Last Updated on June 2, 2025 by Nico
Learn how to make arnica oil at home using dried arnica flowers and your favourite carrier oil. This beginner-friendly guide explains everything you need to know to make your own arnica-infused oil that can help with sore muscles, joint pain, and more.
Arnica oil is another home remedy that is surprisingly easy to make. We like to have it on hand to massage into sore muscles and on mild bruises. I also like to use the infused oil as a base to make an arnica salve. It’s much more cost-effective to make your own arnica oils and homemade salves than buying them in a shop, especially if you’re looking for products with only a handful of simple ingredients.
Benefits of arnica
- Arnica can help reduce swelling and inflammation thanks to anti-inflammatory compounds
- May relieve muscle pain, bruises, sprains, and general aches when used topically
- Makes a great base for homemade arnica cream and salve, which can also be used for tension headaches or joint pain
- Can be helpful in easing mild strains from repetitive use (like typing or heavy lifting)
Identifying & sourcing arnica flowers
Arnica montana, also known as mountain daisy, is a medicinal plant that grows in parts of Europe and North America. If you’re foraging, look for bright yellow flowers with daisy-like petals. It tends to grow in grassy meadows during the summer months.
Fresh or dried arnica flowers?
Fresh flowers contain moisture, which can cause the oil to spoil. It’s best to stick with dried flowers to make this oil. You can simply leave fresh flowers on a paper towel for a week or so and they should be good to use.
How to make homemade arnica oil
Tools
A clean pint mason jar or other glass jar with a lid – I like these ones
Heat-proof bowl and double boiler (or a small pot and bowl setup)
Cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer – I like these unbleached ones
A dark glass bottle or a clean glass jar for storage – I like these
Ingredients
Dried arnica flowers – Here’s a bulk source
A carrier oil – I like using jojoba oil but you can also use good quality olive oil, sweet almond oil, avocado oil, or fractionated coconut oil
Optional: vitamin E oil to extend shelf life
Optional: few drops of essential oils like lavender or peppermint for added scent
For complete measurements, see the printable recipe card below.
Instructions
You can infuse your oil using either the slower method or the quick double-boiler method. The best way depends on how quickly you need the oil.
Slow Infusion (No Heat)
Add dried arnica flowers to a mason jar. I use a pint mason jar and fill it about half full with the dried flowers.
Pour in your carrier oil until flowers are fully submerged.
Seal the jar and let it sit in a dark place for 4–6 weeks, shaking gently every few days.
After 6 weeks, use cheesecloth to strain off the oil. Add a few drops of vitamin e oil and essential oils if you are choosing to do so.
Add the infused arnica oil to a clean amber glass container. I like to use the dropper bottles to make using the oil easier.
Quick Infusion (Double Boiler)
In a heat-proof bowl set over a small saucepan with a few inches of water, gently heat your carrier oil and dried arnica on very low heat for 2–3 hours.
Stir occasionally and keep the temperature warm, not hot, to preserve the active ingredients.
Turn off the heat and add a few drops of vitamin e oil and essential oils if you are choosing to do so.
Once infused, let it cool slightly and carefully strain the oil through a paper towel or cheesecloth into a clean jar.
Add the infused arnica oil to a clean amber glass container. I like to use the dropper bottles to make using the oil easier.
How to store your diy oil
Store your arnica oil in a cool, dark place (generally, room temperature is fine, just avoid lots of humidity and direct sunlight). Always label and date your jar so you know what it is and when you made it.
How to use arnica oil
This oil is for external use only. You can massage a small amount to muscle aches, minor injuries, and mild bruises. Avoid using on open wounds or broken skin.
How long will arnica oil last
If stored properly, arnica oil should last about 6–12 months. Use your nose—if the oil starts to smell rancid, it’s time to toss it.
Helpful tips
- Use a dark glass bottle for the best shelf life.
- You can add a few drops of essential oils like lavender or peppermint for added scent.
- This oil makes a great gift—pour into dropper bottle and add a label!
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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How to Make Arnica Oil
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- You can infuse your oil using either the slower method or the quick double-boiler method. The best way depends on how quickly you need the oil.
- Add dried arnica flowers to a mason jar.
- Pour in your carrier oil until flowers are fully submerged.
- Seal the jar and let it sit in a dark place for 4–6 weeks, shaking gently every few days.
- After 6 weeks, use cheesecloth to strain off the oil. Add a few drops of vitamin e oil and essential oils if you are choosing to do so.
- Add the infused arnica oil to a clean amber glass container. I like to use the dropper bottles to make using the oil easier.
- In a heat-proof bowl set over a small saucepan with a few inches of water, gently heat your carrier oil and dried arnica on very low heat for 2–3 hours.
- Stir occasionally and keep the temperature warm, not hot, to preserve the active ingredients.
- Turn off the heat and add a few drops of vitamin e oil and essential oils if you are choosing to do so.
- Once infused, let it cool slightly and carefully strain the oil through a paper towel or cheesecloth into a clean jar.
- Add the infused arnica oil to a clean amber glass container. I like to use the dropper bottles to make using the oil easier.
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