Arnica: Arnica sp

Have you ever tried identifying Arnica in the field you may realize how difficult the Composites are. I’ve often heard of the Arnica’s as the DMC or ‘damn yellow composites’. They are often confused with Senecio sp, which look nearly identical but have leaves that are alternate instead of opposite like Arnica.

Medicinal Uses: While you may see Arnica tablets in the herbal section of the drug store to treat nervous disorders, one should be careful about ANY internal use of this plant. Its primary purpose is as an external treatment for muscle aches, including sprained ankles and sore muscles. However, be careful to only use this if there are no wounds on the skin.

Food Uses: Absolutely none. Arnica contains many toxic compounds, including arnicin, choline, arnidendiol, angelic acid and formic acid. If taken as a tea it may cause severe blistering and vomiting. The FDA has banned the internal consumption of this drug for all but homeopathic uses.