When my cousin called me one afternoon, his voice sounded rough —
his hands were aching, and he didn’t know what to do.
He asked if I had anything natural on hand that might help.
Of course, I couldn’t say no.
I immediately thought of arnica — one of nature’s best remedies for sore muscles, achy joints, and stiffness.
But instead of reaching for a store-bought tube filled with chemicals and artificial ingredients,
I decided to make a small batch of DIY Arnica Salve right in my own kitchen.
Simple ingredients. Real relief. No toxins.
This soothing salve has become a staple in my natural remedy cabinet — and once you see how easy it is to make,
you’ll want to keep a jar on hand for every sore muscle and tender joint too.
Why Arnica Is a Natural Remedy Powerhouse
Arnica montana (sometimes called mountain daisy) has been trusted for centuries to help with bruising, swelling, sore muscles, and joint pain.
When infused into a skin-loving carrier oil, it becomes a powerful, natural remedy for hands, joints, and tired muscles.
It’s gentle enough for everyday use, but powerful enough that you’ll feel the difference quickly.
Finding a Clean Arnica Oil (Without Losing Your Mind)
When I first made this arnica salve for my cousin,
I used the last of a pre-made arnica oil I had bought online — one I had carefully chosen for its clean ingredients at the time.
It worked beautifully for the salve, and my cousin loved it.
But when I went back to order more (so I could be ready for any future last-minute needs),
I ran into a wall of frustration.
You would think finding a good quality arnica oil would be simple.
(After all, there are pages and pages of listings online, right?)
Wrong.
Scrolling through product after product,
I noticed something troubling:
even “organic” arnica oils were often infused into cheap, low-quality carrier oils like soybean oil, canola oil, or mystery “vegetable oil.”
That’s when it hit me:
If the carrier oil isn’t clean, it compromises the remedy completely.
I realized I didn’t just need to reorder —
I needed to take control.
That’s why I decided to do two things:
✅ Buy the cleanest, highest-quality pre-made arnica oil I could find for now
✅ AND start making my own arnica-infused oil at home going forward.
Because when you’re creating remedies for people you love —
quality matters.
This section contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you.
The Clean Arnica Oil I Recommend
After a LOT of digging, reading labels, and checking sourcing practices,
this is the cleanest, highest quality pre-made arnica oil I feel comfortable recommending:
➡️ Shop Clean Organic Arnica Oil Option on Amazon Here
- Infused into a trustworthy, stable carrier oil (like olive oil or jojoba)
- No junk fillers, no chemical solvents
- Organic where it matters, but also clean in the carrier
(Tip: Always double-check ingredients when ordering online — product listings can change!)
🌿 How to Make Your Own Arnica-Infused Oil (Best Quality DIY Method)
If you’re ready to fully control your ingredients,
infusing your own arnica oil is easy, affordable, and incredibly satisfying!
Here’s how to do it:
Supplies You’ll Need:
- Dried Arnica montana flowers ➔ Shop Here
- Organic cold-pressed olive oil ➔ Shop Here
(I use organic cold-pressed olive oil not just for purity, but because it naturally offers extra anti-inflammatory benefits.) - Glass mason jar with lid ➔ Shop Here
- Strainer or cheesecloth ➔ Shop Here
DIY Arnica Oil Infusion Instructions:
Fill your jar about halfway with dried arnica flowers.
(Loose fill — not packed tightly.)
Pour your carrier oil over the flowers until fully submerged by 1–2 inches.
Seal the jar tightly.
Give it a gentle shake.
Set the jar in a warm, sunny window for 4–6 weeks.
Shake it gently every few days.
Strain the oil using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
Store your finished arnica oil in a clean, dark glass bottle.
Small Batch DIY Arnica Salve Recipe (Sore Muscle and Joint Relief)
Ingredients:
Shop My Favorites: I’ve linked the exact clean, high-quality ingredients I personally use and recommend.
(Click each product below to shop directly! 🌿)
- 1/4 cup arnica-infused oil
- 1 tablespoon beeswax pastilles
- 1/2 tablespoon shea butter
- 5 drops peppermint essential oil
- 5 drops lavender essential oil
- 3 drops frankincense essential oil
Equipment:
- Double boiler (or glass bowl over pot)
- Whisk or spoon
- 2–4 small tins or glass jars
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Melt beeswax and shea butter in a double boiler over medium-low heat.
- Stir in the arnica oil once melted.
Gently stir for 1–2 minutes to combine. - Remove from heat.
Let cool for about 1–2 minutes (still liquid but no longer super-hot). - Add the essential oils and stir gently to distribute evenly.
- Pour into containers immediately.
Allow to cool and harden at room temperature before sealing.
How to Use Your DIY Arnica Salve
Apply a small amount to:
- Sore hands and knuckles
- Stiff joints like knees, elbows, wrists
- Minor bruises
- Tired muscles after activity
✅ Use externally only.
✅ Avoid broken or irritated skin.
✅ Massage gently into affected areas for best absorption.
How to Store Your DIY Salve (And Make It Last)
Store in a cool, dark place (cabinet, drawer, pantry).
Use clean, dry hands or a spatula when scooping.
Shelf life: 6 to 12 months if stored properly.
🌿 Final Thoughts: Building Your Own Natural Remedies Cabinet
There’s something truly empowering about being able to reach for a remedy you made yourself —
knowing exactly what’s inside it, where the ingredients came from, and how much care went into creating it.
This DIY Arnica Salve isn’t just a recipe.
It’s a small step toward building a cleaner, healthier, more empowered home.
Whether you start with a trusted pre-made arnica oil or dive into making your own,
this simple salve will become a go-to in your natural wellness cabinet
You’ve got this.
And trust me — your hands, your joints, and your tired muscles will thank you. 💛
(P.S. If you make your own arnica salve, tag me @Everyday_MarlaKay — I’d love to see it! 🌿)
xo Marla Kay
✨ P.S. Looking for more natural relief?
If you loved this DIY Arnica Salve, you might also love my Homemade Magnesium Lotion recipe — perfect for soothing sore muscles, calming restless legs, and supporting deep, restful sleep.