Yarrow is renowned for its ability to stop bleeding, heal cuts, and soothe dry skin. It’s a staple in herbal medicine thanks to its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. Making your own yarrow salve is a fantastic way to utilize this versatile plant, providing easy access to its healing benefits whenever you need them  and it couldn’t be easier to make at home.

About the Yarrow Plant

Yarrow, often called nosebleed, warrior plant, or knight’s milfoil, is a fascinating herb with a long history. It’s been used for thousands of years to heal wounds and stop bleeding, which is why it’s sometimes known as military herb or warrior plant.

This plant, known scientifically as Achillea millefolium, grows in well-drained soils and sunny fields worldwide, typically reaching 1 to 3 feet in height. The name comes from the Greek hero Achilles, who, according to legend, used yarrow to treat soldiers’ wounds during the Trojan War.

Yarrow has feathery leaves that grow from the base and along the flower stem. Its small, daisy-like flowers, usually white but sometimes pinkish or yellowish, form clusters that emit a strong, sweet scent similar to chrysanthemums.

When it comes to harvesting yarrow, both its leaves, flowers, and roots are valuable. The leaves are most potent in spring and early summer before the flowers bloom but can be harvested year-round. They contain tannins that have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties, and they also help speed up the healing of cuts and wounds. The flowers should be picked when they’re fully opened but not yet browning, usually between April and October. The roots are best harvested in the fall and can be used to treat toothaches and other pain-related issues.

It’s essential to correctly identify yarrow to avoid confusing it with look-alikes like Queen Anne’s Lace, which smells like carrot, or Poison Hemlock, which is highly toxic.

Benefits of Yarrow Salve

There’s a lot to love about yarrow salve. This herbal remedy is not only an all-purpose skin healer but also a staple in many natural first-aid kits, thanks to its wide array of benefits. Let’s dive into the incredible perks of having yarrow salve at your disposal.

Regenerate Cells

Yarrow salve works wonders for your skin at a cellular level. The natural compounds in yarrow promote the regeneration of new skin cells. This makes it ideal for tackling various skin issues, from minor burns and cuts to more persistent conditions like eczema. By supporting cell growth, yarrow helps your skin remain resilient and youthful.

Promotes Blood Circulation

Healthy blood flow is essential for skin and wound healing. Yarrow salve helps enhance circulation wherever it’s applied, ensuring that blood rich in nutrients and oxygen reaches the skin. Increased circulation can speed up the healing process and keep your skin looking vibrant.

First Aid Salve

Imagine needing a quick fix for a pesky scrape or a minor cut—yarrow salve has you covered. It’s an indispensable addition to your first-aid kit due to its ability to:

• Stop bleeding: Quickly stops minor cuts and scrapes from bleeding excessively.
• Disinfect wounds: Naturally cleanses and protects wounds from bacterial infections.

Anti-Inflammatory

Inflammation can cause a host of skin problems from redness to swelling. Yarrow salve has strong anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce symptoms of inflammation quickly. This is particularly useful for conditions like insect bites, minor burns, and other irritation.

Yarrow for Wound Healing

Speaking of wound care, yarrow is practically a miracle worker. It has been used for centuries to treat minor wounds and injuries. The salve creates a protective barrier over wounds, reducing the risk of infection and greatly speeding up recovery time.

Astringent

Astringents are substances that cause the contraction of body tissues and are beneficial for closing skin pores. Yarrow salve acts as a natural astringent, making it effective at addressing issues like large pores and acne. It tightens the skin, giving it a smoother appearance and maintaining its elasticity.

With all these benefits, yarrow salve is a versatile, all-natural addition to your skincare and first-aid routines. It’s no wonder herbalists and natural health enthusiasts swear by it!

HOW TO MAKE YARROW SALVE

First Step – Gather Yarrow

Before you begin, make sure you can confidently identify yarrow. Be cautious of look-alikes like Queen Anne’s lace and the highly poisonous hemlock.

I recommend harvesting yarrow flowers and leaves in the morning, right after the dew has dried on a sunny day. Look for white flowers in full bloom that haven’t turned brown yet.

You can use fresh yarrow leaves and flowers to make tea or dry them for later use. Each form has unique properties beneficial for healing and soothing wounds. If you prefer, you can also order dried yarrow from Mountain Rose Herbs.

Dry the Yarrow

After gathering your yarrow, it’s time to dry it. Fresh herbs need rapid infusion because storing them in oil for several weeks can cause them to spoil, releasing water into the oil and turning it rancid. Drying yarrow preserves it for long-term use in salves.

To dry yarrow, you have a couple of options. One method is to tie small bundles of yarrow stalks together and hang them upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area, making sure they’re out of direct sunlight to keep the plant compounds from degrading. Another method is to spread the leaves and flowers on a drying screen or a clean, flat surface, turning them occasionally to ensure they dry evenly.

Make Yarrow Infused Oil

The next step is to infuse your dried yarrow into a carrier oil. This will be the base for your salve.

Fill the Jar: Place dried yarrow leaves and flowers into a clean jar until it’s about halfway full.

Add Carrier Oils: Pour in a good quality carrier oil, such as olive oil, coconut oil, or a blend of both, covering the dried yarrow completely.

Infusion Period: Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for 4 to 6 weeks. Shake the jar gently every few days to help the infusion process.

Strain the Oil: Once infused, use a fine mesh sieve and cheesecloth to strain the yarrow out, squeezing out every precious drop of oil.

Prepare the Salve

Finally, you’ll prepare the yarrow salve using the infused oil.

Double Boiler Setup: Set up a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl or a glass measuring cup over a pot with simmering water.

Heat the Oil: Pour the yarrow-infused oil into the top part of the double boiler and warm gently.

Melt the Beeswax: Add beeswax to the warmed oil, stirring occasionally until it completely melts. A bamboo skewer or chopstick works great for this.

Combine and Pour: Once melted, remove from heat and continue to stir until blended. Pour the warm mixture into small jars or tins. Let them cool and solidify.

Side Effects and Precautions

Yarrow is generally safe for most people, but it’s always good to take precautions:

• Allergies: Individuals allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family (like ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies) might be allergic to yarrow.
• Skin Sensitivity: Always do a patch test first. Apply a small amount of salve to your wrist and wait for 24 hours to check for reactions.
• Pregnancy: Pregnant women should avoid using yarrow as it can interfere with pregnancy.

If you have any underlying health conditions or are on medication, consult your healthcare provider before using yarrow.

How to Use Yarrow Salve

Once your yarrow salve is ready, here are some ways you can put it to good use:

Insect Bites: The anti-inflammatory properties of yarrow make it perfect for application on bug bites or stings, reducing itching and swelling.

Cuts and Scrapes: Apply a small amount to minor cuts and wounds. Yarrow’s hemostatic properties help stop bleeding and promote faster healing.

Dry Skin: Use it on dry or cracked skin for instant relief and hydration. It’s excellent for elbows, knees, and heels.

Burns: For minor burns, a light layer of yarrow salve can help soothe and heal the affected area.