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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!
Healthy Options for Pregnancy & Prenatal Care
Is arnica salve with wintergreen oil suitable for kids?
I would not personally use that on kids
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!
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.
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.
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?
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.
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!
Grain alcohol…
I’m looking for a salve/ointment recipe which uses water extracted A. montana rather than oil or alcohol….
Has anyone found a homeopathic arnica tablet that does not contain lactose??
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!!
I’m wondering where you found info for breastfeeding precaution. I had formerly been told it was considered safe topically while nursing, thank you.
Love it! My podiatrist recommended it when I was having severe foot problems. It helped a great deal during my recovery.
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.
Pick and lay out on screens to dry in the shade.
Store in dark, cool place.
How do u grow it, do u have seeds to share with me? Please answer