Let's talk about a well-known anti-inflammatory herb called Arnica. The variety A. chamissonis is the more cultivated variety whereas A. montana is actually at risk in the wild. If you're purchasing this variety, be sure it's from a reputable grower or has been responsibly wild-crafted. Meadow Arnica or Arnica chamissonis is native to the American west and has many names including Silver Arnica, Chamisson Arnica, American Arnica, Mountain Tobacco, Mountain Daisy, and Wolf's Bane.
How We Grow Medicinal Plants
At Herb & Vine we grow Meadow Arnica (Arnica chamissonis) from non-GMO organic seed. Like all of our plants, we sow seeds in coconut coir, pot them up using Fox Farm Ocean Forest soil, water with rain water, and feed with U.S.A.-made water soluble fertilizer. We don't use pesticides, rather control insects naturally. We want you to know that our growing methods ensure safety for infusions, decoctions, tinctures, salves, creams, ointments and more.
How to Use Arnica
Arnica has many therapeutic qualities, but is mainly an anti-inflammatory. It's most often used for bruising, inflammation and soft tissue damage. So whether it's arthritis flaring up, or a bang to the forehead (which I did twice yesterday to the exact same spot... OUCH!), A. chamissonis or A. montana is your go-to herb. Harvest the entire flower head just after opening, and use fresh or dried in a poultice, hot compress, salve, liniment or plaster on unbroken skin. Additionally, you can add the bright yellow flowers to an herbal bath for soaking a sprain, sore or strained muscles.
This prolific blooming, creeping perennial thrives in full sun from zones 4-9 where it produces a thick carpet of foliage. A member of the Asteraceae family, it is generally not taken internally (unless under the careful eye of a certified Herbalist). However as an internal treatment, A. chamissonis treats trauma and shock – acting as a "clean up" crew of sorts to break up blood clots. That's why if you're on any form of blood thinner, Arnica is a big NO for you.
How to prepare Arnica for internal use? Generally you can tincture or infuse a weak tea from the fresh or dried flowers. Adults can sip a few ounces of the infusion over the course of an hour or so, but stop when you begin to feel better. Use a 1:3 ratio for your tincture, but don't consume more than 10-20 drops per day. Be aware that Arnica taken internally can cause digestive discomfort, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Plus, you should avoid using the plant on open wounds.
Where to Grow Arnica
If you're looking for the ideal low-growing plant to add to the herb garden, perennial bed, or medicinal garden, Arnica is a great choice. Its prolific blooms will attract bees and butterflies in its second year. Deer are not particularly fond of this plant, so if you live in Big Canoe or Bent Tree, this may be a winner for the front of your sunny beds. Start with three or four plants spaced 10-12 inches apart; and in a few years you'll have a whole patch thriving. Arnica is ideal for rock gardens. Snip the long flower stalks and add them to wildflower bouquets. I've planted some near my Yarrow, so I know just where to go for external wound care.
Growing the Herbal Community
In 2024 Herb & Vine entered its second growing season, and I've discovered that growing plants for homeopathic remedies is so much more than a fad or passing fancy. The herbal community in North Georgia is growing, and together we can support each other by sharing wisdom, experiences and advice. I hope you'll explore Arnica chamissonis and add it to your medicinal herb garden. Find Arnica at the Jasper Farmer's Market most Saturdays from April - July, or contact me for an appointment to shop in our Talking Rock Greenhouse.