Yarrow Salve Recipe
With its healing, soothing, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a wonderful natural remedy for skin health. Unlock all its amazing benefits with this easy DIY yarrow salve recipe, and explore its uses in this post.
Equipment
- Jar for infusing oil.
- Double boiler or saucepan and heat-resistant bowl.
- Strainer and cheesecloth or clean tea towel.
- Tin jar(s) or jar(s) with lid to store salve.
- Ingredients
Ingredients
For the infused oil
- Dried yarrow flowers and/or leaves
- ½ cup (or more) olive oil or other carrier oil(s)
For the salve
- 6 tablespoons 90 ml of your yarrow-infused oil
- 1½ tablespoons beeswax pastilles
- 4-6 drops essential oil optional
- 4-6 drops vitamin E oil optional, as a natural preservative
Instructions
Make the yarrow-infused oil
- Add dried yarrow flowers and/or leaves to a clean pint-sized mason jar or any other glass jar. Fill the jar about halfway to three-quarters full. If you're only making enough oil for one batch of salve, you’ll need just about ½ cup of oil, so you can fill the jar with about 1 inch of yarrow.
- Pour your carrier oil(s) of choice over the yarrow until fully submerged. Use at least ½ cup of oil, or enough to completely cover the plant material. Place the lid on the jar and shake gently to stir.
- Slow-infusion method: Place the jar in a warm, sunny window for about 2-3 weeks, or in a cool, dark place for 4–6 weeks. Shake the jar gently every few days.Fast double boiler method: Place the jar (make sure it's heat-resistant!) in a saucepan with a few inches of hot water. Let it gently simmer (not boil) on low heat for 2–3 hours, shaking occasionally.
- Once infused, strain the oil using a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth or a clean tea towel. Gently squeeze the cloth to extract as much oil as possible. Use immediately or store in a clean, labeled glass bottle away from heat and light.
Make the salve
- In a double boiler (or a heatproof bowl set over a pot with a few inches of simmering water), melt 1½ tablespoons of beeswax, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in 90 ml of the infused yarrow oil. Add any optional ingredients (like essential oils) at this point and stir until fully combined.
- Pour the warm mixture into your jar(s) or tins of choice. Let it cool and solidify at room temperature. Store in a cool, dry place.
Notes
Always use well-dried herbs to infuse oil and strain the oil very well to avoid the risk of mold.
The slow-infusion method is considered superior to preserve all the properties of the plants and oils, even though the double boiler method is much faster. Always make sure to keep the oil at a temperature not exceeding 160°F (71°C) if using the double boiler method.
Label any leftover dried herbs, infused oil, and the salve with date and content.
Adjust the amount of beeswax slightly if you want a softer or harder texture.
Store the salve in a closed jar in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight. Shelf life will depend on the kind of oil(s) used. Salve made with jojoba oil can last up to 2 years. Adding vitamin E will extend shelf life, as well as refrigerating the salve.