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Are you a weekend warrior dealing with post-workout muscle aches?
Ever bumped into a doorframe and ended up with a throbbing bruise?
I’ve had both happen to me! My go-to remedy in both cases is this homemade arnica salve.
Arnica salve is a popular natural remedy known for its ability to soothe sore muscles, ease bruising, and promote healing.
The basic arnica salve recipe combines the power of the arnica plant with a soothing base such as beeswax to create a smooth, spreadable, pain-relieving salve.
Try this easy-to-follow arnica salve recipe today and experience the soothing benefits of this natural remedy. It’s quick, easy, and great for anyone looking to make a natural pain reliever at home.
Table of Contents
Arnica Salve Recipe: Ingredients
1 ½ cup Arnica Infused Oil
2 tablespoons Beeswax Pellets
3 x 2 oz Salve Tins
Essential Oils (optional)
Vitamin E (optional)
This recipe yields approximately 3 2oz tins.
It helps to make the arnica oil in advance as it requires a few days to infuse. Get detailed step-by-step instructions on how to make arnica oil.
How To Make Arnica Salve: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare The Arnica-Infused Oil
If you haven’t already made arnica oil, add dried arnica flowers in a jar and cover them with your chosen carrier oil. I used avocado oil but you can use any other carrier oil as listed in the arnica oil recipe.
Close the jar and heat in a double-boiler over low heat for around 6 to 8 hours, stirring occasionally. Keeping it on low heat is important to preserve arnica’s delicate healing compounds. High heat can damage these compounds.
Alternately let the flowers infuse in a carrier oil for 4-6 weeks. Keep the jar in a cool dark place and shake it occasionally to distribute the oil evenly over the flowers.
Strain the arnica oil into a clean glass jar or bowl using a cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer.
Step 2: Melt the Beeswax
Using a double boiler, melt the beeswax pastilles. The general ratio is 1 ounce of beeswax for every 1 cup of infused oil, but you can adjust this to make the salve harder or softer based on your preference.
Beeswax helps to thicken the arnica oil and give it the solid consistency of a salve.
It also adds a protective barrier to the skin, which helps lock in moisture. Opt for organic, unrefined beeswax to avoid any synthetic additives.
Step 3: Add The Arnica-Infused Oil To The Melted Beeswax
Add the arnica-infused oil slowly into the melted beeswax. Stir the mixture gently until both ingredients are fully combined and smooth.
Step 4: Add Vitamin E Oil (optional)
Vitamin E oil helps extend the shelf life of the homemade arnica salve. You need to add it only if you’re making a larger quantity or you use the salve sparingly.
Step 5: Add Essential Oils (Optional)
Remove the melted beeswax and arnica oil from the heat and let it cool down a bit, then add
If you want to add essential oils for scent and extra benefits, do so when the base is slightly cooled. High heat damages the delicate properties of essential oils.
These are the best essential oils to enhance arnica salve’s soothing properties.
- Lavender: Known for its calming and soothing properties.
- Tea Tree: Has antiseptic and antimicrobial qualities.
- Eucalyptus: Offers relief for muscle pain and inflammation.
- Chamomile: Has anti-inflammatory and soothing effects.
Step 6: Pour Into Salve Containers Let it Set
Sterilize containers before use by washing in hot, soapy water and wiping them down with alcohol when completely dry. This helps prevent contamination and ensures that the homemade salve stays fresh and safe longer.
Carefully pour the melted mixture into a glass jar or salve tin. Allow the salve to cool and harden at room temperature. This may take 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of your containers and the room temperature.
Do not move the containers while the salve is cooling to prevent cracks or uneven surfaces from forming.
Once set, your arnica salve is ready to use.
How to Use Arnica Salve
Arnica salve can be a valuable addition to your natural first-aid kit, as it offers a variety of benefits for external use.
Here are some common ways to use it:
Soothe Sore Muscles and Joints
After a strenuous workout or a long day of physical activity, massage arnica salve into sore muscles and joints to help reduce stiffness and discomfort.
If you’re a weekend warrior like me, you know how those occasional workouts can leave you feeling sore and achy for days. I make it a point to massage homemade arnica salve after my occasional rigorous workouts to minimize the fallout.
The anti-inflammatory properties of arnica are very effective for relaxing tense muscles and speeding up recovery after injury or physical strain.
These are the best essential oils to soothe sore muscles. Add one of these oils to the arnica salve recipe if this is your primary use for the salve.
Reduce Bruising
Arnica is widely known for its ability to speed up the healing of bruises.
If you have a minor bruise, gently apply the salve to the affected area several times a day. It can help diminish the discoloration and relieve tenderness.
Note, this homemade salve should only be applied on unbroken skin. Do not apply if your bruise is accompanied by broken skin arnica may cause irritation.
Ease Pain from Sprains and Strains
In India, Arnica is commonly used in salve or oil form to relieve pain from minor sprains or strains.
Rub it onto the area to reduce inflammation and soothe pain.
Alleviate Discomfort from Bug Bites
For relief from insect bites or stings, apply a small amount of arnica salve to calm the skin and reduce itching or swelling. It acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and can help soothe irritation.
Adding one of these essential oils to soothe bug bites will enhance the soothing properties of the arnica salve.
Treat Minor Burns
Arnica salve provides soothing relief from minor burns or sunburn. Gently rub it over the burn to reduce inflammation, soothe the area, and promote faster healing. Make sure the skin is not open or blistered before applying.
Note: The salve gets contaminated every time you use your fingers to scoop out a small amount to use. If you make a large batch, transfer small amounts to a smaller tin for use and store the rest. This way you can add a fresh batch when you’ve used up the older batch.
When stored correctly, your arnica salve should remain potent for several months. Check the salve periodically for any changes in texture, smell, or color, which may indicate that it’s time to make a fresh batch.
Safety Tips and Precautions
Do Not Apply to Broken Skin or Open Wounds: Do not use arnica salve on cuts, open wounds, or broken skin, as it may cause irritation or increase the risk of infection. Only apply it on intact skin for bruises, muscle soreness, and swelling.
For External Use Only: Ingesting arnica can be toxic, leading to serious health issues. Be sure to keep arnica salve away from children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
Do a Patch Test to Check for Allergies: Although arnica is generally well-tolerated, it’s advisable to perform a patch test before using a new salve to ensure you don’t have any allergic reactions. Apply a small amount of salve to a discreet area of skin, such as the inner arm. Wait 24 hours to see if redness, itching, or irritation occurs before using it more widely.
This easy arnica recipe is a convenient, natural solution for relieving aches, pains, and minor skin issues. Keep a jar handy for quick relief or share it as a thoughtful, homemade gift!
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Disclaimer: This information is not intended to serve as medical advice. Please consult your doctor before using any natural medication or if you experience any unusual symptoms. See Full Disclaimer here.
