Medicinal Yarrow Salve

Here is a simple recipe explaining how to make a salve out of the very useful wild flower, yarrow. WARNING: Not to be confused with deadly hemlock. The most obvious difference between these two wildflowers are the leaves. Yarrow leaves are about 2-4 inches long and are feather like. Hemlock leaves are a lot larger and have a parsley like look. Yarrow can been found in every continent except Antarctica, so it shouldn't be too hard to find. If you can't locate any, you can buy it online already dried which may be the safer approach if you are new to herb identification.

The salve can be used to stop bleeding, heal cuts, scrapes and bruises, rashes,bug bites and stings. You apply gently to the area of treatment and it will start to work it's magic.

P.S sorry about the pics... they aren't showing up the right way.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups of Olive Oil

10 Yarrow Stalks~ 2 cups of Yarrow Leaves and Flowers

1/4 cup of Beeswax Pellets

....And that's it!!

Step 1: Identifying and Collecting Yarrow

Search in sunny meadows, waste areas, along lawns or roads to find the bundles of white or slightly yellow or pink flowers. If you have no luck you can buy it online.If you buy it online skip to step 4. For this salve you will need about ten stalks.

Step 2: Washing

Once you have collected your stalks wash thoroughly to rinse out all the dirt and bugs.

Step 3: Drying

Lay the yarrow out to dry so no water mixes with the oil.

Step 4: Cutting the Yarrow

Once the yarrow is dry, peel away the leaves and flowers from the stalk and place in a bowl. With sharp scissors, cut the yarrow into small pieces.

Step 5:

Step 6: Adding the Olive Oil

Once the yarrow has been cut, drench in olive oil so all the leaves and flowers are thoroughly covered. It should be about a cup and a half of olive oil.

Step 7: Wait 4 Weeks

Cover the bowl and wait for 4 weeks so the plant defuses it's natural oils into the olive oil.

Step 8: Container for Salve

Once you are ready to make your salve you must find a container to place it in. I washed out a yogurt container which worked pretty well since it had a lid. Note: the container must have thick enough sides so when you pour the hot salve in it doesn't melt.

Step 9: Straining the Oil

After 4 weeks, place a strainer over a small pot and strain the yarrow-infused olive oil.

Step 10: Adding the Beeswax

Once the yarrow oil has been strained, add about 1/4 of a cup of beeswax to the oil. Note: the more beeswax you add the harder your salve will be.

Step 11: Mixing

Once the beeswax as been added, heat on medium and stir until the beeswax has dissolved into the oil. The oil will be very hot so take precaution.

Step 12: Pouring the Salve

Once the beeswax has dissolved, wait a few minutes for the salve mixture to cool off slightly, then pour it into your container.

Step 13: Cooling Your Salve

Once poured, place the container in your freezer for about an hour so it cools down and hardens.

Step 14:

Remove from freezer and allow it to reach room temperature.Once you can rub some off with your finger you know it is ready for use. Congrats, you have made a medicinal yarrow salve!