Arnica Montana

Uses: bruises, sprains, post-surgery healing, muscle aches, wound healing, joint pain, inflammation from insect bites, and burns.

Chemical structure: essential oils, fatty acids, thymol, pseudoguaianolide sesquiterpene lactones and flavanone glycosides. 

Parts used: fresh or dried flower heads distilled into tinctures or oils

Fun facts:

• used for medicinal purposes since the 1500's
• native to mountains of Europe and Siberia, and cultivated in North America
• alternative name Leopard's Bane

Side Effects: high oral intake may cause dizziness, tremors and heart irregularities. Prolonged use on skin may cause irritation.