Today I’d like to tell you about a dried flower that is becoming a popular ingredient in skin care products. It is called Arnica and is a plant that has traditionally been used for minor injuries, bruises, and joint and muscle pain. You may have heard of this ingredient if you’ve used a cream for bruises, for example. It is exceptionally good at promoting more rapid healing times for all sorts of skin irritations. Because of this, it is starting to become very well known as an ingredient that can help skin and hair look and feel its best.
The difference between types of Arnica
While Arnica montana is a version of the plant that you may more frequently find in traditional arnica pomade, creams, salves, and other products, there are actually many flowers that go by the name “arnica” all over the world that contain similar healing properties. Heterotheca inuloides, or Mexican arnica, has very similar skin and hair benefits that can be used in personal care products. Research done over the last few years is starting to show that Mexican Arnica specifically has special properties that make it a valuable addition to the list of effective anti-aging skin care ingredients.
All flowers by the name of “Arnica” are in the daisy family, known as Asteraceae. Arnica flowers typically have yellow blossoms and an earthy scent. Many varieties have been used worldwide for centuries for a range of medicinal purposes. Arnica montana can be toxic when not used properly. Mexican arnica has much less toxicity and around the same level of medicinal qualities. In traditional forms of medicine, Mexican arnica has also been known to be used internally as tea or other consumable medication. However, it is important to always consult with a licensed medical practitioner before using Arnica for consumption.
Arnica for Skin Care
You may be wondering how this traditional medicinal herb can be used in today’s modern skin care. That’s a great question. The truth is, skin undergoes a lot of wear and tear just going about daily life. Even if you don’t have an injury or medical condition that could use the assistance of herbal treatments, your skin is subject to damage from everyday activities. This can come from sources such as oxidative stress molecules, pollution, excess sun or harsh weather conditions, and more.
Because of this, what are known as “wound-healing substances” are becoming a growing part of a good skin care routine. Although much of this damage is unseen to the naked eye, there can be microscopic tears or unhealthy substances that may degrade the skin barrier. That is why a regular skin care routine is so important. Regular skin care helps to mitigate this kind of damage, which helps the skin barrier stay healthy. This can help skin look youthful and glowing regularly.
In addition to these benefits, Arnica is also frequently enjoyed as a scalp treatment. It can be used to support the health of hair follicles and to stimulate hair growth by encouraging healthy blood flow to the scalp.
Arnica Skin Benefits
The major benefits that arnica can offer your skin are derived from its plant-based nutrients. It has a long history of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-tumor properties when used in traditional medicine applications. That doesn’t come as much of a surprise because it’s so rich in antioxidants and healing compounds. These help skin function at its best by encouraging better circulation, which in turn helps speed up the healing process.
Not only that, but the most recent studies of Heterotheca inuloides have shown that it actively works to scavenge molecules that cause aging. It seems as though over a period of time, Mexican Arnica can actually help reverse some of the hallmarks associated with age-related skin damage! These studies demonstrated that skin was actually firmer, more even-toned and more consistently moisturized after a period of continued use.
Some of the plant-based components found in Mexican Arnica include phytosterols (soothing, plant-based fatty acids), flavanoid antioxidants, polyphenol antioxidants, and sesquiterpenes, which are often found in the most popular wound-healing natural plant products.
Mexican Arnica Skin Care Products
There are many ways to use Mexican arnica in your DIY skin care. By using Mexican arnica in your products, you can add a boost of extra nutrient benefits to your homemade skin care. From a healing cream for bruises to an Arnica eye cream targeting undereye dark circles, here are some ideas to use this potent flower for your creations:
- Bath soaks or teas
- Infused oils
- Whipped butters
- Facial steams
- Lotion bars
- Massage salves
- Eye cream for dark circles
- Steeped facial toner*
- Scalp rinse*
*If you’re steeping Arnica in hot water to use as a facial toner or scalp rinse, be sure to refrigerate, use within one week and dispose of any unused portion after this time. Any water-based personal care product without preservatives can encourage the growth of harmful microbes.
These products can be used only on intact skin and not on open wounds or broken skin – please check with your medical professional if you have further questions.
Arnica Cream Recipe
I’ve formulated a recipe for a soothing Arnica cream that can be massaged onto muscles and joints so it gives the skin a boost of moisturizing plant-based nutrients. It starts with making an arnica infused oil, which is then whipped into a fluffy arnica body butter.
Part One
Arnica Infused Oil Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Dried Mexican Arnica Flowers
- 8 oz Almond oil (or carrier oil of choice)
Instructions
- In a glass, heat-proof container, pour almond oil over dried Arnica flowers
- Place container in a pot of water over low heat for 4 hours
- Let your oil cool until it is safe to handle
- Strain the flowers from the oil through a colander
If you’d rather not use any heat, you can simply leave your arnica flowers to steep in the oil in a glass jar for around 4-8 weeks. You may use either method for this recipe.
Part Two
Whipped Arnica Cream Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 oz of Mango Butter
- 2 oz Kokum butter
- 8 oz Arnica Infused Oil
Instructions
- Combine the Mango butter and Kokum butter in a double boiler system
- Slowly melt until fully melted and then remove from heat
- Add 8 oz of the Arnica infused oil and stir
- Place in a refrigerator to cool until it’s 75% solid but not hard
- Remove from fridge and whip until fluffy
- Scoop into your storage jar of choice
And that’s it – your own homemade soothing whipped arnica cream!
We now carry dried Mexican Arnica flowers in our online shop, along with any butters or oils you may need for this project.
I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about the nutrient-dense Mexican Arnica flower and its uses for body care from head to toe! As always, please feel free to leave comment below with any questions or feedback you may have.
Author: Natalie, DIY Skincare Enthusiast