DIY Arnica Salve for Bruises & Muscle Pain
Learn how to make DIY arnica salve from foraged Arnica montana flowers — a natural remedy for bruises, sore muscles, and arthritis. Step-by-step recipe included."
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Servings: 10 1-ounce tins
Equipment
- 10 1-ounce tins
- 1 soup bag
Ingredients
- 1 cup arnica flowers
- 1½ cups carrier oil (grapeseed oil)
- 1 ounce beeswax pellets
- ½ ounce sheabutter
- 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil (optional)
- 10 drops essential oils (optional)
Instructions
- Pick arnica flowers and allow them to dry on the counter for a few hours, or until they're dry and wilted.
- Pack arnica flowers into a mason jar, then cover with carrier oil. Screw lid onto the jar and write "arnica oil" and the date on the lid.
- Place the jar in a cool, dark location for 4 weeks. Shake the jar daily to keep the flowers submerged and to release the arnica's beneficial extracts.
- After 4-6 weeks, strain infused arnica oil through a soup bag, into a small saucepan or wax melting pot: Discard flowers.
- For every cup of infused oil, add 1 ounce of beeswax pellets and ½ ounce of shea butter. Stir over very low heat until wax melts completely.
- Allow mixture to cool slightly. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil and 10 drops of essential oils (optional). Carefully pour into 1 or 2 ounce canisters. Allow to set before screwing on the lids.
Notes
- Do not dry arnica too long, or use a dehydrator or a freeze dryer. Doing so will turn the flowers into puff balls, similar to dandelions.
- Fresh arnica flowers contain too much moisture, which can lead to mold growth. Always use fully dried arnica to ensure a longer shelf life and safer salve.
- For the most therapeutic benefits, do a slow, cold infusion in oil for 4–6 weeks. If you're short on time, a low heat method (double boiler on lowest setting for 2–3 hours) works too—just don’t overheat the oil.
- Add 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil to extend the shelf life and add skin-nourishing benefits. Bonus: It also helps prevent rancidity.
- Before pouring into tins, dab a spoonful of the hot salve and let it cool. Check the texture. Too soft? Add more beeswax. Too hard? Add more oil.
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