Easy Homemade Arnica Salve Recipe

An overhead shot of a glass jar with arnica salve inside. There are dried arnica flowers on the wooden table.

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.

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Prep Time 15

Additional Tine 56

Total Time 56 15

Servings: 4 oz

Course: Holistic Skin Care

Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients

½ cup dried arnica flowers - Here’s a bulk source - Here’s a bulk source
1 ¼ cup carrier oil - I like using olive oil, sweet almond oil, fractionated coconut oil, or jojoba oil in my homemade infused oils
3 tbsp beeswax pellets - Try to find a local source but if you can’t - here's an organic source
1 tbsp shea butter - here's a raw, bulk source

Equipment

Double boiler - or a heat-safe bowl set over a pot of water
Small saucepan - for setting up the double boiler
Mesh strainer or cheesecloth - I like this unbleached cheesecloth
Small glass jars or tins (for storing the finished salve) - I like these amber glass salve tins
Mason jar or glass jar for infusing - I like these ones

Method

Infuse the oil

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.

Video

Notes

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.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!