Common Name: Mountain Tobacco

General Information

Arnica angustifolia is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing one or more, usually unbranched stems 5 - 40cm tall[].
The plant is closely related to Arnica montana and is used interchangeably with that plant to provide the herbal medicine Arnica, which has a long history of effective use in the treatment of bruises and sprains. It is often used in proprietary medicines.

Known Hazards

The whole plant is toxic and should only be used for external applications to unbroken skin[].

Botanical References

,

Range

Northern Eurasia - Norway through Russia to western Siberia; N. America - Alaska to Newfoundland, south to British Colombia, Montana, Ontario

Habitat

Pasture and open woodland on neutral to calcareous soils[]. Bare rocky alpine slopes and summits[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a moist, well-drained humus rich soil, preferably lime-free[]. This species is more lime tolerant than other members of the genus[]. Prefers a mixture of sand, loam and peat[].
This species is closely related to Arnica montana[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The whole flowering plant is antiecchymotic, antiphlogistic, nervine, sternutatory and vulnerary[].

This species is closely related to Arnica montana and is included in that species by some botanists. The medicinal uses of that plant are as follows:-

Arnica has a long history of herbal use, especially as an external treatment for bruises and sprains[, ] - it is an ingredient of a number of proprietary preparations[]. Arnica increases local blood supply and accelerates healing, it is anti-inflammatory and increases the rate of absorption of internal bleeding[].

Internally, it has been used in the treatment of heart complaints and as a booster for the immune system[].
Generally the plant is nowadays only recommended for internal use as a homeopathic medicine, principally for treating shock, injury and pain[]. If used as a decoction or tincture it stimulates the circulation and is valuable in the treatment of angina and a weak or failing heart, but it can be toxic even at quite low doses and so is rarely used this way[].

The flowers are the part most commonly used[, ], they are harvested when fully open and dried - the receptacles are sometimes removed since these are liable to be attacked by insects[].
The root is also used, it is harvested after the leaves have died down in the autumn and dried for later use[].

The whole plant is antiecchymotic, antiphlogistic, nervine, sternutatory, vulnerary[, , , , ]. Although a very valuable remedy, it should be used with caution. It has been known to cause contact dermatitis when used externally and collapse when taken internally[]. Only take it internally under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.

The freshly crushed flowers cause sneezing if inhaled[].

The leaves have also been smoked as a tobacco[], though it is unclear whether this was for medicinal reasons

The whole plant, harvested when in flower, is used in homeopathic remedies[]. It is especially useful in the treatment of traumatic injuries, sores and bruises[]. The homeopathic dose has also been used effectively in the treatment of epilepsy and seasickness, and it might be of use as a hair growth stimulant[].

Other Uses

The plant is used as a hair conditioner[]. No further details are given.

Propagation

Seed - sow early spring in a cold frame[]. Only just cover the seed and make sure that the compost does not dry out. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer.
Division in spring[].