Arnica montana was unknown to the ancients as it only grew in the mountains; it was first mentioned by St. Hildegard in “De arboris”. It is thought that its name is derived from the Greek term “ptarmica”, which means sneezing, as the roots and flowers have a sneezing effect. It is popularly known as mountain tobacco, as its leaves were smoked like tobacco by mountain dwellers.
It has several properties: Sedative, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial.
