These arnica oil salve and arnica oil massage oil are wonderful for relieving pain and inflammation in the body plus they’re easy to recreate at home.
Arnica is a perennial plant from the same family as the sunflower. The flower grows primarily in North America but can also be found in Eurasia.
Its flowers are a deep yellow with an orange center. The flower is aka leopardsbane and wolfsbane.
The arnica flower is used frequently in natural medicine and homeopathy due to its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.
Arnica oil is produced from the flower heads via steam distillation or CO2 extraction. The oil is a light yellow and non-vicious.
Arnica oil can also be produced by infusing arnica flower extracts in a suitable carrier oil for a few weeks.

About 50% of arnica oil is made up of several essential fatty acids such as palmitic, linolenic, linoleic, and myristic acids while the other 50% is made up of thymol, an antibacterial component.
The species Arnica Montana contains helenalin, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory.
However, it can cause skin irritation in some people and is also poisonous when ingested.
If your skin is sensitive, use arnica oil with caution or dilute with more carrier oil. You can also conduct a patch test before full application to the skin.
What Are the Benefits of Arnica Oil?
1. Arnica Oil Heals Bruises
Arnica oil is excellent for healing bruises. A small application of an arnica oil solution to most bruises will facilitate faster healing.
2. Arnica Oil Relieves Inflammation
If you’re an active sport or fitness person, you’ll be familiar with soreness and inflammation caused by injuries.
Applying arnica oil will help relieve the pain and lessen inflammation due to the helenalin contained in the oil.
3. Arnica Oil Soothes Arthritis
There are some studies that suggest arnica oil is a suitable treatment for arthritis.
It should however not be used as a replacement for prescriptions from your physician for the condition.
Arnica Oil for Hair
For more on arnica oil for hair, read this in-depth breakdown on arnica oil for hair, benefits, and the best way to use arnica oil on the hair.
Arnica Oil Salve for Pain and Inflammation
You will need 3 tablespoons of arnica oil and a bit of MSM powder to prepare this simple salve. You’ll also need a cosmetic tin like this one.
My favorite brand of MSM powder is Jarrow Formulas MSM Powder
Directions
In a small mixing bowl, combine the arnica oil with enough MSM powder to form a paste. Mix thoroughly with a fork.
Scrape with a small spatula into the cosmetic tin. To use, apply over the problem area (s) and massage over gently.
Leave the arnica oil salve in overnight then wash the next morning during your bath. If you have an open wound, do not apply arnica oil to it.
Jarrow Formulas MSM Powder
Arnica Oil Massage Oil
For this amazing massage oil, you will need arnica oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, lavender essential oil, vitamin E oil, and an 8 oz bottle like this one.
Directions
Open the bottle and measure in 5 tablespoons of arnica oil, 3 tablespoons of sunflower oil, 2 tablespoons of grapeseed oil, 5 drops of lavender essential oil, and 5 drops of vitamin E oil.
Close and shake the bottle. To use the arnica oil massage oil, pour a little bit into your palm then rub together until warm.
Apply to the sore and achy area and massage in until absorbed. Repeat twice a day for best results.

Some other good carrier oils to combine with arnica oil include coconut oil and sweet almond oil.
There’s a handy recipe card below for you to print and have on hand when you’re ready to try out these DIY arnica oil recipes for the skin and body.
RELATED CONTENT: ARNICA OIL FOR HAIR
What Are the Side Effects of Arnica Oil?
Arnica oil should never be orally ingested as it’s toxic and can lead to irregular heartbeat, dizziness, nausea, and irritation.
Additionally, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor before including arnica oil in your beauty regimen.
Do not apply arnica oil to broken skin. If you have any other major health conditions, check with your doctor before you start using arnica oil
Where to Buy Arnica Oil?
Below are my top recommendations for organic arnica oil infusions and pure arnica oil.
Herbal Choice Mari Organic Arnica Oil

Pure Essential Oil Works Pure Arnica Oil
Deve Herbes Pure Arnica Oil
Arnica Oil Beauty Products You May Like
- Briogeo B.Well CBD + Arnica Flower Soothing Skin & Scalp Oil
- Uplifting Blend Infused with CBD Oil
- Nurse Jamie Miracle Base Beauty Oil
- Mullans Collagen Eye Gel

DIY Arnica Oil Salve & Body Massage Oil
These arnica oil salve and arnica oil massage oil are wonderful for relieving pain and inflammation in the body plus they’re easy to recreate at home.
Materials
Arnica Oil Body Massage Oil
- 5 tablespoons of arnica oil
- 3 tablespoons of sunflower oil
- 2 tablespoons of grapeseed oil
- 5 drops of lavender essential oil
- 5 drops of vitamin E oil
Arnica Oil Salve for Pain & Inflammation
Instructions
Arnica Oil Body Massage Oil
- Clean and sterilize the bottle then wait until dry.
- Measure in the arnica oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, lavender essential oil, and vitamin E oil. Close and shake the bottle.
- To use, pour a little bit into your palm, heat up between your hands then apply to the sore and achy area (s).
- Massage in until absorbed. Repeat twice a day for best results.
Arnica Oil Salve for Pain and Inflammation
- Measure the arnica oil into the mixing bowl.
- Add in enough MSM powder to form a paste.
- Measure in the lavender essential oil and mix thoroughly with the spatula.
- Scrape the salve into the cosmetic tin.
- To use, apply over the problem area and massage over gently. Leave in overnight.
Notes
- If you have an open wound, do not apply arnica oil to it.
- Some other good carrier oils to combine with arnica oil include coconut oil and sweet almond oil
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