Botanical Series: Intro to Arnica

The first time I discovered Arnica was inside of Meadowsweet Herbs, a local store to Missoula that sells herbal body care products. I tweaked my neck in a shoulder stand a couple days prior. My neck was not getting better, so on my way to work I stopped inside Meadowsweet Herbs to have a look around. I came across an Arnica cream, and tried the sample on my neck. Shortly after I clocked in at work the pain that lingered in my neck for days literally disappeared. I was so happy to have a full rotation in my neck again. Since my first Arnica experience, I continue to treat my muscle aches with this herb.

Arnica blooming in the spring in Oregon

Arnica helps to soothe sore muscles, joint pain, and reduces inflammation. This beautiful little plant is a member of the sunflower family producing bright yellow flowers 1 to 4 inches in diameter. While there are many species of Arnica, the most common ones I have come across in the Upper Missouri Watershed and Interior Columbia River Basin regions are A. cordifolia and A. latifolia. The term cordifolia refers to heart shaped leaves, and latifolia indicates a plant with broader leaves, although hybridization between species is possible. Active properties of Arnica are believed to work by, "increasing blood flow through affected capillaries, allowing escaped fluids and the blood protein fibrin to be reabsorbed." Ultimately, applying Arnica topically helps reduce internal aches and pains.

Arnica cordifolia sketch

Two summers ago I made my first batch of Arnica salve. The base of salve making is simple, and anyone can do it. There are two main ingredients to salves: oil and beeswax. Whether you decide to make or buy Arnica salve, this botanical product will aid muscle aches, back pains, sprains, and bruises. This salve is great for athletes. Arnica ointment is an essential to have in your first aid kit--both for home and backcountry travel. Note that Arnica is safe to use topically; however, avoid applying Arnica to any open cuts or broken skin because the plant does have toxins that could be harmful or irritable if it gets directly into the blood stream.

Identifying native and naturalized plants is a fruitful skill that makes hiking and backcountry travel a gratifying experience. Equally fascinating as plant identification is ethnobotany, notably the medicinal usages of plants. Herbal medicine has been documented for over 5,000 years. People continue to extract medicinal properties from plants. Various active chemicals used in pharmaceutical drugs are either extracted from plants, or synthesized to mimic active compounds produced by plants. From this perspective, plants are great teachers and of great value to us.

A. cordifolia leaves; picture from Eastern Washington University

As spring and summer approach keep your eyes open for this little yellow flower with heart shaped leaves. Arnica blooms from May to July, usually in meadows and forest clearings. It has been found in the foothills to subalpine regions along the Rocky Mountains and high mountains from California to Alaska. This plant has a wide range, so keep a look out for it when you are walking through native forests out west.


Stay tuned for a step by step guide for making your own Arnica salve, ethically harvesting Arnica, and properly identifying the species.