I use a lot of herbs every day because they have great medicinal, culinary, and therapeutic benefits. However, there’s one herb—Arnica—that I don’t use daily but always make sure to keep around. Arnica, or Arnica Montana, is not meant to be taken internally, but it has definitely earned a spot in our home. It’s famous for its ability to help with bruises, sprains, and strains when applied externally. It can also help alleviate shock and speed up healing after falls or accidents.
Arnica originally comes from Europe and has a long history of use. Many athletes rely on it to help recover from muscle strain and to bounce back more quickly after working out. While it’s important never to ingest Arnica, some homeopathic remedies are generally safe. You should also avoid using it on broken or burned skin.
Arnica can be used in various forms such as tinctures, salves, vinegar tinctures, and decoctions. Here’s a recipe for a salve that I always keep handy:
Instructions: Warm the oil in a double boiler, add beeswax, and stir until melted. Then add Wintergreen Oil to your preference, but remember it’s quite strong! Pour the mixture into your chosen storage container like small tins or little jam jars and let it cool.
You can use this salve on bruises, sprains, strains, and even head bumps. If you’re just starting with natural remedies, I’d recommend trying out some basic recipes as well.
Have you ever used Arnica? How did it work for you? Feel free to share!
