Arnicae flos, arnica flower.  

Arnica flower consists of the fresh or dried inflorescence of Arnica montana L.  or A. chamissonis Less.  subsp.   foliosa (Nutt.) Maguiere [Fam.  Asteraceae], as well as its preparations in effective dosage.  

It contains sesquiterpene lactones of the helenanolid type, predominantly ester derivatives of helenalin and 11,13-dihydrohelenalin.  Additionally, the herb contains flavonoids (e.g., isoquercitrin, luteolin-7-glucoside, and astragalin), volatile oil (with thymol and its derivatives), phenol carbonic acid (chlorogenic acid, cynarin, caffeic acid), and coumarins (umbelliferone, scopoletin).  

For external use in injury and for consequences of accidents, e.g., hematoma, dislocations, contusions, edema due to fracture, rheumatic muscle and joint problems.  Inflammation of the oral and throat region, furunculosis, inflammation caused by insect bites, superficial phlebitis.  

Arnica allergy.  

Prolonged treatment of damaged skin, e.g., use for injuries or ulcus cruris (indolent leg ulcers), often causes edematous dermatitis with the formation of pustules.  Long use can also give rise to eczema.  In treatment involving higher concentrations of the drug, primary toxic skin reactions with formation of vesicles or even necroses may occur.  

Unless otherwise prescribed:

Infusion:

• 2 g of herb per 100 ml of water.  

Tincture for cataplasm:

• Tincture in 3 - 10 times dilution.  

For mouth rinses:

• Tincture in 10 times dilution.  

As ointment:

• Not more than 20 - 25 percent tincture.  

• Extract of 1 part herb and 5 parts fatty oil.  
• Ointments with not more than 15 percent "Arnica oil."