Arnica Species, American Arnica, Chamisso's Arnica, Leafy Arnica

Spreads quickly by rhizomes, looks scrappy in late summer, so suggest planting it below something to cover it. Nice herb.

When used externally, this plant may cause a severe reaction in people with a sensitivity to sesquiterpenes of the helenalin type. Arnic...Read Morea should not be applied to broken skin. I suffered severe blistering of my forearm when I applied it to reddened skin.

Can also be used to treat diaper rash.

This medicinal herb has small, aromatic, orange-yellow daisy-like flowers. It’s very similar in appearance and active ingredients to th...Read Moree more well known Arnica montana, but it’s hardier and easier to grow. It has more blossoms and somewhat larger, hairy leaves. It prefers full sun and a well-drained soil. It will bloom from June until August if spent blossoms are removed.

It’s used medicinally in liniments and creams for external treatment of all types of injuries. I’m sure many of you have used arnica cream on bruises and sprains before. It’s also used in homeopathic dilutions as an immune system stimulant. Use cautiously! It can be toxic when taken internally.