How to Use Arnica Montana Plants

Arnica penetrates the skin to heal minor muscle problems.

Arnica montana is an interesting herbaceous perennial, when you consider that the plant is both medicinal and poisonous. Touching the plant causes dermatitis, a skin condition characterized by redness, swelling and blisters. But ingesting it is even more dangerous, as it accelerates your heartbeat, makes breathing difficult and puts children in a coma. But when used diluted as the base of ointments, tinctures and homeopathic tablets, Arnica montana heals muscle pain, bruises and other problems. Arnica products are available for sale. Of them, arnica flower oil is something possible to prepare at home.

Things You'll Need

• Dried arnica flowers
• Grinding appliance
• Glass jar
• Calculator
• Vegetable or body oil

Instructions

1. Put gloves on to handle the arnica flowers. Order them dried online if you can't find them locally. The plant's blooms are the only parts used for the arnica oil.

2. Grind the arnica with a pestle and mortar, electric blender or food processor.

3. Transfer the arnica flowers to a glass container that has a lid. A mason jar works fine.

4. Multiply the amount of arnica flowers you used times five. If you have 8 ounces of dried blooms, for example, the result of your math problem is 40 ounces.

5. Measure an amount of your favorite vegetable or body oil equal to five times the amount of arnica flowers you put in the jar. Oil possibilities include jojoba, olive, peanut and grape seed.

6. Pour the oil into the container with the arnica flowers and close the lid. Let the blend sit undisturbed for one month.

7. Rub a small amount of arnica flower oil on your skin next time you have a muscle ache or a bruise. Don't use it on open wounds. If your skin reacts, wash the oil off and don't use it again.

Tips & Warnings

• Store arnica flower oil in a dark jar in a cool area to extend its life. Discard the oil when it smells rancid. Arnica ointments are widely available at natural health shops. Unless you enjoy making your own products, it's more practical, and possibly less costly, to buy the preparation.

References

• North Carolina State University: Scientific Name: Arnica Montana
• University of Maryland Medical Center: Arnica