True arnica (Arnica montana) is not only a tried and tested medicinal plant, the plant also known as a mountain well-being plant also looks good in the garden.
The real arnica (Arnica montana) has made a name for itself as a medicinal plant. The daisy family has had a firm place in natural medicine for centuries. The diligent collection of the flower heads has greatly decimated the stocks over time. The commercial cultivation of real arnica is rather difficult. In the home garden, the golden-yellow flower heads can convince as an eye-catcher.
True arnica - origin and distribution
As a daisy family, arnica is related to dandelion or marigold. The Arnica genus comprises 31 different species. The true arnica is the most important representative of this species. Narrow-leaved arnica occurs frequently in Alpine regions. The American arnica enjoys importance as an ornamental plant.
The real arnica is the only European representative of its genus. Other plants can be found in North America, in Asia, Siberia or Greenland. Arnica is considered a mountain plant and grows at altitudes of up to 2,800 meters. Occurrences have been proven in the Alps, the Pyrenees, the B altic States and in the Ore Mountains. In some European countries, the real arnica is threatened with extinction.
The natural range extends to sparse forests and meadows that have not been treated with fertilizer. Similar to the dandelion, the arnica also has seeds in the form of small umbrellas that are carried by the wind over large distances.
True arnica - importance as a medicinal plant
It is believed that arnica was used for medicinal purposes as early as the Middle Ages. However, the exact use is unclear, because no clear descriptions can be found in old records. Tabernaemontanus made the first more precise statements in the middle of the 17th century. At that time, arnica wraps were used for bruises.
Arnica became a popular medicinal plant at the end of the 19th century. The plant, also known as Bergwohlleih, was harvested so eagerly in the Alps that the stocks have not recovered to this daycould. Commercial cultivation of the medicinal plant began in the early 20th century.
Arnica is still the first choice from the natural pharmacy for external injuries and wounds that heal poorly. Flavonoids, tritepenediols and other ingredients with he alth-promoting properties are responsible for this.
➔ Effect of Arnica
- anti-inflammatory
- antibacterial
- pain reliever
- circulation-enhancing
- anti-itch
- against swelling
- against fungal attack
Arnica is usually used for the following complaints:
- Muscle Pain
- rheumatic complaints
- Bursitis
- Insect Bites
- Wound Rose
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Arthritis
- Gout
- Bruise
» Tip: The beneficial effects of arnica on muscles and joints can be intensified by combining it with water.
True arnica plants
The arnica is a welcome eye-catcher in the naturally designed cottage garden.
➔ Find the right location
Plants thrive in full sun. Half shade is tolerated. Sun worshipers wither away in the shade. Rough meadows and former moorland are ideal.
» Note: Common arnica usually only flowers in its third year. This should be taken into account when designing the garden.
➔ Choosing the ideal substrate
Arnica is native to barren mountain regions and therefore prefers a loose and permeable sandy soil. The pH of the soil should be in the acidic range. This is the case with a pH value of 6.5 and above.
» Tip: Adding coniferous wood, sawdust or bark humus promotes the acidic soil environment.
The real arnica is quite undemanding, but reacts sensitively to a high lime content in the substrate.
➔ Planting real arnica - step by step
Arnica is best planted out in late summer. Proceed as follows:
- Select Location
- Removing weeds and roots from the ground
- Dig planting hole
- Acidify excavation with bark humus or needles
- Note the planting distance (at least 25 centimetres)
- Insert plant
- Fill substrate
- Press the earth well
- Plantcast on
» Note: Potted plants need more nutrients than outdoor plants due to the limited amount of substrate available.
Pour real arnica
Immediately after planting, the real arnica needs regular watering. If the plant has rooted itself well after a few weeks, watering only needs to be done during prolonged dry periods. Conventional tap water can raise soil pH. You can prevent this by adding peat or a small amount of vinegar.
Fertilize real arnica
The robust mountain plants do not need any additional fertilizer and find all the necessary nutrients in normal garden soil. Over-fertilized soils should be avoided. The increased nutrient supply can lead to burning of the roots.
Container plants should be transplanted more frequently. The substrate in the plant pot wears out relatively quickly and should therefore be completely replaced once a year.
The most important planting and care tips at a glance
| Occupation | What matters? |
| Select Location | full sun partial shade is tolerated |
| Prepare the ground | loose, well-drained, sandy, low in lime, acidic |
| Plant real arnica | Acidify the soil before planting Note the planting distance of 25 cm |
| Pour real arnica | after planting regularly later only in case of prolonged drought |
| Fertilize real arnica | No fertilization necessary Replant potted plants regularly and replace substrate |
Harvesting and using real arnica
Only the flowers are used in naturopathy. Harvest time falls in midsummer. This can usually be started at the beginning of July. The harvest will be completed at the end of August.
Before use, the flowers are dried. If you also want to use the roots, you should only do so from the third year of growth. It takes time for the plants to develop a stable root system that can withstand this intervention.
Propagating real arnica
After flowering, the seeds develop, which are provided with a little umbrella. Those who do not intervene encourage themindependent propagation of the plant. For controlled propagation, the seeds are removed in good time and applied in a targeted manner.
Can be sown directly outdoors. A preculture in a planter is also possible on the windowsill from February. Here, too, it is important to ensure that an acidic substrate is used.
» Tip: The real arnica belongs to the light germs. The seeds should not be covered with soil.
When sowing outdoors, it is particularly important to press down the light seeds well so that they do not get carried away by the wind.
To encourage germination, the seeds can be mixed with a little sand and kept in the fridge for a month. The cold stimulus ensures reliable germination.
The planters are set up bright and warm, but not in the sun. The substrate must be kept evenly moist. To prevent the seeds from being washed out of the ground, it is advisable to moisten them with a plant sprayer.
If no more night frosts are to be expected at the end of May, the young plants can move outdoors.
True arnica - recognizing diseases and pests
The real arnica is more often visited by various imglice. It usually helps against the infestation to shower the plants vigorously several times. Rarer is an infestation with the arnica fly. The pests use the substrate to lay their eggs and are considered allergy triggers.
Winter Arnica
The real arnica is hardy and does not need to be protected. The leaves above the ground die off in winter. The plant retreats into its rhizome, where nutrients are stored. In the spring, the real arnica will reliably sprout again.
Is arnica poisonous?
This question seems superfluous as it is a medicinal plant, but it has its justification. A sure instinct is required when dosing. In higher doses, the contained helenaline and dihydrohelanaline have a toxic effect.
Overdose can cause diarrhea and vomiting. Prolonged administration in high doses can cause bleeding, anxiety, paralysis, and kidney and liver damage.
» Attention: The internal use of arnica is officially not allowed.