How do I Make Arnica Gel?

Arnica is a lovely daisy-like flower that grows wild in Europe and in the Rocky Mountains. Since the 1500s, gels and creams made from arnica have been used for muscle pain, aches, and arthritis, and they are still in use today in homeopathic and herbal preparations. An arnica gel begins with an arnica extract, which is mixed with a gel made from Irish moss, a seaweed. Both arnica and Irish moss are available from herb sellers. Arnica should only be used topically -- on the skin -- as ingesting it can cause problems.

Things You'll Need

• Arnica flowers
• Vodka
• Measuring cup
• Jars with lids
• Paper toweling or coffee filter
• Colander
• Bowl
• Irish moss
• Water
• Small saucepan
• Essential oil (optional)

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Instructions

Make Arnica Extract

• 1

  Purchase good quality arnica flowers from a reputable herb seller.

• 2

  Crumble the flowers with your fingers; they should be bruised and crumbled, but not powdery.

• 3

  Add the crumbled flowers to a jar into which you have measured a quantity of vodka. The ratio is one part arnica flower to five parts vodka. The actual quantities you use will depend on how much arnica gel you want to make.

• 4

  Shake the jar to mix in the arnica flowers. Put the jar in a cool, dark place such as a cabinet or closet where it will remain for the next four weeks. Shake the jar vigorously at least once a day.

• 5

  After four to six weeks, strain the contents of the jar through a paper towel or coffee filter over a colander into a bowl. The strained liquid is the arnica extract. Pour it into a small jar, preferably amber-colored to protect it from light.

Make the Gel and Mix the Two

• 6

  Purchase good quality dried Irish moss from an herb seller or health food store.

• 7

  Add one teaspoon Irish moss to 3/4-cup water.

• 8

  Put the Irish moss and water in a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Stir and reduce heat. Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes, then take it off the heat.

• 9

  Whisk in 1/4 cup vodka and a few drops of essential oil for scent if you are using it. This vodka will help preserve the gel. Leave the mixture to thicken in a covered bowl or jar overnight or for about eight hours. Strain the ingredients through a paper towel and colander and put the thickened gel into a four- or six-ounce jar.

• 10

  Add five to ten drops of arnica extract to each ounce of gel. If you have four ounces of gel, that's 20 to 40 drops of arnica. Adding more arnica will make the gel stronger, but use caution. Arnica can cause skin problems if used too often or too heavily.