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Arnica oil has a great reputation as being able to promote a fast and effective recovery from sports injuries and other complaints. It’s the reason why it has been found in bathroom cabinets and kit bags for centuries! With so many benefits, the question on your lips now is probably: how to use arnica oil?
Luckily, there are several ways to incorporate this powerful alpine herb into your daily routine, to both prevent and treat aches and pains, including in WholyMe’s Arnica oil-based Relief Balm and Relief Salts.
In this article, we take a closer look at how to use arnica for the safest and most successful results.
What is Arnica Oil?
First things first – what is arnica, and why is it so important?
Arnica oil comes from the Arnica Montana plant that is indigenous to the cold, rocky mountains of Europe, while it is also cultivated in North America. Known as ‘the mountain daisy’, it features large, bright yellow flower heads, which are used to produce pure arnica essential oil.
As mentioned, arnica oil has a long list of benefits, from boosting immunity to soothing skin complaints.
But we love it because of its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. For more than 500 years, it has been used as a treatment for bruising and other minor injuries, and proves effective due to its helenalin content.
Studies have confirmed the effectiveness of arnica at reducing bruises when applied as a topical application, and it has actually been found to be as effective as ibuprofen gel when treating osteoarthritis in the hands!
How to Use Arnica Oil for Fast Recovery?
Now we know that arnica is an important herb in the pursuit of recovery, the question remains: how do you use arnica oil?
You can buy arnica oil as a 100% essential oil, although in this form it is quite difficult to use. You should not apply it to your skin until it is diluted, and you should avoid using it for aromatherapy purposes as it is too powerful for inhalation. It also goes without saying that you should not ingest arnica oil as it is toxic.
Thankfully, there are many ways to use arnica oil in a safe and effective manner. For example, you will often find it diluted as a main ingredient in treatment oils, creams, or gels.
You can also find it in balm form, such as in our award-winning Relief Balm, which is a buttery-smooth and fast-absorbing way to apply arnica to your aches and pains.
Our aromatic balm contains arnica oil sourced from wild arnica flowers from France, and is one of the 12 evidence-based natural ingredients in the formula. These ingredients combine to deliver an effective organic balm that helps soothe sore muscles and joints.
Other Ways to Use Arnica Oil
As we have touched upon, arnica oil is too potent to be used for aromatherapy purposes, and should never be ingested unless as part of a highly-diluted homeopathic dose.
However, you can use arnica oil in another way – by bathing in it!
WholyMe’s arnica oil-based Relief Salts can form another valuable part of your rapid recovery toolkit. These all-natural Epsom salts are infused with organic arnica oil, as well as the anti-inflammatory properties of frankincense oil and clarifying properties of eucalyptus oil.
Try them by running a hot bath (between 35°C and 45°C), then stir in around 2 to 3 handfuls (200g) of these salts. Then simply relax and enjoy your recovery for at least 10 minutes.
So, whether you are a professional triathlete, record-chasing powerlifter, or simply a keen weekend warrior, it’s clear to see that arnica oil is a wise choice to have if you regularly push your body to new extremes!