Native to North America, Mexican arnica is commonly used in traditional Mexican herbalism. Its sunny daisy-like flowers have mild anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antiseptic qualities and may be used topically to treat bruises, sprains, rheumatism, and various skin conditions.

The flowers are dried whole, then typically infused in alcohol or oil to be used in skin care products like soaps, lotions, ointments and salves. Although internal use of Mexican arnica is not recommended, in folk medicine, the flowers are also used in infusions to treat gastrointestinal disorders.

Not to be confused with the European plant commonly known as arnica (Arnica montana), Mexican arnica (Heterotheca inuloides) has a similar yellow flower and similar applications — both are applied externally to fight inflammation and relieve pain — but they are different plants with different active chemical compositions.