The importance as a traditional medicinal plant
For several centuries arnica has been described by important people (such as Hildegard von Bingen) as an effective natural medicine. In the course of the centuries, a wide variety of trivial names for arnica have become established regionally throughout Europe:
- Bergwohlverleih
- Angel herb
- Dye flower
- Bergwurz
- Mountain paths wide
- Ladybird
- Catch herb
- Motherwort
- Wulfsblöme
- etc.
also read
- The best location for the arnica in the garden
- Arnica: caution poisonous!
- Sowing arnica: important tips
Arnica is not only one of the so-called Marian plants that play a role in the herb consecration on the Assumption of Mary. Arnica bouquets used to be placed at the corners of grain fields, where the useful arnica fly (Trypeta arnica) could lay its eggs on them. Arnica is said to have positive effects on the following health problems:
- Inflammation
- cough
- flu
- diarrhea
- rheumatism
- Bruises
- poorly healing wounds
- etc.
Internal use is strongly discouraged with self-dosing, but allergic skin irritation can also occur with external use.
Profile of the arnica
- Name: arnica
- Botanical name: Arnica montana
- Plant family: Asteraceae
- preferred soil: acidic pH
- Height: between 30 and 60 cm
- Lifespan: several years
- Flower color: yellow
- Leaf shape: oblong
- Flowering time: approximately from May to September (depending on the location)
Grow arnica yourself in the garden
For the cultivation in the garden for medicinal purposes you should get seeds of the real arnica if possible, because the Varieties bred for industrial cultivation generally have less high concentrations of active ingredients contain. Due to the toxic active ingredients in the arnica plants, you should use them as an external preparation for muscle and joint problems anyway. Regarding the Location the plants are relatively undemanding as long as there is no strong competition from neighboring plants. You can sow under glass from February and outdoors from May. However, the flowers often only appear in the third year after sowing the Seeds.
Tips
Collecting arnica for your own use is not permitted everywhere, as the plant is protected in various countries. An alternative is the cultivation in the garden, as here also on one Cultivation can be observed free of any contamination.
