Arnica is widely available throughout Mexico, often growing along dusty paths. While the little yellow flowers are most commonly used, the leaves may be used as well. Unlike Arnica Montana, which is indigenous to Europe, Mexican Arnica is not toxic when taken internally.
Arnica flowers are collected and stored in a dark jar or simmered in oil and kept in the first aid kit so it is available when needed for an athletic or work injury. To prepare a poultice to treat a bruise, place a handful of dried or fresh arnica flowers and leaves in a cup of boiled water. When the water cools, apply the tea directly to the affected area with a clean cloth and drink a cup at the same time. Massage arnica oil daily into the affected area until the bruise or sprain is healed.
Mexican Arnica and Arnica Montana are two different plants within the same family (Daisy). Mexican Arnica is also called “false” arnica. Each has similar anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects when applied topically. Heterotheca inuloides is rich in quercetin (anti-inflammatory and anti-allergen) and contains the sesquiterpenoids 7-hydroxy-3, 4-dihydrocadalin and 7-hydroxycadalin. It also has antibacterial properties.
Older plants have been shown to have more potent anti-inflammatory effects than younger plants.
Gené, R. M., Segura, L., Adzet, T., Marin, E., & Iglesias, J. (1998). Heterotheca inuloides: Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 60(2), 157–162. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0378-8741(97)00155-4
Raquelita: Grandma, why are you preparing arnica?
Grandma: It’s good for internal and external bruises.
Raquelita: And how do you prepare it?
Grandma: Look, the preparation depends on the kind of bruise. For external bruising, you crush the flower, put a little bit of salt in it and some drops of alcohol and then you put it directly on the bruise. For internal bruising, you must make tea. Boil a cup of water and put a leaf or the flower, if you have one, and a little cinnamon in it. Drink it hot two times a day for one or two days… that’s it.
Raquelita: And what does arnica do to the bruises?
Grandma: Arnica helps with the inflammation and the pain.