In 2024 I made our first yarrow salve, after learning more about the herb. I have a lot of it growing here, and have used it many ways. I'd have to go look into my notes, but I believe I used olive oil, or sweet almond oil.
I have, in the past, pulled off some fresh leaves and rubbed it on my arms in a quick pinch to ward off the mosquitos while gardening (will be added to our homemade bug spray), and I have used it many times for a bloody nose (who knew?). I read, sometime about 2 years ago, that one can simply put the fresh leaves in their nose to stop a nose bleed (have not tired that, but read it somewhere on an herbal blog or book).
I infused oil, and whipped up some salve in 2024, and the most use over the last two years, has been for a bloody nose brought on by dry heat indoors over winter.
It has helped stop the nose bleed in a matter of a minute or two, vs. 20 minutes without it.
I also keep the salve in a smaller container to travel with, when staying at hotels for more than one night. Hotels have very dry air in the winter and summer, and I was glad to have it one trip a few years ago after first making the salve.
I'm not a doctor or herbal specialist. I am simply sharing my experience with our herbal salves.
Yarrow is invasive, so if you grow it in a pot, and do not regularly cut the flowers off, the seeds will re-seed on the ground around it and you will have yarrow all over the ground in that area. Just a heads up on that if you are new to planting the herb.
I have used it in "sleep" tinctures, and in teas, but do your research yourself. If
What have I learned so far? Yarrow is well known for it's ability to slow bleeding of cuts or wounds, and works as an astringent for those pesky scratches you many get doing outdoor work or garden work. I have read a few articles that it is edible, but I have yet to add it to any recipes. Please comment below if you have any experience with yarrow.
In all the years of growing, harvesting and processing herbs of all types, I have not kept a specific "journal" for it. Often, I'll infuse an oil with an herb spontaneously, and forget to write what oil I used on the label. I forgot to keep track of uses, and such, and I am now starting (a new "first" this year) my own journal for my herbal journey/apothecary journey. A simple notebook works for this note taking, but I see that there are several herbal journal options online as well.
I do not know anything about the salves sold online, or by folks on Etsy, but we have located a good (and true) apothecary in our state, who makes salves (and tinctures, teas, and all sorts of other items).
Winter is still lingering. Morning temperatures are about 23°F and the skies have been cloudy and dreary. Rain again.
Yarrow Salve (update #2) © March 2026 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart