Learn how to use yarrow to make your very own yarrow salve. There are so many incredible yarrow salve benefits, it has to be in your herbal first aid kit!

In the realm of natural remedies, yarrow (Achillea millefolium) stands out as a versatile and powerful herb with a rich history of medicinal use.

Known for its myriad of benefits, yarrow has been used for centuries to address various ailments. One popular and convenient way to incorporate this herb into your wellness routine is by crafting your own yarrow salve.

I made a yarrow infused oil and turned it into a salve so I can have both whenever I want. It’s becoming one of my favorite herbs and you’ll see why with all the incredible yarrow recipes you can do!

In this article, you’ll learn the numerous benefits and diverse uses of yarrow, along with the best yarrow salve recipe ever!

Understanding Yarrow

Yarrow, also referred to as “nosebleed plant” or “soldier’s woundwort,” is a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia.

With feathery, fern-like leaves and clusters of tiny, tightly packed flowers, yarrow is easily recognizable in the wild. Many enjoy harvesting yarrow, but you can also purchase from reputable companies online.

Benefits of Yarrow Salve

Here are some of the powerful yarrow balm benefits:

Wound Healing

Yarrow salve can accelerate the body’s natural healing process when applied to cuts, burns, scrapes and other minor wounds. The astringent properties constrict tissue and blood vessels, stemming bleeding quickly.

Yarrow’s anti-inflammatory action reduces swelling and pain, taking the edge off abrasions so they can mend faster.

Antimicrobial phytochemicals prevent infection by pathogenic bacteria that could delay healing. Together, these effects help seal wounds and regenerate new skin at an optimal pace [source].

Yarrow salve can also aid healing of more severe wounds, although professional medical treatment should be sought for deep cuts, burns covering a large surface area of the body, or wounds showing signs of infection.

For mildly infected wounds, yarrow has both pain-relieving and antimicrobial properties to fight bacteria. The herb’s tissue regenerating effects may even minimize scarring.

Wound healing is definitely one of the top yarrow salve uses.

Skin Irritations

From bug bites to eczema, yarrow salve can provide relief from common skin irritations thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions. For itchy bug bites, yarrow salve quickly takes down swelling and irritation.

The salve is also useful for minimizing breakouts and flare ups of chronic skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne.

With versatile effects for all kinds of skin irritations, yarrow salve is a great item to keep on hand whether you’re indoors or adventuring outdoors.

Muscle Strains and Sprains

Yarrow’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties make it an excellent salve for sprains, strains, and other muscle or joint pains.

By applying yarrow salve to where you got hurt, the active compounds sink in to reduce swelling, dull pain signals, and speed recovery of damaged tissue.

The salve improves circulation to the area, bringing nutrients and oxygen for faster healing. Yarrow salve provides effective, natural relief without the need for oral pain-killers or anti-inflammatory drugs for many people.

I started using it in my muscle salve recipe because I love how soothing it is for my muscles.

Chest Colds and Congestion

When applied to the chest, yarrow salve can provide relief from congestion, coughs, and other symptoms of colds and flu.

Yarrow contains expectorant compounds that help clear mucus from the lungs and open up airways. The antibacterial properties can help fight infection, while simultaneously easing sore throat pain and reducing inflammation of mucus membranes.

Rubbing yarrow salve on the chest at the first signs of cold can help minimize symptoms and length of illness.

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How to Make Yarrow Salve

Making yarrow salve at home is a simple process that requires just a few ingredients. Here is my dried yarrow salve recipe:

Ingredients:

¾ cup infused yarrow oil
1 ½ tablespoons beeswax pellets
15 drops of essential oil (optional)
2 2 oz tins

Instructions:

Make your infused oil. Learn how to make yarrow oil.
In a double boiler, melt the beeswax pellets with the infused oil.

3. If you are adding essential oils, add them once it has slightly cooled down.

4. Pour the mixture into small glass jars or tins and let cool completely before use.

Notes:

This recipe yields approximately 4 to 6 ounces of salve.
The salve can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to six months.
Be sure to label your salve with the ingredients and the date it was made.
To speed up the infusion process, you can heat the oil in a slow cooker on low heat for 24-48 hours.
You can use any type of carrier oil and can add essential oils as well if you’d like. You can find an organic blue yarrow essential oil from Plant Therapy to further help you get all the benefits!
Adding vitamin e oil can help preserve the salve more as well.

To use, simply apply a small amount of the salve to the affected area 1-2 times per day or as needed for relief.

The salve is safe for topical use for most people, although those with sensitivity to plants in the asteraceae family should do a patch test before wider application. Be sure to talk to your doctor or medical professional if you have any questions.

Yarrow Salve

Materials

¾ cup infused yarrow oil
1 ½ tablespoons beeswax pellets
15 drops of essential oil (optional)
2 2 oz tins

Instructions

Make your infused oil.
In a double boiler, melt the beeswax pellets with the infused oil.
If you are adding essential oils, add them once it has slightly cooled down.
Pour the mixture into small glass jars or tins and let cool completely before use.

Notes

This recipe yields approximately 4 to 6 ounces of salve.
The salve can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to six months.
Be sure to label your salve with the ingredients and the date it was made.
To speed up the infusion process, you can heat the oil in a slow cooker on low heat for 24-48 hours.
You can use any type of carrier oil and can add essential oils as well if you’d like. You can find an organic blue yarrow essential oil from Plant Therapy to further help you get all the benefits!
Adding vitamin e oil can help preserve the salve more as well.

The Uses of Yarrow Salve

With its array of healing effects, yarrow salve can be used to treat:

Cuts, scrapes, burns, blisters
Bug bites and bee stings
Skin irritations like eczema, acne, and rashes
Sprains, strains, aches and pains
Chest colds and congestion
Dry, cracked skin and lips

Yarrow Salve Wrap-Up

Now you know how to make healing salve with yarrow!

A yarrow salve harnesses the potent medicinal properties of the plant, providing natural healing and pain relief when you need it.

Keep some on hand to treat all kinds of minor wounds and skin irritations – yarrow’s healing powers will soon have you feeling like your best self again.

Easy 3-Ingredient Yarrow Salve Recipe

Understanding Yarrow