Arnica has been used in Europe for centuries as on the of the premier herbs to soothe aching muscles. A variant of the species that is native to the United States has been used by the American Indians as a healing ointment and in tinctures to relax stiff muscles and to treat wounds for almost as long. Arnica, since 1820, has been listed in the US Dispensatory and is listed in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia.

NOTE: Arnica is for external use only - It is TOXIC to use internally.

In Germany alone there are over 100 recipes to prepare healing lineaments and salves with arnica as the base ingredient. Arnica is one the important homeopathic remedies on the market today. In a German study it was found that the herb contains helenalin and dihydrohelenalin that produce effective anti inflammatory and analgesic properties. A simple liniment recipe is one ounce of flowers in one ounce of lard or oil boiled for several hours. Strain it and let it cool completely before using the dried salve.

Externally this herb is considered completely safe. Internally, however, it is a completely different story. Internally it is poisonous even in a tiny dose. Scientific studies have shown internally arnica affects the heart and circulatory systems. Additional studies have confirmed that arnica is toxic to the cardiac system. It is important to note that although the herb is considered safe externally, there are cases that the helenalin in some people causes an allergic type reaction of dermatitis. If this occurs, discontinue use.

The studies have shown that arnica's analgesic and anti inflammatory properties are only seen when the yellow - orange daisy like flower is heated and steeped over a period of time. That makes this another one of those must haves for the bathroom. Filling a small cheese cloth sack with the dried leaves and steeping it in hot bath water before settling in is a wonderful relaxation that truly is like getting a soft tissue massage as the muscles relax.

There are many prepared salves and ointments on the market from natural and health food stores alike that are prepared for you. This herb is one of the few that it does not matter if the plant is fresh or dried also making it a favorite of many herbalists.