6 Health Benefits of Arnica Tea & 5 Tips for Serving

Arnica has been used for hundreds of years to treat a variety of ailments, particularly in relation to aches and pains. In this article we’ll find out why, as well as how you might use it to improve your health and what to look out for in terms of any risks.
Mexican traditional medicine has also popularized arnica tea for treating stomach troubles, fevers, and nervous disorders. Nowadays, people enjoy it for a range of benefits, including its herbaceous, slightly floral flavors.
Arnica tea is favored for its earthiness and relaxing properties. Unlike other teas and tisanes, arnica offers an unusual taste that many find relaxing.
It’s used for stress relief, pain, inflammation, wound healing, circulation, and more. Arnica has been a firm part of traditional medicines throughout the world for a long, long time.
What Arnica Tea Is: Interesting Facts

What Arnica Tea Is: Interesting Facts
Arnica tea is made from the dried flowers of the Arnica Montana plant. The plant naturally grows in mountainous areas in Europe and as far as Siberia.
It’s known to thrive on rocky slopes and in alpine meadows, making it quite an unusual plant to come by.
Ordinarily, arnica is used in topical treatments. Brewing and consuming it as a tea is actually a lot less common, though it offers many benefits as outlined below.
There are some concerns regarding potential toxicity in large amounts, but we’ll cover more of that further on in this article.
Arnica has been a part of global traditional medicines for centuries: it’s been used in South America, traditional Chinese medicine, Native American medicine, and traditional European ointments.
The latter has been particularly popular in mountainous areas of Europe, since the plant grows well there.
While arnica has been medicinally used for centuries, there’s also not much scientific evidence for its efficacy.
More research would definitely help in identifying just what true benefits and risks there are. Anecdotally, it is very helpful for a variety of ailments, however, so it’s well worth a try for milder issues.
Origin and Where Arnica Tea Comes From
Origin and Where Arnica Tea Comes From
Arnica has a long history of traditional medicinal use by various indigenous cultures in Europe and beyond.
It’s long been used for the topical treatment of bruises, sprains, and minor aches and pains.
Herbal medicine has long valued arnica for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Using arnica in tea form likely originated from this.
What Arnica Tea Is Made Of
What Arnica Tea Is Made Of
Arnica tea is made from dried arnica flowers steeped in hot water. You can make tea using the leaves and stems, too, though the flowers are preferred.
Arnica root is also sometimes used in traditional medicinal concoctions.
What Arnica Tea Tastes Like
What Arnica Tea Tastes Like
This special tea is described as having a herbaceous taste that can verge on bitter and astringent. Some find floral and even earthy notes in their brew.
It can be a relatively strong taste (depending how long you steep it for), and many like to sweeten it with honey.
Generally, the flavor of arnica tea is quite an unusual one but well-liked.
Nutritional Facts and Calories of Arnica Tea
Nutritional Facts and Calories of Arnica Tea
Dried arnica flowers may contain trace amounts of minerals and vitamins, though they’re not used in tea for that reason.
The tea also contains flavonoids, phenolic acids, and essential oils, all of which may contribute to its therapeutic effects.
Arnica doesn’t contain any caffeine and calories would also be close to zero, particularly if you’re enjoying arnica tea steeped in hot water without any added sweeteners or dairy.
A word of warning: arnica contains compounds such as helenalin and dihydrohelenalin which can be toxic when ingested in large amounts. Therefore, it’s generally advised that you consume arnica tea in moderation.
Health Benefits of Arnica Tea: What It Is Good For
Health Benefits of Arnica Tea: What It Is Good For
Arnica has been used for hundreds of years to relieve pain and aid recovery for a variety of ailments. Below are some of the key ways you may use arnica tea to help your body and mind.
May be Beneficial for Pain Relief
May be Beneficial for Pain Relief
Arnica has long been used for relieving pain, particularly muscle soreness and arthritis pain. The tea made from arnica flowers may help with the reduction of swelling and decrease pain in your body.
Offers Anti-Inflammatory Effects on the Body
Offers Anti-Inflammatory Effects on the Body
The same compound that may be toxic in larger amounts, helenalin, also offers anti-inflammatory properties when you consume arnica tea.
Helenalin may even help fight tumors, though it appears to be vital that it is diluted so it doesn’t have toxic effects.
May Promote Wound Healing
May Promote Wound Healing
Applied topically, arnica has long been used to promote wound healing. It’s great for bruises, muscle aches, sprains, and more.
As a tea, it may help with some of the same, though you’re advised to steer clear during and after having surgery as it could cause increased bleeding.
May Aid in Muscle Recovery
May Aid in Muscle Recovery
Arnica tea may help with muscle recovery and soreness associated with exercising.
You can also use topical arnica salve to help with aching muscles.
As a tea, hydration alone helps with muscle tension and associated soreness, so you can’t really go wrong with arnica tea on your next workout.
May Improve Circulation
May Improve Circulation
Enjoying arnica tea in moderation regularly may help stimulate blood circulation.
This means oxygen can more freely travel around your body, aiding healing and better overall health.
Circulation is also a big part of heart health, making arnica tea helpful if this is one of your health concerns.
Offers Calming Effects and Reduces Feelings of Stress
Offers Calming Effects and Reduces Feelings of Stress
Many people enjoy arnica tea for its stress relieving, calming effects. It may reduce feelings of anxiety and help you relax, allowing for a more restful night’s sleep and chance for your body to heal and recover.
Potential Risks
Potential Risks
While arnica tea offers many good things for your mind and body, there are also some potential adverse effects to look out for. Here is a list of some of the risks associated with using arnica tea, particularly in large amounts.
Potential Toxicity in Large Amounts
Potential Toxicity in Large Amounts
In large amounts, arnica tea can become toxic due to the presence of helenalin and dihydrohelenalin. You should only ever have arnica tea in very diluted concentrations and for short periods of time.
Symptoms of arnica toxicity include vomiting, increased bleeding, organ failure, heart damage, and even coma and death.
May Cause Allergic Reactions in Some
May Cause Allergic Reactions in Some
Arnica is related to ragweed and other members of the Asteraceae/Compositae family of plants. If you’re sensitive to these, arnica could cause allergic reactions in you.
Those allergic to arnica may experience hives, itchiness, rash, swelling of the tongue, face, lips, and mouth, and more.
May Irritate Your Stomach when Consumed in Larger Amounts
May Irritate Your Stomach when Consumed in Larger Amounts
If arnica tea isn’t properly diluted, large quantities can cause irritation to your stomach. Undiluted it may also irritate your throat, mouth, and skin.
Arnica tea is considered toxic in large amounts, as mentioned above. The presence of helenalin and dihydrohelenalin is to blame for this.
May Interact with Medications Such as Blood Thinners
May Interact with Medications Such as Blood Thinners
If you’re on certain medications such as blood thinners, you’ll want to avoid drinking arnica tea. This is because arnica may slow down the clotting of your blood and increase your risk of bleeding and bruising.
Is Arnica Tea in Pregnancy Good For You?
Is Arnica Tea in Pregnancy Good For You?
You should avoid arnica tea in pregnancy. For a start, it’s not been tested on pregnant women meaning its actual safety or any potential safe amounts aren’t known.
There’s also a risk of toxicity due to the contents of helenalin and dihydrohelenalin which could cause harm to both you and your developing baby.
All of the potential risks we mentioned earlier on in this article apply in pregnancy as well, but there is an added danger that arnica may have uterine stimulant effects.
This could potentially increase your risk of preterm labor or miscarriage, particularly if you consume large amounts of arnica tea.
Similarly, using arnica ointment topically isn’t advised during pregnancy. The potential for absorption into the bloodstream means arnica creams and ointments could also cause some of the same risks and side effects mentioned above.
If you’re looking for a relaxing tea to enjoy in pregnancy, chamomile is generally considered fine in small to moderate amounts.
How to Make Arnica Tea: A Simple Guide
How to Make Arnica Tea: A Simple Guide
Making arnica tea at home is surprisingly simple. You’ll want to start by purchasing some high quality arnica tea that is, ideally, produced under controlled conditions.
Only purchase herbs and herbal teas from reputable sources to ensure you’re receiving a real, authentic product that won’t carry any added risks for consumption.
Start by boiling a pot of around 3 cups of water. Next, remove it from the heat source and add a tablespoon of dried arnica flowers. Steep for around 10-15 minutes, then strain into cups.
Enjoy your arnica tea on its own or sweetened with honey. Alternatively, follow our recipe hack below and make a wonderful anti-inflammatory beverage with added ginger and lemon, too.
Tips for Drinking and Serving Arnica Tea
Tips for Drinking and Serving Arnica Tea
Arnica tea is great when served on its own as per our basic recipe above. However, there’s so much more you can make with this clever tea. Below are some tips for using and storing arnica.
Combine Arnica with Honey, Ginger, and Lemon
Combine Arnica with Honey, Ginger, and Lemon
Arnica, honey, ginger, and lemon all have one thing in common: they offer anti-inflammatory properties.
As such, mixing all four would make for an ideal tea for combatting the cold, flu, and even menstrual pain.
Simply follow our directions above but add some fresh ginger into the steeping process. Then ‘season’ with some freshly squeezed lemon juice and honey.
How to Store Arnica Tea
How to Store Arnica Tea
The best way to store any kind of loose herbal tea is to keep it in an airtight, opaque container. You should keep your arnica tea safe from frequent exposure to moisture, air, light, and heat. A cool, dry cupboard is ideal.
Top tip: make sure you label your tea containers with the type of tea and purchase date, so you can keep an eye on expiration.
Most herbal teas have a shelf life of around 1.5 years when kept well. However, you’ll be able to look at your tea and smell it to see if it’s still ok.
Sweeten Your Drinks with Arnica Tea Syrup
Sweeten Your Drinks with Arnica Tea Syrup
Tea syrup is fantastic if you like to enjoy your tea sweetened and cooled. You can make it using pretty much any herbal tea by simmering a ration of 1:1 of sugar to water. If you like a thicker, even sweeter syrup, use a 2:1 ratio.
Add the tea to the pot using a strainer or tea ball, then gently simmer the syrup until all of the sugar is fully dissolved. For a stronger flavor, steep the tea in it for longer.
Once cooled, fill your syrup into cleaned containers. Homemade simple syrups should stay good for around 1-6 months, and should ideally be refrigerated.
Enjoy a Healthy Arnica Tea Smoothie
Enjoy a Healthy Arnica Tea Smoothie
Smoothies are great for adding additional health benefits to your diet. They’re also good for having healthy ingredients of which you don’t like the taste, simply by masking them with other stuff.
To make an arnica tea smoothie you’ll want about one cup of freshly brewed and cooled arnica tea.
Pair this with some water, honey (optional), and around 3 cups of fruits and vegetables of your choice — frozen fruit and veg work well if your tea is still slightly warm.
Throw everything into a blender and blitz until it has your desired consistency. Serve immediately.
Make Your own Arnica Salve
Make Your own Arnica Salve
This particular recipe hack doesn’t quite make use of arnica tea, but we don’t think an article like this would be complete without it.
Arnica has long been used topically to promote wound healing and combat pain and inflammation. Making it at home is very easy and should really only take you around 10-15 minutes.
All you need is around ¾ of a cup of arnica oil, ¼ cup of pure beeswax, ½ tsp of vitamin E oil, and 20 drops of peppermint or lavender essential oil.
Add everything to a double boiler and mix well, then fill into cleaned, prepared tins. Allow to cool fully, then store in a cool, dry, dark place until you’ve used them up.
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