Arnica: a closer look at the well-known alpine plant

Arnica (Arnica montana L.), also known as mountain arnica, is a yellow-flowering plant species belonging to the daisy family. It is found in various regions of Europe, including the Alps. It has long been associated with traditional European herbal medicine. The flowers of the plant are particularly commonly used.

Ein geflochtener Korb, gefüllt mit leuchtend gelben Arnikablüten, wird von zwei Händen gehalten. Die gelben Blütenblätter leuchten kontrastreich vor dem grünen Hintergrund einer Wiese. Die Szene wirkt lebendig und natürlich und symbolisiert Natur.

Zwei Personen hocken auf einem Holzsteg an einem kleinen Gebirgsbach inmitten einer grünen, blumenreichen Almwiese. Sie pflücken gemeinsam Arnikablüten und legen sie in einen Korb. Die Szene ist ruhig, naturverbunden, achtsam.

m Vordergrund steht eine einzelne, gelbe Arnikablüte im Fokus. Dahinter ist unscharf eine Hand zu sehen, die gerade eine weitere Blume pflückt. Im Hintergrund verschwimmen weitere Blüten und ein Weidenkorb. Das Bild symbolisiert Sorgfalt und Achtsamkeit.

Zwei Hände halten eine gelbe Arnikablüte über ein Glasgefäß. Daneben steht ein Korb voller Blüten. Die Blüte wird achtsam zerteilt, um in das Glas gefüllt zu werden. Die Szene vermittelt Handarbeit, Tradition und die Herstellung pflanzlicher Produkte.

PROFESSIONAL ASSESSMENT BY:

Reinhard Schuler

Founder · Alpine Natural Cosmetics & Herbal Knowledge: Reinhard Schuler has been immersed in alpine plants and traditional herbal knowledge since childhood. Since 1997, he has applied this experience to the development of alpine skincare and wellness products.

Growth

Wild, distinctive and resilient, just like the Tyrolean mountains where it is rooted. Golden-yellow arnica thrives particularly well in sunny, nutrient-poor meadows and mountain pastures. Its bright yellow flowers add striking splashes of colour to the landscape. It flowers mainly in June and July.

Traditional use of arnica

Arnica has a long history in European herbal medicine. Its flowers in particular have long been used in various preparations for external use. The European herbal monograph also covers arnica flower (Arnicae flos) and its traditional use.

It is important to distinguish between traditional herbal knowledge, scientific research and the properties of a specific skincare product, as these are not the same. The role arnica plays in a product always depends on the individual formulation, the extract used and the other ingredients.

Arnica at Kaufhaus der Berge

Arnica has been part of our alpine product world for many years. Reinhard Schuler collected the plant as a child in the Tyrolean Oberland and later brought this traditional knowledge into the development of alpine skincare products.

When harvesting arnica, we use only the flowers; the plant and its roots remain intact. As arnica does not grow in the same locations every year, the harvesting areas also change regularly. This prevents individual areas from being continuously used and gives them time to recover.

Today, we use arnica extracts in various formulations across our product range.

Discover Arnica products

Frequently asked questions about arnica

What is special about arnica?

With its bright yellow flowers, arnica is an unmistakable sight on mountain meadows and other suitable locations. What also makes it special is its long history in European and alpine botanical knowledge. To this day, it is used as an ingredient in various preparations and skincare products.

What is the botanical name of arnica?

The botanical name of true arnica is Arnica montana L.

Which plant family does arnica belong to?

Arnica belongs to the Asteraceae family.

Which part of arnica is used?

The European herbal monograph specifically describes the arnica flower (Arnicae flos).

Where can I find products containing arnica?

At Kaufhaus der Berge, we offer various products containing arnica extracts in their formulations.

Sources:

European Medicines Agency (EMA) Arnicae flos – Arnica flower (Arnica montana L.) Professional information and European assessment on arnica flowers (Arnicae flos), preparations and traditional use. To the source. Accessed: August 2026.

University of Vienna Botanical Garden: Arnica – Arnica montana and Arnica chamissonis. Professional information on botany, occurrence and use of arnica. To the source.

Austrian Food Book – Codex Chapter B 33 “Cosmetic Products”: Guidelines and assessment principles for cosmetic products and on the use and substantiation of cosmetic claims in Austria. Federal Ministry for Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection (BMASGPK). To the source.

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