Arnica Salve for Age Spots
- Shona Ferguson
- Jul 12
- 3 min read

Arnica is a perennial or known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It's active compounds, such as helenalin, are used to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Well Arnica is more commonly associated with treating bruises and muscle soreness, it's potential benefits for age spots maybe attributed to its anti-inflammatory effects. Cocoa butter adds moisture and promotes overall skin health.
**This salve will take 4 to 6 weeks to make.
Tools:
8oz Glass jar with lid, Double boiler, 8oz container you can dip into for the finished product (or several 2oz containers if you are going to share with family and friends).
Ingredients:
1/2 cup Dried Arnica montana Flowers
1 cup Carrier oil: (always buy organic) Choose the carrier oil that is best for you from the list below.
2 TBS Organic Beeswax Pellets
2 TBS Cocoa Butter
Instructions:
The first step takes 4-6 weeks!
Prepare Arnica infused oil:
Crush freshly dried arnica flowers and loosely fill the 8 ounce glass jar with them. Then cover them with your organic carrier oil.
Seal the jar and place it in a cool dark place for about 4 to 6 weeks, shaking it occasionally.
After infusion, strain the oil to remove the plant material.
Create the Arnica and Cocoa Butter Salve:
In a double broiler, melt beeswax pellets and cocoa butter together.
Add the arnica infused oil to the melted beeswax and cocoa butter mixture, stirring well until combined.
Remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Do not leave it for too long or it will harden and you'll have to reheat it. This is fine but I don't recommend it pay attention to your recipe and creation.
Pour the mixture into a clean airtight container (or containers) and allow it to cool and solidify.
Store the self in a cool, dark place for prolonged efficacy.
Here are other plants known for the potential to address dark spots and promote skin healthy skin: Licorice root, turmeric, ginseng, mulberry, bearberry, papaya, rosehip, chamomile, pomegranate, and lemon oil.
Here are oils that are awesome for the skin:
Olive oil-this oil acts in emollient and helps retain moisture potentially reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Coconut oil-this oil is praised for its ability to soften skin and hair, potentially eating and healing wounds, infections, and acne. Beware that virgin coconut oil may clog pores especially for those with oily or acne prone skin.
Sweet Almond oil-this oil is rich and fatty acids and vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, making it ideal for treating dry and itchy skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis it is gentle and well-suited for sensitive skin.
Shea butter-this is a fat from the shade tree that may help soften or smooth dry skin. It's vast absorbing and won't leave a greasy residue.
Jojoba oil-this oil is actually liquid wax with a composition similar to the skins sebum. It can hydrate dry skin, may help clear acne, and reduce inflammation.
**Argan oil-this oil is lightweight, highly moisturizing, and suitable for all skin types. It is rich in vitamin E, stearic acid, and plamitic fatty acid, which can reduce fine lines, discoloration, and scars. Ideal for this type of salve.
Rosehip seed oil-this oil is a lightweight, hydrating oil that absorbs easily and is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids that can help fight inflammation, redness, and son damage.
Hemp seed oil-this is also a lightweight oil, it absorbs quickly, and it is an excellent source of omega six fatty acids, which can calm irritation.
Sunflower oil-this oil is high in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that rejuvenate skin and combat inflammation and UV damage.
Avocado oil-this oil is a thick oil that offers deep long lasting moisture, making it great for dry skin. It contains fatty acids lecithin, and vitamin A, D, and E.
Safflower oil-this oil is lightweight, absorbs quickly, and is known for its ability to unclog pores and balance natural oil levels.
Grapeseed oil-this oil is anti-microbial and high in polyunsaturated fats and vitamin E. It is lightweight and absorbs easily, making it a good choice for oily skin.
Apricot Kernal oil-(my personal favorite) this oil is good for most skin types, it's been known to reduce wrinkles, improve skin texture, reduce inflammation, protects from UV rays & pollution and lastly it is an excellent for moisturizing.
NOTES:
Perform a patch test before widespread application.
External use only; do not ingest.
Avoid applying to broken or irritated skin.
Discontinue use if any adverse reactions occur.
Combine with sun protection on the skin.
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