Yarrow, also known as Achillea millefolium, is a versatile herb with a long history of medicinal uses.
For centuries, yarrow oil has been valued in skincare for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and regenerative properties. These characteristics made it an essential remedy in ancient practices for treating wounds, soothing irritated skin, and speeding up healing.
Its ability to reduce inflammation and calm the skin has ensured its place as a natural go-to for conditions like eczema, acne, and rashes.
One popular way to harness the healing properties of yarrow is by making yarrow infused oil.
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In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the process of making yarrow oil at home, discuss its benefits for skin and hair, and provide tips for storage and usage.
Table of Contents
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What is Yarrow Infused Oil?
Yarrow infused oil is a healing oil created by steeping yarrow leaves and flowers in a carrier oil over a period of time. This extended steeping process allows the oil to absorb the medicinal properties of yarrow, resulting in a versatile oil that can be used for various skincare and haircare purposes.
Yarrow infused oil is known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties, making it an effective solution for wounds, acne, and other skin-related issues.
Benefits Of Yarrow Oil For Skin & Hair
Yarrow oil offers numerous benefits for skin and hair.
Soothes Sensitive or Irritated Skin: Yarrow oil’s potent anti-inflammatory properties make it an ideal solution for reducing skin redness, swelling, and irritation. Its effectiveness stems from the presence of chamazulene, a blue-colored compound that is particularly effective in calming inflamed skin.
Supports Skin Regeneration: Yarrow oil also has the ability to support skin regeneration, promoting faster healing of wounds, cuts, and scars. It works by stimulating cell regeneration and encouraging new skin cell growth, which is essential for reducing the appearance of scars and helping skin heal more quickly.
Reduces Acne Breakouts: Yarrow oil is particularly effective as an acne treatment due to its dual antiseptic and anti-inflammatory action. The oil helps reduce acne-causing bacteria on the skin, which is essential in preventing breakouts and keeping the skin clear. Its anti-inflammatory properties help to calm irritated, inflamed skin that often accompanies acne.
Soothes Rashes & Irritation: Ideal for sensitive skin, yarrow oil can provide relief for a variety of skin irritations, including rashes, allergic reactions, and mild burns. Its soothing properties help to calm the skin and reduce discomfort, making it a go-to solution for those who frequently experience skin sensitivities.
Strengthens Hair Follicles: For hair, yarrow oil strengthens hair follicles and helps to reduce hair loss, making it a valuable ingredient in hair care products.
Whether your skin is oily, sensitive, or prone to acne, yarrow oil offers a natural solution for a wide range of skin concerns. Its ability to promote overall skin health, while tackling specific issues like inflammation and scarring, makes it an invaluable addition to any skincare routine.
How To Make Yarrow Oil With Dried Flowers
Making yarrow infused oil is a simple process that requires just two ingredients – yarrow and carrier oil.
This infused oil can be used as a moisturizer, massage oil, or as a base for creating other DIY skincare products, like balms or creams.
Yarrow Oil Ingredients
- 1 cup Dried Organic Yarrow Flowers
- 1 cup Carrier oil – see below for options
- Clean Glass Jar
- Cheesecloth or a fine strainer
- Dark glass bottle (for storing the finished oil)
This recipe yields approximately 1 cup of infused oil.
Step-By-Step Instructions To Make Yarrow Infused Oil
Fill the Jar: Fill the glass jar up to 2/3rd of the yarrow flowers – this is about a cup. There should be some space left in the jar.
Add Carrier Oil: Pour the avocado oil over the flowers so that the flowers are completely covered. The plant material must be fully submerged with nothing exposed above the oil level.
Infuse the Oil: Cover the jar tightly with a lid and place it in a warm, dark spot for about 4-6 weeks for the oil to infuse. Shake the jar gently every few days to help the infusion process and keep the yarrow flowers submerged.
Strain the Oil: After the infusion period, strain the oil through cheesecloth or a fine strainer to remove all plant material. Ensure the oil is free of any moisture before storing it.
Optional Heating: You can heat the oil in a slow cooker or double-boiler on low heat for about 24 hours to speed up the infusion process. Be careful not to use high heat, which can destroy the oil’s components.
Store the Oil: Transfer the strained oil into a dark glass bottle to preserve its potency. Store it in a cool, dark place to maintain its shelf life.
Label your oil with the ingredients and the date it was made.
How To Make Yarrow Infused Oil With Fresh Flowers
Clean the fresh flowers to make sure they are free of dirt or debris. Let them sit in the sun for a day to extract surface moisture.
Instructions:
Chop or crush the leaves and flowers to release their oils.
Fill a clean glass jar about three-fourths full with the yarrow leaves and flowers.
Pour the carrier oil over the yarrow, ensuring that all the plant material is submerged.
Making Yarrow Oil With Fresh vs. Dried Flowers: Pros and Cons
Dried Yarrow Flowers
Pros: Dried yarrow flowers are easier to work with, as they are free of moisture, reducing the risk of spoilage or mold during the infusion. They also have a longer shelf life, so you can store them for future infusions or other DIY projects.
Cons: The infusion may take longer since dried flowers release their beneficial compounds at a slower rate compared to fresh ones.
Upshot: No extra drying steps are needed for dried flowers, and they can be used immediately. However, the infusion process may take slightly longer to extract the beneficial compounds from the dried material.
Fresh Yarrow Flowers
Pros: Fresh yarrow flowers are loaded with moisture, which can enhance the infusion process by releasing more of the plant’s natural oils and nutrients into the carrier oil. Using fresh flowers can yield a more vibrant color and stronger aroma, enhancing the sensory qualities of the final product.
Cons: The moisture in fresh flowers can lead to mold growth or spoilage during the infusion process. Submerging the flowers fully in oil can help prevent this but you will need to monitor the oil regularly for bacterial growth.
Upshot: When using fresh yarrow flowers, ensure the flowers are fully dry on the surface to reduce the risk of moisture affecting the oil. Lay them out for a day or two before beginning the infusion.
Choosing the Right Carrier Oil for Yarrow Infusion
The choice of carrier oil for yarrow infusion depends on your personal preference and intended use. Here are some popular options:
Avocado Oil: Avocado oil is moisturizing and has anti-aging properties, making it suitable for body care products and wound healing. This is the oil I used in my yarrow oil recipe.
Fractionated Coconut oil: Known for its antimicrobial properties, coconut oil is a good choice for skin infections and scalp issues.
Jojoba Oil: Ideal for facial care products, jojoba oil is suitable for all skin types and can help regulate sebum production.
Evening Primrose Oil: Another option for sensitive skin, evening primrose oil is effective for both body and facial applications.
Consider the absorption rate and skin type when selecting a carrier oil to make yarrow infused oil. Experiment with different oils to find the one that works best for your specific needs.
How to Use Yarrow Oil in Your Skincare Routine
As a Moisturizer: Yarrow infused oil can be a wonderful addition to your daily skincare routine. It’s already diluted so you can apply it directly to clean skin to hydrate, nourish, and moisturize.
Facial care: Add a few drops of yarrow oil to your facial toner or moisturizer to improve acne-prone skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It can be used as part of a morning or evening routine to keep your skin balanced and glowing.
Reduce acne: Spot treatment with yarrow oil helps manage acne flare-ups because of the oil’s antibacterial properties.
Soothe Skin Irritations: Apply yarrow oil directly to skin irritations such as rashes, eczema, or insect bites to soothe and heal the affected area. the anti-inflammatory benefits of yarrow oil, reduce redness, and calm irritated skin.
Cuticle Care: Yarrow infused oil takes cuticle and nail care to the next level by providing the nourishing and strengthening benefits of the herb as well as the carrier oil for cuticles. Use it on its own or in this DIY cuticle oil recipe with essential oils.
As a Massage Oil: Use it as a soothing massage oil to relax muscles and calm the skin.
Wound Healing: Yarrow oil can be used to speed up the healing process of wounds, cuts, and bruises. Its antibacterial properties protect against infections while promoting cell regeneration.
Hair Care: Strengthen hair follicles and reduce hair loss by adding yarrow oil to your shampoo or creating a hair rinse with diluted yarrow oil.
Homemade Products: Incorporate yarrow oil into DIY salves, lotions, body butters, lip balms, or bath products for additional skin benefits. The easiest way to do this is to swap out the carrier oil in the recipe with yarrow infused oil. This will give you the dual benefits of the carrier oil and yarrow for the skin.
Use Yarrow Oil in These DIY Recipes: Yarrow infused oil acts as a wonderful base in this homemade beeswax lip balm or cuticle oil, or any of these sugar scrub recipes.
How To Store Yarrow Infused Oil
- To ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your yarrow infused oil, proper storage is essential. Here are some tips to follow:
- Store the oil in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, as light can degrade the oil and reduce its potency.
- Keep the oil in an airtight container to prevent oxidation and maintain its freshness.
- If desired, you can store the oil in the refrigerator to prolong its shelf life, but be aware that it may solidify at colder temperatures. Simply allow it to return to room temperature before use.
With proper storage, yarrow infused oil can last up to one year, although it best to use it within the first year for optimal benefits.
Safety Precautions and Possible Side Effects
While yarrow oil is generally safe for topical use, it’s important to be aware of potential allergic reactions, especially if you have other allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family.
Perform a patch test before using yarrow oil on a larger area of your skin to check for any adverse reactions. Additionally, avoid using yarrow oil internally unless under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Yarrow infused oil is a versatile and beneficial natural remedy that can enhance your skincare and haircare routines. By harnessing the healing properties of yarrow, you can address various skin issues, promote wound healing, and improve hair health.
Making yarrow oil at home is a straightforward process that allows you to customize the oil to your specific needs. Remember to choose the right carrier oil, store the oil properly, and exercise caution to ensure a safe and effective experience.
Whether you’re looking to reduce scars, control oil production, or hydrate and calm sensitive skin, yarrow oil can be incorporated into your daily skincare routine in many effective ways.
Related Reads:
How To Make Arnica Oil + Benefits & How To Use
How to make rose-infused oil + How to use it
How to make coffee-infused oil + How to use it
How to make calendula-infused oil for skin
