Lauren Mountain Medicine: Yarrow and Arnica Uses

Those of us on the path of studying herbalism will attest that learning about the edible and medicinal properties of plants has shifted our view of the natural world around us. Where once we may have identified nature by ecosystem — yard, forest, field, swamp, lake, mountain, desert — we now see the trees, plants, and mushrooms within those ecosystems, and recognize them for their individual roles and medicinal properties. The green world around us is suddenly filled with trusted plant allies that we can turn to for nourishment and healing. Of course the plants have been there the whole time, but the shift in our understanding of their nature is a revelation. So the plantain at our doorstep, yarrow in the yard, or mugwort along the roadways transform in our eyes from overlooked weeds into celebrated remedies. Just like Cinderella, only…it turns out that we are the ones undergoing the transformation!

With this frame of mind, venturing into new ecosystems and learning new plants is an exciting adventure. This summer found my family backpacking in the forests and subalpine regions of Washington in the Olympic Mountains and Mt. Rainier National Park. From the towering old growth trees and temperate rain forests to the wildflower meadows in peak bloom, it was nirvana for a plant lover. I was enchanted with the drooping branches and stringy bark of the massive Western redcedar trees, impressed by the tenacious Sitka spruce and avalanche lilies, and delighted by the meadows filled with purple lupine and scarlet paintbrush flowers. There was one plant in particular I was earnestly seeking: the hardy yellow arnica that grows in the high meadows and forest clearings of mountainous regions of western North America, Europe, and Siberia. As it turns out, the Pacific Northwest has the highest diversity of arnica species on the planet (Gladstar, 2000)! I was determined to finally meet arnica in person.

Arnica Uses as Medicine

I’ve been enamored with arnica ever since I used infused arnica oil to relieve leg muscle pain after a particularly punishing hike. With both legs aching from hip to ankle, I was sorely (ha ha, couldn’t resist) in need of relief. Out of curiosity, I mustered the willpower to apply arnica oil to just one leg to test arnica’s healing ability. The next day I awoke to two very different scenarios — my left leg still aching and sore, and my right leg markedly improved with very little soreness to speak of! It was a telling example of the healing power of arnica.

WE RECOMMEND THE VIDEO: Marksans Pharma Share News | Marksans Pharma | Marksans Pharma Latest News | Marksans Pharma Share

Open Free Angel Broking Demat Account- Disclaimer: This video is made for Educational purpose only. We do not recommend this ...

Arnica montana is native to Europe and also grows in northern Alaska and British Columbia, whereas A. cordifolia and A. latifolia predominate in the Western United States (Gladstar, 2000). A. chamissonis is native to the United States and is cultivated as a substitute for A. montana at low elevations. There are several other species as well, but all seem to have similar medicinal uses. Arnica is known as an injury remedy, and has been used for thousands of years in the European Alps and by Native Americans (Holmes, 1997).

It is an anti-inflammatory and vulnerary herb used to treat pain, swelling, and bruising associated with traumatic injuries such as fractures, sprains, bruises, and contusions, as well as muscular pain from overexertion. For this purpose it can be used topically on unbroken skin or homeopathically. Arnica is toxic and must be used with caution and under the close supervision of a qualified herbalist if taken internally. Homeopathically, arnica is very safe and is used to support healing in the case of shock, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), post surgical trauma, invasive dental work, and concussion in addition to its aforementioned use for injuries.

No first aid kit is complete without arnica oil or salve, and fortunately they are both very easy to make. Due to overharvesting, A. Montana should not be wild harvested, and harvesting of the North American species should be limited. We recommend buying cultivated arnica from a trusted source like Mountain Rose Herbs in Oregon or Zack Woods Herb Farm in Vermont.