Arnica
Arnica chamissonic

Arnica is a famous perennial herb used externally for bruises, burns and inflammation. A member of the thistle family, it is found growing naturally in the northern mountain areas of Canada and America. Arnica flowers in July and August. It has a slender, blackish rhizome 1-2 in long. The European variety, Arnica montana, more often quoted in herb books, has the same medicinal value.

Medicinal Part: Rhizomes and Flowers Solvents: Boiling water & alcohol

Uses:
Good results follow the internal administration of Arnica when used in emergencies where mental or physical shock is evident, where there is pain and swelling- such as after a troublesome dental extraction; sprains of joints; fractured bones; headaches (even concussions).

Dose: Infusion: put 2 teaspoonfuls of the flowers to 1 cup of boiling water, simmer for 10 min., cool. To be taken in 5-drop amounts, children less according to age.
Spirits of Arnica can be made by putting the flowers in brandy or medicinal alcohol. In about three days the tincture may be used: 5 drops every 3-4 hours.

Externally: The liquid infusion is also used on any unbroken surface to stop pain, such as compresses over rheumatic joints, bruises, painful swollen feet. .
A salve can be made by heating 1 oz. Of the flowers with 1 oz. of cold pressed Arnica oil for a few hours. This is useful for chapped lips, inflamed nostrils, bruises, joint pain, skin rash and acne.

Precautions: Care should be taken when given internally, as large amounts are poisonous.