shopping Arnica - one variety
Arnica flower, whole image
[ 58 ]Heterotheca inuloides

Arnica Flower Whole

1/4 Pound:  $5.38 Pound:  $11.96 
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Wholesale Arnica

Heterotheca inuloides
plant overview
sunny yellow arnica

Mexican arnica herb is a perennial member of the daisy family that grows in Mexico and in the American Southwest. Arnica whole flower is used to produce an arnica flower tincture and infused oils for making various cosmetic formulations for the skin. Benefits of arnica flower include alleviating irritation from insect bits and healing external wounds in joints and muscles. This herb is not for internal use.

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01.
Where in the World

habitat and range for arnica

Mexican Arnica is native to Central Mexico. It grows in Chihuahua State, the Federal District, Puebla and in Oaxaca.


What is Arnica Flower Used for?
The whole flowers of Mexica arnica may be infused in alcohol or oil and used to make skin care products, including facial washes, soap, salves, lotions and hair and scalp conditioners.

You can make a arnica flower tincture of the herb to be used externally by combining 70 percent alcohol with arnica flowers in a glass jar. Allow the mixture to sit in a warm place for about two weeks. Before using it, you'll want to strain the flowers out of the solution. Once you've made the tincture, you can use it as a lotion by adding it to witch hazel before applying it to the skin.

02.
A Bit of Botany

a bit of botanical information about arnica

description
Mexican Arnica is a perennial from the Asteraceae family that can reach 15 to 20 inches tall. This plant has simple leaves that are alternate. The leaves are ovate and serrulate. Flowers are corymbs of yellow from July to August. These perennials produce achenes.

common names
& nomenclature

The genus name Arnica may be derived from the Greek arna, "lamb," in reference to the soft leaves.

Also known as:
leopard's bane, mountain arnica, mountain tobacco, wolfsbane, false arnica, árnica mexicana, árnica del país, and mexican arnica

03.
Cultivation & Harvesting

considerations for growing arnica

climate
Mexican Arnica prefers a sunny location and can tolerate temperatures down to -12°C (10°F).

soil
Grow Mexican Arnica on dry to moderately moist soil. The soil should be gritty-sandy or gritty-loamy soil.

growing
Grow from seeds or root (rhizome) divisions.

harvesting
Mexican Arnica flowers are normally taken when they are in full, fresh bloom in mid to late Summer. The stem is not used and can be discarded.

Rhizomes can be collected in the fall after the foliage has died off. Rhizomes are one to two inches long, cylindrical, and are often scarred where old stems have broken off. The rhizomes are dried and powdered and used in the same proportions as dried flowers.

preserving
Store as a tincture, as dried flowers, or as a ground powder in a cool, dry place. Refrigeration or freezing is recommended but not required.

please note
External use only.

04.
arnica Medicinal Uses

healing with arnica

Arnica is an herb that's commonly used to treat the bumps and bruises of life—literally. Most often, people use it externally. In fact, internal use should be avoided unless you’re under the supervision of a medical professional.

Most often, it's made into a cream or ointment that can be rubbed into the skin. It can be used for bruises, muscle strains, sore joints, and most ailments that occur in the muscular and skeletal systems.If you are one to get insect bites, arnica can also be used to reduce the irritation and swelling that occurs from them. It’s also quite good for chapped lips and nostrils. In addition, applying arnica cream topically can help acne.

Arnica can also be used to sooth irritations in the mouth and throat. However, it’s important that you don’t take arnica internally without supervision. Arnica can have some serious adverse effects such as vomiting and increased heart rate. In addition, using arnica on the outside of the skin can also cause irritation if you do it for too long a time. And you should never put it on an open wound. This can cause irritation and actually make the problem worse. It can cause skin irritations and even blisters when used for too long. But don't let the adverse effects scare you. Arnica does a great job of helping heal our sore and strained joints and muscles. Researchers think one way arnica works is by improving circulation. When you increase circulation, damaged tissue can be restored more quickly.

If you're looking for a cream to help reduce the distress and soreness of a broken bone, sprain, strain, or dislocation, arnica is a great choice. You'll want to look for a prepared cream or make a salve of arnica flower. When being treated by a homeopathic professional, arnica can be taken internally to treat specific illnesses.

arnica

Arnica has long been used to treat bumps and bruises. It can be an all around helpful herb for treating problems such as bruises and sprains. It's especially good at treating aches and soreness. The arnica flower is native to North America. It grows in the mountain regions of the western part of the continent. When European settlers came to the Americas, they recognized the arnica plant as one that was similar to their native land. They began using it for similar purposes and found that it worked well.

And while it’s difficult to confirm, historically people believe that shepherds discovered arnica’s benefits when they observed that injured sheep were attracted to the flower. They decided that if the sheep were attracted to it and found benefits from it, it might work well for humans. Arnica flower should only be used externally because it can cause internal problems due to toxicity. However, there are plenty of ways you can use it topically. For example, you can rub arnica cream directly onto a bruise or sprain to help relieve soreness and alleviate bruising more quickly. Externally, you can also apply it to areas where you suffer from sore bones and joints. The cream will soothe the area and help you recover more quickly.

You should not use arnica on broken skin. This is because the flower has toxic effects. Just as you shouldn’t take it internally, you shouldn’t expose it to areas where it can come into contact with your bloodstream. Carefully inspect any area of the skin before you apply arnica flower or cream to it to make sure that there's no broken skin.

There are some preparations of arnica that are safe to use. These are sold in the form of tablets. They may be taken to help prevent bruising before a surgical procedure or to help heal bruising quickly. When you use arnica in this form, it's critical that you follow the manufacturer’s directions.

for educational purposes only

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

please be advised:  Before making any changes to your diet you should always consult with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or have existing conditions.

All reviews solely reflect the views and opinions expressed by the reviewer and not that of Monterey Bay Herb Co. We do not verify or endorse any claims made by any reviewer. None of these statements have been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.