Our Arnica CO2 is standardized with organic Sunflower Oil (about 70% Sunflower) to achieve a consistent 4% level of sesquiterpene lactones (SLs), important lipophilic compounds that, along with helenalin and dihydrohelenalin esters, are responsible for the beneficial effects. This CO2 extract also contains a tiny percentage of essential oil as well as naturally present light waxes and resins, making it pleasantly smooth and mildly aromatic.[1]

Arnica Montana is a high altitude perennial in the Asteraceae family with cheerful, daisy-like flower heads. It is a familiar native to the sunny meadows and mountainous regions of Eastern and Western Europe, Norway, the Ukraine and western North America and thrives at elevations higher than 2,750 meters (9,000 feet).

The CO2 supercritical fluid extraction of the flowers of Arnica montana is a significantly more potent product than the commonly sold oil macerations made from this botanical. At recommended dilutions as low as 0.5 to 1.5%[2], it offers maximum efficacy with a bare minimum of product. It is also well known that the CO2 extraction process yields compounds at much higher percentages and/or not seen as a result of other extraction methods. In addition, the CO2 process is the best method for extraction of Arnica flowers: it is fast, gentle and completely enclosed to prevent the presence of oxygen, thus preserving the composition of the chemical constituents; the less volatile and sensitive oxygenated sesquiterpenes are fully preserved as well.[3]

Along with Marjoram, Plai, Lavender and Yarrow essential oils, this CO2 would make an excellent addition to morning or post-workout massage formulas.