Arnica Mountain.

Arnica montana: description, cultivation and use in medicine

Arnica montana, or arnica montana europaea, is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family. This is a small plant with a height of 20 to 60 cm, which has a short rhizome that penetrates the soil to a depth of no more than 3 cm. The stem is erect, pubescent, with stem and rosette leaves. The stem and side shoots end in orange-yellow baskets that have a pleasant smell. Flowering occurs in June-July.

Mountain arnica is distributed mainly in the high-mountain meadows of the Carpathians, dry meadows of the Baltic states and in Ukrainian Polesie. The plant is demanding on soil and air humidity, light-loving and prefers open places, such as acidic meadows and forests.

In culture, mountain arnica is propagated by seeds and cuttings of rhizomes. The plant is moisture-loving, but cannot withstand waterlogging. It prefers light chernozem or soddy-podzolic soils rich in humus. It grows in one place for 4-5 years or more.

For growing arnica, a mountain plot is prepared in the fall. When digging, rotted manure or peat compost, superphosphate, potassium salt and ammonium nitrate are added. After digging and loosening the soil, furrows are cut 2 cm deep at a distance of 30-40 cm. The seeds are sown during a steady cold spell and sprinkled with peat or previously prepared turf soil. For vegetative propagation, sections of rhizomes are planted in late autumn. In the spring, regrown sections of rhizomes with shoots are planted in furrows at the rate of 5-6 plants per 1 linear meter. m. In the 1st year, the area with seedlings is often loosened, watered and freed from weeds.

Arnica montana has medicinal value. Arnica preparations reduce blood pressure and increase bile secretion. They are prescribed for cardiac weakness and angina, external and internal bleeding. Externally (in the form of lotions) the plant is used to treat bruises, abrasions, bruises, minor wounds, boils, trophic ulcers, burns and frostbite.

To prepare an infusion of mountain arnica, pour 1 tablespoon of flowers into 1 glass of hot water, leave for 15 minutes and filter. The infusion is taken 1/3 cup 3 times a day before meals. Mountain arnica is also used in the form of ointments, gels and creams for external use.

However, the use of arnica montana for medicinal purposes requires caution, as high doses can cause poisoning. Some people may be allergic to the plant. Therefore, before using arnica montana for medicinal purposes, you should consult your doctor.