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Wellness Mama » Blog » Natural Remedies » Arnica Herb Profile

Arnica Herb Profile

October 19, 2012 (Updated: July 30, 2019)   —  by Katie Wells

Arnica for muscle recovery and healing

Reading Time: 2 minThis post contains affiliate links. Click here to read my affiliate policy.

Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • How to Use:
  • Important Notes:
  • Arnica Salve Recipe
  • Other Natural Remedies:

I use many herbs daily for their medicinal, culinary and therapeutic properties. One herb that I don’t use daily but always keep on hand is Arnica (or scientifically, Arnica Montana).

Though this is not an herb that can be taken internally, it has definitely earned its place in our house. It is well known for its ability to help externallywith bruises, sprains, strains, etc. and can remove shock and speed healing. It can be put on areas of trauma after falls, accidents, etc.

Arnica is native to Europe and has been used for centuries. Many athletes use some form of it to recover from muscle strain and speed recovery after a work-out.

Though it should never be taken internally, some homeopathic remedies are available that are generally considered safe. It should also not be applied to broken or burned skin.

From Mountain Rose Herbs:

How to Use:

It can be used in various ways depending on the need:

  • On the skin as an infusion to spray on for aches and sprains (1 teaspoon dried herbs in 1/2 cup water)
  • A tincture (1 ounce dried flower preserved in 8 ounces/1 cup of food grade alcohol)
  • An infused oil (1 ounce dried flowers preserved in 4 ounces/.5 cup oil) This post explains how to make an infused oil.
  • Arnica oils and creams are used topically to treat sprains, bruises, and muscle pain. Diluted tinctures of arnica are used in foot baths (1 teaspoon of tincture to a pan of warm water) to soothe sore feet.
  • Homeopathic arnica is traditionally used to treat seasickness. Research published in June 2005 in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that homeopathic arnica can reduce post-partum bleeding.

Important Notes:

Arnica is never to be used internally and it is important not to ingest any form of arnica except homeopathics. It is also not recommended to apply to broken or cut skin and some people may notice skin irritation from the use of arnica topically. Not recommended (even topically) while pregnant or nursing. (except in homeopathic form)

Arnica Salve Recipe

Arnica can be used in tinctures, salves, vinegar tinctures, decoctions, etc. Here is a recipe for a salve I always keep in the house:

  • 3/4 cup oil infused with arnica (see this post for details on how to infuse oils) You can also buy the oil pre-made oil to save time.
  • 1.5 oz Beeswax
  • A few drops of Wintergreen Essential Oil (also not for use during pregnancy- consult with a certified aromatherapist to  make sure you are using this or any essential oils safely)

Directions: Warm oil in double boiler. Add beeswax and stir until melted. Add Wintergreen Oil in desired amount (warning-wintergreen is very strong!). Pour into desired storage container (we use small tins or little jam jars). Let cool.

Can be used on bruises, sprains, strains, head bumps, etc.

Other Natural Remedies:

Check out my full index of natural remedies by clicking here.

If you’re just getting started with natural remedies, I’d also recommend some of these basic recipes:

  • How to make a glycerite tincture
  • Lavender and Honey burn salve
  • Herbal Electuaries 
  • DIY Herbal Liniment Recipe
  • Fire Cider Cold and Flu Buster
  • How to make an herbal poultice with herbs
  • Herbal Hand Sanitizer Recipe
  • Natural remedies for allergies
  • Homemade cough syrup
  • Make your own natural remedies kit for your home 
  • Healing Salve Recipe
  • Make your own vapor rub

Ever used Arnica? How did it work for you? Share below!

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Category: Natural Remedies

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About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder and CEO of Wellness Mama and Co-Founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a wife and mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

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Reader Interactions

Discussion (55 Comments)

  1. Anna

    December 10, 2014 at 3:24 PM

    Is arnica salve with wintergreen oil suitable for kids?

    Reply
    • Katie - Wellness Mama

      December 14, 2014 at 8:45 PM

      I would not personally use that on kids

      Reply
      • Lindsay

        January 28, 2015 at 10:39 AM

        Would you not use it on kids just because of the wintergreen? If I left the wintergreen out, would it then be safe to use? Thanks!

        Reply
  2. Esther

    November 26, 2014 at 8:53 PM

    I used the topical Arnica gel to treat a septorhinoplasty about 2 weeks post op. I was hesitant to try it until I confirmed there was no stimulant effect, but oh wow do I ever wish I’d used it sooner! I literally saw my eye bruising fade gradually within HOURS! Also, I have fibromyalgia and used it to message sore neck and shoulders with quick relief. Can’t say enough good things about it! I did also try the pellets but haven’t noticed much of a difference.

    Reply
  3. Chuck

    November 24, 2014 at 10:20 AM

    I’d avoid alcohol as it dries the skin…though of course it also dries on the skin rapidly.

    I just use water extract for spray.

    Reply
  4. Phyl

    November 22, 2014 at 2:56 PM

    I’m looking for directions to make arnica spray for sore muscles. The suggestion was to put the dried arnica in a quart jar, cover with alcohol, place outdoors in the sun for a day, then to strain thru a filter. Does this sound about right? How much dried arnica flower to how much alcohol?

    Reply
    • Katie - Wellness Mama

      November 23, 2014 at 3:32 PM

      That would work. There are a lot of different opinions on that. i typically fill a jar half full with herbs and the rest with alcohol.

      Reply
      • Mary Jo

        March 10, 2015 at 1:31 AM

        Do you infuse arnica into rubbing alcohol or grain alcohol or,,,? I have made tinctures with grain alcohol, but it’s been a while. BTW, I love what you do and am thankful for all your hard work and info!

        Reply
        • Katie - Wellness Mama

          March 10, 2015 at 8:55 AM

          Grain alcohol…

          Reply
  5. Charles

    September 3, 2014 at 8:06 AM

    I’m looking for a salve/ointment recipe which uses water extracted A. montana rather than oil or alcohol….

    Reply
  6. Kristen

    February 21, 2014 at 11:27 PM

    Has anyone found a homeopathic arnica tablet that does not contain lactose??

    Reply
  7. Michael

    February 21, 2014 at 10:53 PM

    A while ago I sprained my ankle really bad. I was used to just applying ice. But the swelling, bruising and pain didn’t subside. Until finally my mom told me about arnica. At first I didn’t believe it could help me but my mom kept pushing me to use it. When I finally did the next morning I woke up great. My ankle was better. This thing works wonders!!

    Reply
  8. Zoe Bratianu

    January 6, 2014 at 8:07 AM

    I’m wondering where you found info for breastfeeding precaution. I had formerly been told it was considered safe topically while nursing, thank you.

    Reply
  9. Meghan Schaffer Hamilton

    May 28, 2013 at 10:41 PM

    Love it! My podiatrist recommended it when I was having severe foot problems. It helped a great deal during my recovery.

    Reply
  10. Melanie

    May 28, 2013 at 5:46 PM

    How do you dry the flowers correctly and then store them? Anyone have a good website showing this? I have natural Arnica flowers growing like mad, and would like to use them.

    Reply
    • Chuck

      January 12, 2015 at 10:58 AM

      Pick and lay out on screens to dry in the shade.

      Store in dark, cool place.

      Reply
    • amanda pacheco

      February 12, 2016 at 12:01 AM

      How do u grow it, do u have seeds to share with me? Please answer

      Reply
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