Arnica is a type of plant that is part of the Asteraceae family. It is found in Europe, Siberia, and North America and is known for its yellow-orange flowers. Traditionally, Arnica has been used for medicinal purposes, especially in herbal medicine.

Here’s a simple way to make an arnica poultice:

Arnica Poultice

Ingredients:

• Dried arnica flowers or arnica oil
• Water
• Clean cloth or gauze
• Optional: Carrier oil (like olive oil or coconut oil)

Instructions:

1. If you have dried arnica flowers, you can make an infusion by steeping them in hot water for 10-15 minutes. If you have arnica oil, you can skip this step.
2. If you’re using dried arnica flowers, strain the infused water and let it cool to a comfortable temperature.
3. Apply the cooled arnica-infused water or arnica oil onto a clean cloth or gauze. If you’re using arnica oil, you can mix it with a carrier oil to dilute it and make it easier to spread.
4. Place the cloth or gauze with the arnica-infused water or oil directly on the affected area.
5. Leave the poultice on for 15-20 minutes.
6. Afterward, remove the poultice and gently wash the area with warm water.
7. Repeat the process as needed, usually 2-3 times a day.

Uses:

• Bruises
• Muscle soreness and aches
• Joint pain and swelling
• Inflammation

Precautions:

1. Do not use arnica on open wounds or broken skin.
2. Some people may be allergic to arnica, so do a patch test before applying it to a larger area of skin.
3. Do not ingest arnica, as it can be toxic if consumed in large amounts. Consult with a herbalist or natural healer for guidance on dilution before consuming.

References:

Topical herbal therapies for treating osteoarthritis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013 May; 2013(5): CD010538. Published online 2013 May 31. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD010538
Arnica montana L. – a plant of healing: Review. Article in Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology · April 2017

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