medicinal herbs
Heartleaf Arnica
Arnica cordifolia
Herb: Heartleaf Arnica
Latin name: Arnica cordifolia
Family: Compositae
Medicinal use of Heartleaf Arnica:
The whole plant is antiecchymotic, antiphlogistic, nervine, sternutatory and vulnerary. When applied intravenously or orally it causes a rise in body temperature. All parts of the plant may be used, but the flowers are used in preference to the root. They have a discutient property and a tincture is used as an external application to swellings, sprains, bruises and wounds. A salve applied to cuts helps to keep down infections.Description of the plant:
Plant:
PerennialHeight:
50 cm(1 foot)
Flowering:
JulyHabitat of the herb:
Woodlands in foothills up to high elevations in mountains.Other uses of Heartleaf Arnica:
This plant is used as a hair conditioner. No further details are given.Propagation of the herb:
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.Cultivation of Heartleaf Arnica:
Woodlands in foothills up to high elevations in mountains.Known hazards of Arnica cordifolia:
The whole plant is toxic and should only be used for external applications to unbroken skin.Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.