Arnica

Arnica, Arnica montana L., is a perennial semi-rosette plant belonging to the family of Asteraceae (daisy family). The species name “montana” already indicates that it mainly occurs in mountainous regions. It can be found at altitudes up to 2,500 m. Arnica primarily inhabits sheltered locations; it is found on pastures, in meadows, and also on marshy soils. Its arching rhizome, which can grow up to about 10 cm long and around 0.5 cm thick, is reddish-brown in colour. This has a biting-aromatic, sharply bitter taste. Many fragile roots emerge from its underside. In the first year, a basal rosette initially develops, spreading flat on the ground. It consists of four to six entire-edged and ovate to obovate leaves. In the second year, a robust herbaceous stem up to 60 cm tall forms, which is glandular hairy. On this stem are one to three pairs of opposite lanceolate leaves. From June to July, the flower heads develop terminally on the plant. They measure 6 to 8 cm in diameter, are golden yellow, and have a very pleasant fragrance. They bloom from outside to inside. The outer ligulate florets open first, individually one after another, giving the flower its characteristic “untidy” appearance.