Arnica angustifolia vs Arnica Montana

[cmsnackdaddy]

First Question: According to PFAF + Angustifolia and Montana are both rated at a 3 for medicinal properties. Can Angustifolia be used in place of Montana?

Second question. I want to take the infused oil of Comfrey, Mallow and Calendula as the oil base for a salve. Once the salve is made I want to take Arnica and do a cold water infusion and add that in to create the lotion emulation.

Third question: Will Arnica work well in a water infusion for what I want to do above? T

Fourth question: This is done on a one to one ratio?

Fifth question: Time in water is tipically 24 hours?

This will be for topical use only.

[IdahoHerbalist]

The two Arnica’s are equivalent.

Your formulation sounds really good.

It should do just fine in a water infusion.

Follow Doc’s instructions for making a salve and lotion and you should be just fine. 1 oz bees wax per cup of oil. 1 cup of infusion to make the lotion is how it goes I believe.

24 hours should work but longer would be better if you have the time.

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

You could also do a hot infusion of Arnica. Since its medicinal properties are not based on volatile oils or mucilage the hot infusion won’t hurt it particularly. You could also try some Arnica linament (Arnica in rubbing alcohol) as your water fraction for the lotion. I’ve used tinctures that way and it worked alright.

Doc

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

[IdahoHerbalist]

Something that was just brought to my remembrance: do not get arnica into an open wound.

[cmsnackdaddy]

I read that the ratio is 1 Teaspoon to 1 cup of water for arnica. I suspect that is the same ratio if you are doing a linament?? When using it for the Fraction to make a lotion How many parts of Arnica to liquid solution?

Can I supplement solid coconut oil for beeswax? Does the consistency change much?

Thanks

[IdahoHerbalist]

If you are suggesting 1 tsp of dry to one cup of water to make the water infusion, yes, you could do that. It is YOUR formulation so you can make it as weak or strong as you like. For me, 1 tsp seems a bit weak to me. If I remember correctly we do about 1/4 cup per two cups of water, or was it one…… I am tired. :blink:

I would use the coconut oil for the oil infusion and do the rest as outlined if you wanted to. I don’t see it being a good sub for bee’s wax: too soft and to temp unstable. Understand I have not done this yet. But the coconut oil most certainly would affect the consistency of things.

What my wife has done is just to a coconut oil infusion and call it good. No other steps required.

[cmsnackdaddy]

Doc, for arnica, what should be the ratios of herb to liquid, regardless of hot, cold or linament? I want recommended rations.

Thanks,

Kip

[cmsnackdaddy]

Making Herbal Medicine document says Dry Herb 1 – 2 Tablespoons / Cup (1 oz/pint) – Hot Infusion

[IdahoHerbalist]

Kip, that is for INTERNAL use and is just a suggestion. Most herbs can be used in stronger concentrations and may even have more benefit in that way.

From Michael Moore’s book:

PREPARATIONS: Whole plant – fresh plant, flower, or root tincture (1:2), dry flowers or herb tincture (1:5, 50% alcohol), and dry root tincture (1:5, 60% alcohol); simple liniment (external use only) – fresh plant, 1:3 in rubbing alcohol. External-use tincture diluted with 1-2 parts of water, applied as needed; standard infusion, applied as fomentation with cloth. Internal-use tincture, 3-15 drops. For gargle, 1 part tincture, 4 parts witch hazel extract. For salve, use Method A.

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

I do the liniment in the same ratio as a tincture 1:4 or so. Or do what Moore said above. He was smart.

If it’s too strong, cut it with some water.

Doc

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

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