Last Updated on September 9, 2025 by Nico
This arnica salve recipe uses a handful of simple ingredients and can help to soothe sore muscles, ease joint pain, and heal bruises more quickly. Learn how to make it at home with this easy recipe.
Arnica (Arnica montana) is one of my favourite plants to make a salve with because it’s worked so well in helping with sore muscles! I used to buy arnica cream, but I have found that the arnica salve I make works just as well for us and also saves us money. If you can find an arnica salve that uses only simple ingredients, it’s usually pretty expensive. Making your own means you can avoid the synthetic additives and control what goes into each batch.
Benefits of arnica
- Can reduce muscle soreness and inflammation after workouts or physical activity
- Can help relieve tension headaches when applied to the neck or temples
- Helps to ease joint pain, stiffness, and swelling
- Can help bruises, minor injuries, and closed-wound injuries recover faster
- Supports the healing process of scar tissue
- Can be helpful for carpal tunnel or repetitive strain issues
- Great for everyday use on painful affected areas like shoulders, lower back, knees, or feet
Arnica should only be used externally and on unbroken skin. Make sure to avoid using it on lips, eyes, or open wounds.
Watch the video
Can I use fresh arnica flowers?
Dried herbs are safer and more stable for infusions because they don’t contain moisture.
Can I use this on my face or lips?
Arnica should never be ingested, and so you should avoid using it on areas like around the eyes and lips.
Easy homemade arnica salve recipe
What you need
Tools
Double boiler or heat-proof bowl over a saucepan
Mason jar or glass jar for infusing – I like these ones
Paper towel or cheesecloth for straining – I like these unbleached ones
Small tins or amber glass jars for storage – I use these
Supplies
Dried arnica flowers – Here’s a bulk source
Carrier oil of choice – I like using jojoba oil but you can also use good quality olive oil, sweet almond oil, avocado oil, or fractionated coconut oil
Beeswax pellets – Here’s an organic source if you cannot find some locally
Shea butter (optional, for added richness which I prefer!) – Here’s a bulk unrefined source
Optional – Lavender essential oil or other essential oils
For complete measurements, see the printable recipe card below.
Instructions
Infuse the oil
I’ve put simplified instructions below on how to make the infused oil but here is the full recipe.
Slower method: Add the dried arnica flowers to a jar, cover them with carrier oil, and let it sit in a dark place for 8 weeks. This is my preferred method because it’s hands-off!
Quick method: On a very low heat, gently infuse the dried arnica flowers with oil in a double boiler for 3-4 hours. Strain it off once it’s cool.
Make the salve
Add 1 cup of the arnica-infused oil, beeswax, and shea butter to a double boiler.
Warm gently until everything is melted together.
Turn off the heat and add any essential oils. I tend to omit essential oils because I prefer not to have any scents in my salves.
Pour into tins or jars. Let the salve harden fully (I leave mine for 24 hours) before adding a lid.
How to store it
Store your finished arnica salve in a dark, dry place away from direct sunlight. We keep our natural first aid kit in our pantry rather than the bathroom to avoid the humidity.
How long will it last
I like to use my homemade salves within a year, but they can last longer if they are stored in the fridge or cool place, and away from sunlight.
How much to use
Use a small amount and massage it into the affected area a few times per day.
Disclaimer – I’m not a medical professional and do not intend to offer medical or health advice in any content I create. I offer information for educational purposes and, as always, get your physician’s advice or the advice of your health care provider before trying a new herbal remedy. There are always possible unintended consequences of trying a new herbal remedy such as an allergic reaction or unexpected side effects like interactions with other medication.
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Easy Homemade Arnica Salve Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Slower method: Add the dried arnica flowers to a jar, cover them with carrier oil, and let it sit in a dark place for 8 weeks. This is my preferred method because it’s hands-off!
- Quick method: On a very low heat, gently infuse the dried arnica flowers with oil in a double boiler for 3-4 hours. Strain it off once it’s cool.
- Add 1 cup of the arnica-infused oil, beeswax, and shea butter to a double boiler.
- Warm gently until everything is melted together.
- Turn off the heat and add any essential oils. I tend to omit essential oils because I prefer not to have any scents in my salves.
- Pour into tins or jars. Let the salve harden fully (I leave mine for 24 hours) before adding a lid.
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