Arnica montana is a bright yellow, daisy-like flower that grows high in the mountain meadows of Europe. It has been a cherished folk remedy since the 1500s. Hikers, athletes and grandmothers alike have long reached for arnica to comfort bumps, bruises, sprains and sore, overworked muscles. These dried flowers let you make your own arnica preparations at home. Ways to use it: Arnica oil: fill a jar about halfway with dried flowers, cover them completely with olive or sunflower oil, and let it steep in a warm spot for 4 to 6 weeks, shaking now and then. Strain it and use it for massage. Arnica salve: melt beeswax into your strained arnica oil (about 1 oz beeswax to 1 cup oil) for a soothing balm. Warm compress: steep the flowers in hot water, let it cool until warm, then soak a cloth and apply it to sore muscles or bruises. Cautions: for external use only. Arnica is toxic if taken internally. Do not apply it to broken skin or open wounds. Avoid it if you’re allergic to plants in the daisy family, such as ragweed and chamomile. Avoid it during pregnancy and while nursing, and keep it out of reach of children. Sold by the ounce.
