About
An infused oil — alpine flowers macerated in a base such as sunflower or olive oil — containing unique sesquiterpene lactones including helenalin. These compounds are responsible for its remarkable anti-inflammatory and anti-bruising properties, making arnica one of the most important oils in sports massage and post-injury care.
Known as 'mountain tobacco' and 'fall herb' across the European Alps, arnica has been a cornerstone of European folk medicine for at least 500 years. Homeopathic arnica was codified in the 18th century. It remains one of the most widely recognised herbal remedies for bruising and sports injuries globally, and is a near-universal addition to sports first-aid kits.
Benefits
- ✓Exceptional anti-bruising and haematoma treatment
- ✓Powerful anti-inflammatory for sports injuries
- ✓Reduces swelling and pain from sprains and strains
- ✓Stimulates circulation in injured tissue
- ✓Reduces muscle soreness post-exercise
Pairings (16)
Both are active on inflamed tissue. Clove bud's high eugenol content may cause additional irritation to already-compromised, injured skin. Reduce clove bud to 0.25% maximum in arnica-based blends.
Two of the most powerful anti-bruising agents in aromatherapy — arnica's helenalin compounds and helichrysum's italidiones work through complementary pathways to create an unmatched blend for haematomas, sports injuries, and post-trauma tissue.
Arnica's tissue anti-inflammatory properties paired with black pepper's circulation-stimulating warmth create an excellent pre- and post-sports blend — preparation and recovery in one combination.
Arnica's anti-inflammatory infused base and ginger's warming circulatory stimulation create a potent blend for cold, injured, or stiff musculoskeletal conditions and sports recovery.
Arnica's injury-focused anti-inflammatory carrier and marjoram's antispasmodic action pair excellently for muscle spasm, post-strain stiffness, and sports rehabilitation massage.
Arnica's powerful anti-inflammatory properties synergise with lemongrass for sports and muscle recovery blends.
Arnica's anti-inflammatory and bruising relief properties combine powerfully with rosemary's circulation-stimulating action for sports and muscle recovery massage.
Arnica's anti-inflammatory and bruise-healing properties synergise powerfully with lavender to create an exceptional muscle-soothing and recovery blend.
Arnica's anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties pair excellently with sweet almond as a gentle carrier for sports and muscle-relief massage.
Arnica's anti-inflammatory properties complement grapeseed's light texture perfectly for sports and muscle-relief massage.
Both oils share anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making this a highly synergistic pairing for muscle and joint massage blends.
Arnica's anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties synergise beautifully with pomegranate seed's own anti-inflammatory profile for therapeutic body work.
Properties
- Aroma
- faint, warm, herbal, slightly medicinal
- Consistency
- medium
- Absorbency
- medium
- Shelf Life
- 12 months
Contraindications
- ⚠Never use on broken skin or open wounds
- ⚠Avoid near eyes or mucous membranes
- ⚠Avoid with Asteraceae (daisy family) allergy
- ⚠Not for use in pregnancy
- ⚠Not for internal use — helenalin is toxic if ingested