Arnica flower - Arnica montana 50 g

Arnica occurrence

Arnica ( Arnica montana ) is a perennial, belongs to the basket-flowered plant family, grows up to 0.5 m high with long and light green rosette leaves. Arnica blooms in June–July. Arnica occurs in the southern and middle parts of Sweden north to Dalarna. Grows on lean and nutrient-poor soil.

What is Arnica good for?

Arnica has been used in folk medicine for many years. Both the flowers and other parts of the plant were used to relieve rheumatic pain, muscle pain and against insect bites. Nowadays, the herb is used externally to make poultices or arnica oil/arnica ointment. It is also possible to make a tincture of arnica, diluted arnica tincture is used externally in folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory and wound-healing agent, especially for contusions, bruises, sprains and wounds.

ATTENTION!

For internal use, only homeopathic remedies apply. Overdose can cause symptoms of poisoning.

Arnica contains chemical compounds that are responsible for its action. The most important are:

Sesquiterpene lactones - these substances have antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, accelerate the absorption of petechiae, strengthen the walls of the capillaries and prevent the formation of venous clots.

Essential oils - mainly found in the plant's roots and rhizome but also in the inflorescence and leaves. Essential oils also protect the plant against fungi and bacteria found in the soil.

Flavonoids – found in stems and leaves of Arnica.

Recipe Arnica salve:

* 350 ml olive oil or coconut oil

* 50 grams of beeswax (62.5 ml)

* 15-20 ml arnica tincture

* essential oil e.g. eucalyptus oil

Dissolve oil and beeswax in a water bath. Remove from heat when the wax has melted. Stir until cooled. Then whisk in the arnica tincture and the essential oil. Pour into clean glass jars and let cool.

Recipe Arnica tincture (for external use)

One part dried Arnica flower to 5 parts alcohol; eg 20 g of herbs and 100 g of alcohol. Use vodka (about 40%-70% alcohol).

Do this: Put the herb in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid and pour over the alcohol. Stir and seal the jar. Leave for at least 14 days (preferably in sunlight). Shake the jar regularly to mix the contents. Then strain and  pour into a clean glass bottle.