How To Make Yarrow Infused Oil + 9 Ways To Use It

A good herbal oil feels like a small bottle of comfort you can keep on a shelf. Yarrow-infused oil is one of those staples. This simple infusion is made by soaking yarrow in a carrier oil until the oil takes on its color and scent.

The result? A golden, herbaceous oil with an earthy, slightly sweet aroma that’s perfect for massage blends, body care recipes, and relaxing self-care rituals.

We cover two beginner methods (cold and warm infusion), how to store your oil so it stays fresh, and practical, non-medical ways to use it at home.

What Is Yarrow Infused Oil?

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a common wild plant with soft, fern-like leaves and clusters of tiny blooms. When you make an infused oil, you’re letting oil sit with a dried (or carefully prepared) herb so the oil picks up the plant’s natural scent, color, and skin feel.

Yarrow oil often smells earthy and green, sometimes with a light floral note depending on the blossoms. It’s popular in DIY body care because it works as a base that you can use on its own or blend into balms, salves, and lotions.

Results can vary a lot. Plant freshness, how dry the herb is, the carrier oil you pick, and how long you infuse all change the final scent and color. Some batches turn sunny yellow, others go yellow-green.

Yarrow Infused Oil vs Essential Oil: What’s the Difference?

If you’re familiar with essential oils, you might wonder how infused oils compare. Here’s the key difference: essential oils are highly concentrated extracts created through steam distillation, while infused oils are much gentler preparations where the whole plant material steeps in oil over time.

Infused oils have a more subtle aroma and are perfect for direct application to skin, making them ideal for massage, body care, and aromatherapy practices focused on relaxation and ritual.

Ingredients To Make Yarrow Infused Oil

To make yarrow-infused oil, all you need is dried yarrow, a carrier oil, and a bit of patience while the plant’s aromatic compounds infuse into the oil.

Fresh Vs Dried Yarrow: Which Works Best For Infused Oil?

For most people, dried yarrow is the easier choice.

Fresh yarrow contains moisture that can introduce water into your oil, leading to spoilage or mold. Dried yarrow is shelf-stable and will create a longer-lasting infused oil.

Fresh yarrow can work, but it needs extra care:

• Wilt it first for several hours (or overnight) so it loses surface moisture.
• Make sure every bit of plant stays fully submerged under oil.
• Keep your jar and tools very dry, and watch closely for any signs of moisture.
• Make a small amount and use it up fast. Infused oil with fresh herbs have a shorter lifespan.

If you’re making your first batch, start with dried yarrow. You’ll get a clean, reliable oil and more confidence for experimenting later.

Where to source yarrow:

• Grow your own: Yarrow is a hardy perennial that thrives in most gardens
• Forage responsibly: If you’re harvesting wild yarrow, make sure you’ve positively identified the plant and only take from areas free of pesticides
• Purchase dried yarrow: Many herb suppliers and online retailers sell organic dried yarrow flowers and leaves

Best time to harvest yarrow

If you’re growing or foraging your own yarrow, harvest it during peak bloom time in mid-summer (typically June through July). Cut the flower stalks and leaves on a dry morning after the dew has evaporated. Bundle them and hang upside down in a warm, dry space with good air circulation until completely crispy-dry.

Selecting Your Carrier Oil

The carrier oil you choose becomes the base of your infused oil, so quality matters. Choose an oil that’s lightweight, absorbs well into skin, and has a relatively long shelf life.

Best carrier oils for yarrow infusion:

• Sweet Almond Oil: Light, easily absorbed, mild scent, good shelf life of 1-2 years
• Jojoba Oil: Light and silky, nice for face-friendly blends and roller bottles. It has a stable, long shelf life of 3-5 years
• Grapeseed Oil: Very light texture, minimal scent, and moderate shelf life of 6-12 months
• Sunflower oil: Affordable, readily available, light texture with a 1-year shelf life
• Olive oil: Rich and nourishing, though heavier and more fragrant than other options

Use jojoba or sweet almond if you intend to use yarrow-infused oil for facial applications.

For body oils and massage blends, any of these options will serve you well.

If you’re planning to make salves or balms later, olive oil’s richness is wonderful.

Whatever you choose, use an oil that smells fresh and pleasant before you start. If the carrier oil already smells stale, the infusion won’t fix it. Instead, it will just make a stale infusion.

Equipment You’ll Need To Make Yarrow Infused Oil

• Clean, dry glass jar with a tight-fitting lid (pint or quart size works well)
• Cheesecloth, muslin cloth, or a fine mesh strainer
• Dark glass bottles for storage (amber or cobalt blue)
• Funnel
• Labels and markers
• Optional: thermometer if usingthe heat method

Make sure all your equipment is completely clean and dry. Any moisture can compromise your infused oil.

How to Make Yarrow Infused Oil (Two Simple Methods)

You can make yarrow-infused oil using either a traditional slow method or a faster heat method. Both produce excellent results. Choose a method based on your preference and how quickly you want to use the infused oil.

Both methods start the same way: clean tools, dry herbs, and enough oil to fully cover the plant material. A simple jar ratio is easy to remember: fill the jar about halfway with dried yarrow, then add oil until the herbs are covered by 1 to 2 inches.

Use clean, dry glass jars and lids. Water droplets in the jar can shorten shelf life. Yarrow may tint the oil yellow to green depending on the plant and the oil you use.

Method 1: Cold Infusion Method (Best for beginners, no heat)

Cold infusion takes longer, but it’s simple and hands-off.

This is the classic, time-honored way to make infused oils. It requires patience but minimal active effort.

Step 1: Add Yarrow To A Glass Jar

Add dried yarrow to a clean, dry glass jar until it’s about three-quarters full.

Don’t pack it down too tightly. You want the oil to flow around the plant material.

Pour your chosen carrier oil over the yarrow, filling the jar to the top. Make sure all plant material is completely submerged beneath the oil.

Use a clean chopstick or spoon to gently press down any floating bits and release any air bubbles. Top off with more oil if any herbs float above the surface.

Step 2: Let The Yarrow Infuse In The Carrier Oil

Cap the jar tightly and label it with the contents and date. Set the jar in a warm, dark spot away from direct sunlight to prevent any potential degradation from UV exposure.

With this cold method, it takes about 4-6 weeks for the oil to infuse. Shake the jar gently every few days to keep the plant material moving and encourage infusion.

The oil will gradually take on a golden color and herbaceous aroma.

After 4 weeks, strain a small amount and check the scent. If it smells pleasantly herbaceous and the oil has taken on color, it’s ready. If not, let it infuse for another week or two.

Tip for keeping herbs submerged: If bits keep floating up, use a clean glass weight (or a small, well-washed stone that’s been fully dried). You can also use an herb press insert if you have one.

Warm Infusion Method (Faster, Gentle Heat)

Warm infusion is quicker when you don’t want to wait weeks. The goal is gentle warmth. You do not want to cook the herbs.

Set up a double boiler or water bath. Fill a large pot with a few inches of water and place a smaller heat-safe bowl or pot on top. Alternatively, you can use a slow cooker on the lowest setting.

Add dried yarrow to the top pot or slow cooker, then pour in enough carrier oil to completely cover the plant material. Use the same ratio as the slow infusion method – about three-quarters yarrow, then fill with oil.

Heat gently: Warm the mixture on the lowest heat setting. You want the oil to be pleasantly warm to the touch, not hot – ideally around 100-120°F (38-49°C). The goal is gentle warmth, not cooking.

Infuse for 2-4 hours: Let the yarrow steep in the warm oil, stirring occasionally. Keep an eye on the temperature to make sure it doesn’t get too hot.

Cool completely: Once your infusion time is complete, remove from heat and let the oil cool to room temperature before straining.

Important Safety Notes When Using The Warm Infusion Method:

Never leave heating oil unattended.

Keep the temperature low. Overheating can degrade the oil and plant material.

Make sure no water gets into your oil.

Straining and Storing Homemade Yarrow Infused Oil

Once your infusion period is complete, it’s time to strain out the plant material and bottle your finished oil.

Line a strainer: Place a fine mesh strainer over a clean, dry bowl or measuring cup. Line it with several layers of cheesecloth or a piece of muslin cloth.

Pour slowly: Pour your infused oil through the strainer, letting gravity do most of the work. This may take several minutes.

Squeeze gently: Once most of the oil has drained through, gather up the cheesecloth and squeeze it gently to extract the remaining oil from the plant material. Don’t squeeze too hard, or you might push the plant particles through the sieve.

Discard plant material: Compost the spent yarrow. It’s done its job!

Bottling for Maximum Shelf Life:

Transfer your strained oil into dark glass bottles using a funnel. Amber or cobalt blue glass protects the oil from light degradation. Leave a small amount of space at the top of each bottle.

Label each bottle clearly with “Yarrow Infused Oil”. Include details of the carrier oil used, date of completion, and any other relevant notes.

Storage tips:

Store your homemade yarrow-infused oil in a cool, dark place away from heat and direct sunlight. A cupboard or closet shelf works perfectly. Properly stored, your infused oil should last 6-12 months, depending on the shelf life of your carrier oil.

Watch for other red flags: cloudiness that looks like moisture, fuzzy growth on leftover plant bits, or any odd separation that doesn’t settle.

Clean habits matter – dry tools, dry hands, and no wet herbs in the bottle will help prevent premature degradation.

If you have sensitive skin, do a simple patch test first.

9 Ways To Use Yarrow Infused Oil

Now for the fun part – incorporating your homemade yarrow oil into your aromatherapy and self-care routine!

1. Aromatherapy Massage Oil

Yarrow-infused oil makes a wonderful base for massage oil blends. Its herbaceous scent pairs beautifully with essential oils like lavender, chamomile, or frankincense.

Simple Massage Blend Recipe:

• 2 oz Yarrow Infused Oil
• 6 drops Lavender Essential Oil
• 4 drops Roman Chamomile Essential Oil

Mix in a bottle and use for stress-relief massage, focusing on shoulders, neck, and temples.

2. Facial Oil

If you used a lighter carrier oil like jojoba or sweet almond, your yarrow oil is perfect for facial use. Apply a few drops to clean, damp skin morning or evening.

The earthy, gentle aroma makes your skincare routine feel more connected to nature. You can use it alone or add a drop of rose or geranium essential oil for a more floral scent.

3. Soothing Bath Oil

Add a tablespoon of yarrow-infused oil to your evening bath along with a dispersant like Epsom salts or a splash of unscented body wash (to help the oil distribute through the water rather than floating on top).

The aromatic steam creates a relaxing aromatherapy experience while the oil leaves your skin feeling soft.

4. After Shower Body Oil

Apply yarrow oil to slightly damp skin immediately after showering. Your skin will seal in the moisture, and you’ll carry that lovely herbaceous scent with you throughout the day.

Pay special attention to dry areas like elbows, knees, and heels.

5. Hand and Cuticle Oil

Keep a small bottle of yarrow oil by your bedside or desk for hand massage. The ritual of slowly massaging oil into your hands and around your cuticles can be a mindful moment in a busy day.

The herbaceous scent is subtle enough for workplace use but distinctive enough to feel special.

You can also use yarrow oil as the base in this cuticle oil recipe.

6. Scalp Massage Treatment

Warm a small amount of yarrow oil between your palms and massage into your scalp using circular motions. The ritual of scalp massage is incredibly relaxing, and yarrow’s traditional use in hair care makes this a time-honored practice.

Leave on for 20-30 minutes (or overnight if you don’t mind sleeping with oily hair), then shampoo as normal.

7. DIY Salves and Balms

Use yarrow-infused oil as the base for homemade salves by adding beeswax or candelilla wax. A simple formula:

• 1 cup yarrow infused oil
• 1-2 oz beeswax (depending on desired firmness)
• Optional: 10-15 drops essential oils

Melt together gently, pour into tins, and let cool. These balms are wonderful for dry skin areas and make thoughtful gifts.

8. Foot Soak Addition

For a luxurious foot soak, use yarrow-infused oil in this Epsom salt recipe. Soak your feet for 15-20 minutes, letting the aromatic steam and warm water ease away tension.

Follow with a foot massage using more yarrow oil – your feet will thank you.

9. Bedtime Relaxation Ritual

Incorporate yarrow oil into your evening wind-down routine.

Apply it to pulse points, massage into shoulders and neck, or simply warm a small amount between your palms, cup your hands over your nose, and take several deep breaths.

The ritual of anointing yourself with handmade oil signals to your body and mind that it’s time to transition into rest mode.

How To Fit Yarrow Infused Oil Into Your Seasonal Routine

Yarrow-infused oil is handy when the weather and routines change.

In summer, fill a small roller bottle for on-the-go dry spots like hands and ankles. On outdoor days, it’s a nice way to massage skin after you’ve washed up and want a comfortable feel.

In winter, keep a bottle by the sink and use it as a quick hand routine after dishes. At bedtime, a few drops rubbed into hands feels simple and calming, like putting a soft “seal” on the day.

Tips for Success When Making & Using Yarrow-Infused Oil

Quality matters: Whenever possible, use organic yarrow to avoid pesticides and chemicals in your finished oil. This is especially important if you’re using the oil on your face or for full-body applications.

The moisture enemy: The number one cause of failed infused oils is moisture contamination. Always use completely dried plant material, and make sure all your equipment is bone dry. Even a little water can cause mold or spoilage.

Don’t skip the patch test: Before using your yarrow oil extensively, do a patch test on a small area of skin (like your inner arm) and wait 24 hours to make sure you don’t have any sensitivity.

Extend shelf life: Adding vitamin E oil (about ½ teaspoon per cup of infused oil) can help extend the shelf life of your finished product by acting as a natural preservative.

Trust your nose: Your sense of smell is your best guide. Fresh, quality infused oil should smell pleasantly herbaceous and earthy. If it ever smells “off” or rancid, discard it.

Start small: For your first batch, make a smaller quantity (one cup of oil) so you can use it up while it’s fresh. You can always make more once you fall in love with the process.

Embrace the Art of DIY Aromatherapy

Making yarrow-infused oil is straightforward: choose dried yarrow (or prep fresh carefully), pick a carrier oil you enjoy, infuse it cold or warm, then strain and store it in dark glass. Once it’s ready, you can use it as a body oil, hair and scalp oil, or a base for balms and massage blends.

Start with a small batch, label it, and try one or two uses first. The best part is how quickly it becomes a familiar staple in your routine.

Frequently Asked Questions