healing winter skin: yarrow & chamomile

Your skin is a first-line of defense against infection. When skin is chapped, cracked, dry and open, turn to the powerful healing agents in chamomile and yarrow. 

Azulene; a powerful anti-inflammatory compound is created during the distillation of chamomiles and yarrow. The natural tannins and salicylic acid calm angry wounds and act as antibiotics.

It is possible to crush the yarrow leaves and use directly; but it's much more convenient to use the essential oils in a carrier oil; or in a salve. 

I like mine in hazelnut oil steeped with immortelle (another heavy hitter in the herbal healing arsenal); and added tamanu. This oil is practically ALL 'active ingredients'. The oil is easily absorbed into the skin for fast relief. And the salve which has raw shea butter, coconut oil, kokum butter and beeswax -- still has all the healing powers but has the advantage of the beeswax which provided some barrier function too.

the mythology of Achilles & yarrow 
nature's 'band aid'