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:
- 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.
- If you’re using dried arnica flowers, strain the infused water and let it cool to a comfortable temperature.
- 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.
- Place the cloth or gauze with the arnica-infused water or oil directly on the affected area.
- Leave the poultice on for 15-20 minutes.
- Afterward, remove the poultice and gently wash the area with warm water.
- Repeat the process as needed, usually 2-3 times a day.
Uses:
- Bruises
- Muscle soreness and aches
- Joint pain and swelling
- Inflammation
Precautions:
- Do not use arnica on open wounds or broken skin.
- Some people may be allergic to arnica, so do a patch test before applying it to a larger area of skin.
- 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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