Arnica Oil

(Arnica montana)

EXTRACTION METHOD: Arnica flowers infused in Almond Oil

CONSISTENCY: medium weight, light yellow color

PART UTILIZED: flower

APPLICATION: Arnica carrier oil can be used all by itself, 100%. Though it is not recommended to use on open wounds.

AROMATIC CONSIDERATIONS: little to no aroma

GENERAL INFORMATION: Arnica is useful for bumps, bruises, and inflammation. Arnica works on sore, tight muscles and helps to reduce swelling of injured areas. Applying Arnica Oil immediately after the injury can prevent swelling; application later on can reduce swelling that has already taken place. Arnica is also effective in relieving the pain of arthritic joints and swollen feet.

In recent years, Arnica is being used by midwives as the oil of choice during exams for dilation during labor. It is absolutely incredible how the application of a little bit of Arnica oil “melts away” any swelling of tissues that may be occurring, and prevents bruising and trauma to those very delicate tissues. One of the most important things I learned in the last few years of my midwife practice. (Thanks to Laura Lechner, friend and trainer.)

Arnica Oil in herbal/oil form is ment for external use only. Arnica Oil is said to cause swelling in exposed muscle tissue, so it is not used on open wounds or deep abrasions except in homeopathic form. Arnica is one of my favorite healing plants and should be in every first aid kit!

Special Instructions: Arnica Oil (at least the one sold by Butterfly Express LLC) is made by soaking Arnica blossoms—fresh, whenever possible—in Almond Oil. Arnica Oil is used with amazing results for injuries where bruising, swelling, and/or inflammation are present.

Place Arnica flowers in a carrier oil such as Almond oil. Cover with a loose-weave cloth and let sit for 2 weeks stirring daily. The ratio of oil to plant material is 1:25. Arnica is better made with fresh flowers whenever possible. The dried flowers are easier to find and handle, and have proven very effective for me many, many times.

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