The Voynich Botanical Plants

Folio 5r, Wolf’s bane (Arnica montana), is a European flowering plant with large, yellow, daisy-like flowers. The root is a curved rhizome with brittle, wiry rootlets. The stem is erect and generally not branched. Ovoid, leathery leaves at the base of the stem are arranged in a rosette. At the apex of the stem leaves are opposite. Tincture of Arnica has been used for external application to sprains, bruises, and wounds, and as a paint for chilblains when the skin is unbroken. Repeated applications may produce severe inflammation. Due to its toxic properties it is seldom used internally.