Recipes Using Arnica Oil
In this blog post we share two arnica oil recipes. Arnica oil is an all–natural oil that helps relieve bumps, bruises, aches and pains. Arnica oil is an extract of the arnica plant. It has been used for centuries to heal bruises and other injuries by speeding up the healing process. Arnica oil benefits include relieving pain, improving circulation and reducing inflammation. Read our blog post on arnica oil health and beauty benefits for more details.
The market value of essential oils worldwide is expected to grow from around 17 billion U.S. dollars in 2017 to about 27 billion dollars by 2022. Europe accounts for the largest share of the global essential oils market, with the Asia Pacific region and North America tying for second place.
Let’s Talk About Arnica
Arnica /ˈɑːrnɪkə/ is a genus of perennial (lives for more than two years), plants in the family (Asteraceae or Compositae, species of flowering plants within the order Asterales, commonly known as aster, daisy, composite or sunflower).
Applied to the skin in the form of an oil, cream, ointment, liniment, tea or salve, arnica has been used traditionally for medicinal purposes. Arnica montana L. is a source of several active compounds (sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic acids, and essential oils) exhibiting antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antiradical, antisclerotic, and antioxidant activities. Before using arnica in any form, first read through all the precautions, since this ingredient can cause extreme unhealthy reactions in some people.
Arnica Essential Oil
Arnica oil is a carrier oil that can be used as a base to dilute the more concentrated essential oils. Diluting essential oils makes them safe for topical use and for use in homemade recipes. Arnica oil is used to help “carry” the essential oils into the skin. As one of the most popular homeopathic remedies for pain management, arnica oil is one of the most important tools in any homemade essential oil first aid kit.
Arnica is available dried flower form that can be used to prepare “tea” (infusion), salves and tinctures. The essential oil of arnica is extracted from the flowers of A. montana through Through steam distillation or CO2 extraction. This highly concentrated preparation should be used with great caution because of its potency. A few drops should be diluted with a carrier oil such as sweet almond or coconut in preparations.
CO2 Extracted Arnica Oil
A relatively new preparation that is gaining traction, is an arnica aromatic extract that uses carbon dioxide as the solvent for extraction. Carbon dioxide extraction is able to extract more constituents from the plant that steam distillation, which is typical to essential oil extraction, this is due to the delicate nature of the plant matter.
This aromatic extract is technically not an essential oil, the end product is different—usually thicker, almost solid, like a resin. Precautions and use of this extract should be the same as that of the essential oil because both contain the same toxins. The CO2 essential oil has a more consistent composition than traditional extracts.
Broken skin and ingestion are contraindicated. When applying extract topically, remember to dilute the CO2 arnica oil heavily—one source suggests 0.5–1% or less—and avoid diffusion or inhalation. It should be noted that the thick nature of the extract will make dilution more difficult.
Comedogenic Rating
Arnica oil is best for all skin types but always dilute it (or buy it diluted). Arnica oil has been given a comedogenic rating of 2 when infused in olive oil, meaning it is non–comedogenic and should not cause any adverse reactions, even in sensitive or easily irritated skin.
For this reason, arnica oil is often used as a carrier oil, to dilute essential oils. Only use arnica oil in diluted form, as pure arnica is very potent. Use sweet almond or grapeseed as a carrier oil to dilute pure arnica essential oil in a 30:70 ratio if the oil is not already diluted.
Option of Either Making or Sourcing Arnica Oil
Because arnica is commonly used as an extract, some people choose to make their own infused or extracted oil. While it is possible to do this, I personally do not recommend the homemade route for this specific ingredient. Because of the unstable nature and high toxicity of the oil when prepared or used improperly, the typical home methods of extraction and infusion are ill advised.
Extracts can be readily purchased through any herbal supplier, as well as excellent carrier oils for use with other healing essential oils. Check out the brands available to you locally and only choose reputable manufacturers with high standards. You can find arnica oil in a blend of healing oils called “Trauma Oil”, it is a favorite for bumps and bruises.
Arnica Oil Roller Blend
We recommend making your very own rollerball blend with arnica oil so that you always have it on hand. It is effective in treating both acute and chronic pain. It is also great to put into a travel bag, backpack or first aid kit.
Ingredients
- 5–8 ml arnica oil (diluted)
- 2–10 drops any one of the following essential oils: lavender, peppermint or copaiba
- 10 ml roller bottle
Directions
- Add your favorite pain relieving essential oils (like lavender, peppermint, or copaiba) to roller bottle.
- Fill rest of bottle with diluted arnica oil.
Under Eye Anti–Aging Serum
Avoid costly treatments and store bought serums, try this nourishing anti–aging roller remedy instead. Just roll on fingertip and dab in with fingertips under eyes, taking special care to avoid getting into eyes.
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ tsp. avocado oil
- ¼ tsp. evening primrose oil
- ¼ tsp. arnica oil
- 2 drops rose absolute (or geranium) essential oils
- 10 ml roller bottle
Directions
- To make measuring easy, you can use a funnel.
- Add all ingredients into roller bottle.
- Shake vigorously to blend well.
Benefits of Massage with Arnica Oil
From lymphatic drainage to the healing power of touch, massage is an essential part of living well, the benefits of this ancient practice can be magnified when paired with the right essential oil. While lavender helps to promote relaxation and citrus can reinvigorate the mind, arnica oil is the oil of choice for those of us who spend hours hunched over a desk at work or who spend hours pushing our bodies to their limits at the gym, due to its ability to relieve aches and pains. Take a look below at some commercial products containing arnica oil that can be used for massage.
Weleda Muscle Massage Oil–Arnica
For a hand massage a little bit of Weleda Muscle Massage Oil–Arnica ($21.49) is just perfect. In addition to arnica, this oil has a touch of calming lavender and rosemary essential oils.
Naturopathica Alpine Arnica & Magnesium Gel
Naturopathica Alpine Arnica & Magnesium Gel ($34) helps to deliver fast relief of sore muscles and joints making it a go–to after a hard workout. Thanks to the addition of menthol, the gel cools on contact and the concentrated mineral blend of magnesium, copper and zinc help deliver targeted relief.
Eminence Organics Calm Skin Arnica Masque
For inflammation caused by blemishes and breakouts, Eminence Organics Calm Skin Arnica Masque ($56) may be perfect. The masque was specially formulated to help soothe redness and reduce inflammation thanks to the blend of arnica with marigold, Shea butter, ivy leaf, horse chestnut and a proprietary Biocomplex™ blend of antioxidants.
The Toxicity of Arnica Montana
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified Arnica montana as an unsafe herb because of its toxicity (a substance that can damage an organism). Arnica montana contains the toxin helenalin (a sesquiterpene lactone), which can be poisonous if large amounts of the plant are eaten or small amounts of concentrated arnica extracts are used.
It should not be taken orally or applied to broken skin where absorption can occur. Arnica irritates mucous membranes (moist membranes that line body cavities). It may produce contact dermatitis (inflammation of the skin caused by exposure to a chemical) when applied to skin.
Consumption of A. montana can produce severe gastroenteritis (inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract), internal bleeding of the digestive tract, diarrhea, vomiting, raised liver enzymes (which can indicate inflammation of the liver), nervousness, accelerated heart rate, muscular weakness, and death if enough is ingested.
In the Ames test, an extract of A. montana was found to be mutagenic (a chemical agent that permanently changes genetic material, usually DNA) to bacteria.
Precautions
Arnica is available as a 100% pure essential oil but should not be applied to skin before it is diluted into a carrier oil, ointment, gel or cream form. In any form, arnica should never be used on broken or damaged skin. Do not apply directly to open wounds as it can be toxic.
Arnica oil should only be used for topical application. Before using arnica oil, make sure to shake the bottle well. Never use arnica oil in eyes or in mucous membranes. The pure essential oil is actually not even recommended for aromatherapy purposes because it is too potent for inhalation.
Possible Allergenic
Arnica oil is generally safe to use in diluted form. Topical application of herbal preparations is generally safe but can cause adverse reactions in people allergic to daisy–family plants (ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds and daisies). Some people may experience side effects after use.
When purchasing arnica oil, look for one that has a low number of natural ingredients. Ideally, the oil contains arnica extract and a high–quality base oil (or oils) such as certified organic olive, almond or grapeseed. Beneficial vitamin E is sometimes also added as a natural preservative. Avoid arnica oil that contains fragrance, often listed as “parfum”, since the fragrance source is unknown and can often be an irritant or cause allergic reactions.
Never ingest essential oils. Ingestion of arnica oil is not recommended as it can be toxic in high doses. Even when diluted and ingested it can cause an upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems. In large amounts it can cause internal hemorrhaging. Avoid prolonged use, prolonged use may cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction.
Contraindications
Patients taking medicines for the treatment of blood clotting, such as anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs, should avoid applying arnica to your skin or hair, as it can slow down the process of blood clotting. It is not safe to use for people with hypersensitive skin, or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding as it can be toxic. It can also induce premature labor due to the simulating effects. Use essential oils with extreme caution on children, do not use arnica on children. Some brands clearly labels their essential oils “KidSafe” on the bottle if it can be used on children ages 2–10.
When applying arnica oil topically (on your skin), always perform a 24–hour skin patch test first using 1–2 drops, read how for further details. Only use arnica oil in diluted form, as pure arnica is very potent. Use almond or grapeseed as a carrier oil to dilute pure arnica oil in a 30:70 ratio if oil is not already diluted.
Use only 100% authentic oils. Arnica oil has a shelf life of years if stored properly in tightly–sealed dark glass containers. Keep in a cool and dry place, such as a dresser drawer or kitchen cabinet. Keep away from heat and cold temperatures and moist areas (such as a bathroom).
Arnica oil products come with expiration dates. Manufacturer’s advice against using arnica products beyond this date. Any arnica product whose use–by date has passed, should be discarded. Signs that it has expired includes changes in scent, texture and color. If you are interested in trying arnica oil, be sure to choose a product that is 100% pure and organic. Arnica oil can be found at most health food stores or online.
Note: May also stain clothing.
Sources:
Arnica
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arnica
Arnica montana
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arnica_montana
Top 6 Benefits of Arnica Oil and How to Use Safely
https://www.lovingessentialoils.com/blogs/healthy-living/benefits-of-arnica-oil
Jennifer Lane – Certified Aromatherapist on 05/29/2021
32 Health Benefits of Arnica Oil #1 Top Natural Medicine
https://drhealthbenefits.com/herbal/herbal-oil/health-benefits-of-arnica-oil
Scientific review: Dr Heben’s Team
3 ARNICA OIL BENEFITS: SOOTHE INFLAMMATION & HEAL YOUR SKIN
https://naturallivingfamily.com/arnica-oil-benefits/
Reviewed by Eric Zielinski, DC (Dr. Z), Last updated on July 15th, 2022
The Secret Ingredient: Pain Relieving Benefits of Arnica Oil
https://www.spafinder.com/blog/health-and-well-being/secret-ingredient-pain-relieving-benefits-arnica-oil/
Published: Tuesday, February 17th 2015 by Jackie Burns Brisman
15 Arnica Tea Benefits and Uses — By Scientific Research
https://naturallydaily.com/arnica-tea-benefits/