Ingredient Focus: Arnica Montana
Arnica Montana is a flowering plant recognized by its large, yellow-orange flower heads that bloom in late summer. It is found in the grassy meadows of central Europe and Siberia, and in parts of North America. The Arnica we use in Soothe is sourced in Spain and the Ukraine.
Hildegard von Bingen, a scientist and naturalist known for her definitive works on herbalism and botany, wrote about the healing properties of Arnica Montana in the 12th century! (Incidentally, if you don't know about her work, she was also a prolific composer, playwright AND the mother superior of a giant convent- the original renaissance woman!)
Mountain people use the plant to treat and relieve aches and bruises. It has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, and can be applied topically to treat symptoms of osteoarthritis, bruising, and swelling. It is used by professional athletes to soothe sore muscles, by cosmetic surgeons to relieve post-surgery pain, and by everyday people to treat bruises and bumps. We put Arnica in our intimate care products to help with the inflammation that can come, after waxing, after sex, after cycling or any time there is chafing.
Our Arnica is extracted into an essential oil using the supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction method (which is considered the gold standard of extraction). It is Ecocert approved and Halal certified. It contains no heavy metals (which has severe health effects) and is free from solvent residues (which can be very irritating). Our Arnica extract is suspended in organic raw sunflower oil, and then combined with other plant ingredients to make Soothe.
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