivorous beast, which it was reputed to control. The Kornwolf, or grain wolf, was said to roam through the cornfields. It symbolized the field’s vitality as well as the spirit of the grain. To prevent this wolf from straying off, and the crop from withering away, farmers would plant arnica seedlings along the fields’ edges on Saint John’s Day, the summer solstice. Arnica was also reputed to protect the harvest from Bilwisschnitter, the grain demon. It was even considered a protection against the damage wrought by storms and lightning.
“Time soon spread the arnica of oblivion over my wounded heart.”
Alphonse Allais
Goats, on the other hand, are reported to graze instinctively on arnica after a fall: this habit is said to have brought the plant’s properties to their shepherds’ attention. In the Vosges Mountains, it was customary to smoke dried arnica leaves and flowers in lieu of tobacco. In the Alps, its leaves, cooked in wine, used to be applied as poultices. Arnica is one of the plants that are most emblematic of phytotherapy’s expansion: it proved highly inspirational to Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of homeopathy, and today it is one of the most commonly used plants in alternative medicine.
ON PREPARING ARNICA
The flower is plucked shortly after blooming, in May and June. After centuries of being harvested in the wild, it was included in the Washington Convention’s list of species endangered by man. Therefore, its harvest is now subject to regulation in numerous countries. The flowers macerate for a few weeks in a neutral oil, which then takes on a fine orange tint and a warm, gentle scent.
THE BENEFITS
The flavonoids it contains help fortify blood vessels and stimulate blood circulation. Antiseptic thymol, draining coumarin, soothing carotenoids, and anti-inflammatory sesquiterpene lactones help damaged and irritated skin recover its peace and vitality.
A FEW DROPS
Arnica macerate is an indispensable addition to every family’s medicine cabinet. It should be applied with care to gently heal bruises, cramps, and sprains. Massaged onto the skin, it proves extremely useful in recovering from, or better preparing for, sports-related exploits.
ARNICA-BASED RECIPES
from Officine Universelle
RASPBERRY SEED OIL–BASED ARNICA MACERATE
Does your skin get irritated at the slightest provocation? Have you overindulged in the sun? Do you crave rosy cheeks after the paleness of winter? This fluid will work wonders.
Fill a small jar with a wide mouth up to its middle with dried arnica flowers, then cover these with raspberry seed oil. Seal the jar so it is airtight and allow to macerate for four weeks, regularly turning the jar over. Filter through cotton gauze (for instance, an unfolded bandage), while pressing the flowers so as not to waste any of the macerate, then pour the oil into a sterilized, airtight container.
“Set fire to the arnica and the weather will turn.”
GERMAN PROVERB