Witnessed by: Western
Arnica (Arnica montana), of the Asteraceae family. Aromatic alpine perennial with a rosette of leaves and a single golden daisy; native range: mountain pastures and heaths of central Europe. Globally recognized as leopard's bane, mountain tobacco, mountain daisy in English. The part used is flower (external use). Bright orange-yellow flower, aromatic, bitter and acrid to taste.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
ARNICA
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- arnica
- Scientific name
- Arnica montana L.
- Family
- Asteraceae
Form
- Part used
- flower (external use)
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- Western
- bitter · acrid · aromatic
Temperature
- Western
- warm
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- Western
- circulation · skin · joints
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- Western
- anti-inflammatory, analgesic, vulnerary, anti-bruising, locally stimulant to the circulation; toxic taken internally
Cautions
Contraindications: broken or ulcerated skin; sensitivity to the daisy family; internal use
Toxicity: taken internally it is cardiotoxic and a violent gastro-intestinal irritant, causing arrhythmia and collapse
Interactions
- Western
- anticoagulants: coumarin content may add to anticoagulant action if absorbed
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