Arnica is a flowering perennial plant that has been used for centuries as an ingredient in liniments, tinctures or salves for external treatment of wounds and aching muscles. Today, arnica is still around as a natural topical remedy for treating inflammation, bruising, muscle soreness, joint pain, arthritis, strains and sprains, insect bites and superficial phlebitis. A tincture of arnica is easy to prepare and will keep for a long time, if properly stored. The tincture can be applied directly to the affected area or used in a compress to relieve soreness and encourage healing.
Step 1
Place 1 cup of dried arnica flowers in a blender. Add enough alcohol to blend the flowers to a soupy consistency.
Step 2
Pour the blended mixture into a clean 32-oz. canning jar. Add enough alcohol to finish filling the jar. Put a lid on the jar and tighten it. Shake the jar thoroughly to mix the alcohol and blended flowers. Place the jar in the refrigerator for one week.
Step 3
Remove the jar after one week and shake thoroughly. Repeat this step each week for the next five weeks.
Step 4
Remove the jar after the sixth week. Place a coffee filter in a large funnel and insert the funnel into another clean canning jar. Pour the liquid into the filter and strain out all of the solids from the mixture. Discard the flowers and filter.
Step 5
Pour the finished tincture into smaller bottles made of dark brown or green glass to prevent it from being degraded by light. Seal and label the bottles.
Step 6
Apply the arnica tincture directly to skin over an affected area. Ensure that the skin is not broken, to avoid any adverse reactions. A compress can also be made by combining one part arnica tincture with five parts warm water. Soak a wash cloth or large gauze pad with the mixture and apply it to the affected area.
Things You'll Need
- 1/2 cup dried arnica flowers
- 190 proof alcohol (150 proof if 190 is unavailable)
- 2 32-oz. canning jars
- 1 canning jar lid
- Blender
- Funnel
- Coffee filter
- Small, dark glass bottles with labels
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