arnica

Everyday

1. Arnica is a yellow flower that grows in mountains, related to daisies. tree →
2. Arnica is a cream or gel made from this plant that some people put on bruises and sore muscles. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life parents may rub arnica cream on a bruise after a knock. In science lessons, it is an example of a plant used in folk remedies. It is not to be swallowed: the plant is poisonous if eaten. Phrases: «arnica cream», «arnica gel», «rub on arnica».

Examples

• Mum put arnica cream on my bruised knee. tree →
• Arnica grows on sunny mountain slopes. tree →
• Jake came home covered in bruises, and his nan reached for the arnica. tree →
• Never eat arnica; it can make you very ill. tree →
• The football coach keeps arnica gel in his bag. tree →
• Some people say arnica helps bruises; scientists are still not sure how much. tree →

Note

Uncountable. Pronounced AR-ni-ca. Myth/trap: there is little strong scientific proof that arnica heals bruises faster; homeopathic «arnica» tablets contain almost none of the plant. Safety: use on unbroken skin only, never swallow the plant or cream.