From the treasure trove of remedies of Hildegard von Bingen
Arnica, also known colloquially as angelica, dyer's flower, or St. John's flower, is an aromatic, summer-green, perennial herbaceous plant that reaches heights of 20 to 60 centimeters. This intensely fragrant perennial, with its somewhat disheveled, bright, egg-yolk-yellow tubular flowers, is easy to care for and beautifies your garden from May to August. Its medicinal properties: Unlike other medicinal plants, arnica was unknown in antiquity and was first mentioned by Hildegard von Bingen. In homeopathy, it is considered the most important remedy for shock resulting from injuries or accidents, and is also said to help with toothaches and gum problems. Internal use (except as a homeopathically diluted remedy) is not recommended (risk of poisoning). However, external applications of tinctures, after a prior test for possible allergic reactions, are quite common. To prepare a tincture, pour alcohol over arnica flowers and let the mixture steep, sealed, for 2 to 6 weeks. Alternatively, pour a cup of boiling water over one to two teaspoons of dried blossoms, let it steep for ten minutes, and then strain. Use this "tea" lukewarm for gargling or compresses. Caution! Do not drink!
species and grows in barren, nutrient-poor soils in the mountainous regions of Europe, from the Pyrenees to southern Scandinavia.
