Yarrow Salve (update #2)

 

                                              

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

Winter Lingering. . .

 

I just wanted to make a quick post to say I'm still here, and our winter is lingering, with teasers days in between.  I took this photo on a nicer day.

I'm working on the writing project, with the deadline at the end of the month.  I forgot how much time was involved with such a project, so time is zipping by much too quickly in that sense.

We've discovered two new-to-us health stores, and it's refreshing to know we can obtain some items I either cannot make or just don't have time to make (or make in large amounts for our use).

A big thank you to Anne in the Kitchen (Cooking and All that Jazz), for sharing her list of spring "aims" that motivated us with a list of our own (already checking things off).  It's kept us focusing on new adventures, all-things-positive, and uplifting lifetime events.

As "empty nesters" it's been a transition from kids around all the time to absolutely no kids.  The hardest part of the transition is to let them grow up, build their own lives, and not need you.  I tend to compare how often I visited my own Mom an Dad, to how often our kids visit us.  We have moved on from this transition, and are focusing on our blessings (and what we are thankful for).  

I've declared cell phones (and social media) completely annoying.  I never realized how annoying the beeps are, until I sat down to write for a few hours.  I miss the landline only days, where people actually called you to really talk.  Texting is convenient, but boy is it annoying (learning to turn it off more often).  I think it really hit me, when a friend told me she spent 2 hours on fb within one group, and then invited me to the same page (nope, not happening). Time is one thing you can't get back.  I also feel that the convenience of cell phones (texting, social media) has caused families to disassociate. It's easier to go online and see what people are doing instead of actually talking to them.

Okay, moving on . . .

Life is good.  Garden plans are moving forward.   Organizing the home continues.  Adventures continue, as well as physical fitness.  I didn't realize how much around here got so disorganized during the time of surgery, and surgery recovery, (I only had one day of help from one person) so it's been invigorating to get the homestead back in order, clean, and spic n' span restored.  I'm definitely not done yet either.  Catching up with restoring the home, has brought some purging to my attention in the midst of it all.  

With that last part said (about help), I'm more inclined to pay attention to those who need help, could use help, need a pick-me-up, or someone to talk to.  In other words, the lack of action of others, has motivated me to be the "action" and help others more often. 

I'll work on getting another post up soon.  I started my morning with a 200 blueberry pick up, and before my coffee (ha ha!).  The container fell out of the fridge and blueberries went flying across the kitchen floor.  Sigh.  Off to enjoy some coffee....by the way, my husband thought it was very funny.

Winter Lingering . . .   ©  March 2026 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart