I have some arnica which is almost blooming (that is if it doesn't get battered by the thunderstorm outside!) and I am wondering if anyone has any traditional recipes they would be willing to share? I would like to make an arnica cream or infused oil with it? Many thanks.

Hi Louise

I'm sure you're aware that arnica is poisonous and most preparation are actually homeopathic rather than straightforward use of the herb. Having said that, Jim Macdonald does make arnica tincture for external use on bruises and you may wish to contact him to find out more details. I suspect he uses everclear for his tinctures and other high ranking alcohols which we can't get over here. His email address is multiflorum@gmail.com. There is a link to his web pages on the Herb Society links page.

Best wishes

Sarah

I'd just fill a jar twice, once with flowers and then again with a good quality olive oil, steep six weeks in a cool dark place, and strain. I make oils like that alot. I haven't done that with arnica yet, waiting for the plants to offer enough flowers!

HI Louise

While I was reading a recent herbal blog article, I came across a mention of arnica salve so I emailed the blog owner, a lady called DragonLady and asked her how she made her arnica products. I explained I'd had your request and did not have the information to respond to it properly. This is her reply.

"Hi
i love connecting with herbalists and earth keepers around the planet!!!
for some answers to your Arnica questions.
for Arnica salve:
i wilt the plants.
melt coconut oil (it's solid where i live).
add whole plant uppers, broken in to pieces, in to warmed coconut oil.
stir. keep burner on warm for 15 minutes, stirring. turn off. cover.
let soak for an hour or so.
then pour in to jars. cover and shake.
then i top the jars with a floater of brandy.
set in my windowsill for as long as it wants to be there.
the coconut oil turns solid by night, liquid by day. locks in the amazing fragrance of Arnica.
to strain, i sometimes have to warm the jar to melt the coconut oil.
the finished product is amazing!!


for Arnica Flower Essence:
first, i should explain that my way of doing things.
the plants are my guides. they always tell me if i can take and how much.
i get brewing instructions and recipes from them. and when it comes to flower essences, this truly is my passion.
to get the energetic properties of the plant, they invite me in to their realm. i go thru their 'portal' and they show me their 'story'. the story is very much like the dream world, full of interesting symbolism. when i work with my clients, i see these same symbols in their energy fields, so i know which plants to match them with. it's REALLY interesting.


traditional flower essence text say Arnica helps people recover from severe shock or trauma. helps you come back in to your body and heal from traumatic experiences.
let me know if you'd like me to share what i see about Arnica.
thanks for your interest."

Hope this helps

Sarah