Arnica Salve for Bruising, Strains & Sprains
Arnica is the ultimate first aid herb for bruising, sprains, and strains. This salve is ideal for the accident prone and active athletes alike!
- 1 cup base oil of your choice I like one part olive oil to one part sunflower oil for this salve
- 1/2 cup arnica flowers dried
- 1/4 cup St. John's wort fresh but wilted if possible; dried is fine too
- 3-4 tablespoons beeswax pastilles
- 48 drops wintergreen, helichrysum & geranium essential oils optional; I like 12 drops wintergreen w/ 18 drops each of the other eo's
Combine base oil and dried herbs in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Place in a small crockpot with water to the fill height of the jar. Infuse on the lowest setting heat for 24-48 hours. Alternatively, the oils can infuse without heat for six weeks, or rapid infuse in a double boiler over for 30 minutes.
After oil is adequately infused, strain through muslin or cheese cloth. Return oil to a double boiler, add beeswax, then warm until completely melted. Remove oil/beeswax mixture from heat. Add essential oils.
Pour into individual 2-ounce containers (approximate 4) or other similarly sized jars. Allow to cool completely before putting a lid on the jar.