Our Science
The Power of Fresh
Optimized through research
Research shows that fresh Arnica montana contains double the compounds of dried plants or other species. That’s why we emphasize fast, careful harvesting and minimal processing to ensure the power of Arnica is delivered just as nature intended.
Quinic acid
Fresh Arnica montana plants contain over twice as much quinic acid as dried Arnica.1 This natural compound is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Its higher presence may enhance the soothing benefits of preparations made with fresh Arnica.
Ethyl ester of caffeic acid
Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, this is found in higher amounts in fresh Arnica montana than in dried forms.
Dehydrophytosphingosine
Dehydrophytosphingosine is a compound that helps support the skin’s natural barrier. It’s found in greater amounts in fresh Arnica montana, and may add to the plant’s skin-soothing benefits, especially in topical preparations.
- Duthen, Simon, Alice Gadéa, Pascal Trempat, Naoual Boujedaini, and Nicolas Fabre. 2022. “Comparison of the Phytochemical Variation of Non-Volatile Metabolites within Mother Tinctures of Arnica montana Prepared from Fresh and Dried Whole Plant Using UHPLC-HRMS Fingerprinting and Chemometric Analysis” Molecules 27, no. 9: 2737. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27092737
Not all Arnica is the same.
Meet the many plants called Arnica
When it comes to Arnica, not every product contains the same plant. Arnica montana is the species recognized and required by the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States (HPUS), the official standard for homeopathic medicines in the U.S. It’s also the most studied and trusted variety.
But in the marketplace, the name “Arnica” can be applied to a variety of plants — some closely related, others entirely different. That’s why it’s important to know what’s really inside the product you choose.
Arnica montana
(European Arnica)
The authentic source for homeopathic Arnica, this species grows at high altitudes in Europe. It’s the most studied form of Arnica and the only one used for Boiron’s homeopathic medicines.
Arnica chamissonis
(American Arnica)
A North American cousin of A. montana, this species is cultivated in the U.S. and shares similar properties. It’s a reliable, well-recognized variety often used in natural remedies.
Heterotheca inuloide
(Mexican Arnica/False Arnica)
Despite its common name, this plant is not a true Arnica. While it has been used in traditional folk medicine, it differs chemically and botanically from Arnica montana and is considered an adulterant when substituted without disclosure.
At Boiron, we use only botanically verified species of Arnica in our medicines, so you can be confident you’re getting the authentic plant you expect.
