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DIY Herbal Wound Healing Salve with Yarrow, Plantain & Calendula

ByBrittany Gibson
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On the homestead, minor cuts and scrapes come with the territory—whether from gardening, crafting, or simply daily adventures with kids. Having a reliable herbal salve on hand can turn those little mishaps into easy, worry-free moments. Today, I’m sharing one of my favorite herbal salve recipes specifically designed to help stop bleeding and support faster wound healing, featuring three incredible herbs: yarrow, plantain, and calendula.

Yarrow is a superstar herb known for quickly stopping bleeding and soothing wounds. Plantain adds gentle healing and inflammation relief, and calendula rounds things out beautifully by promoting skin regeneration.

Herbal Wound Healing Salve Recipe

An overhead view of various herbs, including yarrow, calendula, and plantain, along with a glass measuring cup filled with oil, a wooden bowl of dried calendula petals, and a measuring cup of dried herbs, arranged on a brick surface

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Ingredients

Makes 4- 2oz tins

Note: If you are growing your own herbs or foraging, use the dried aerial parts of yarrow (leaves and flowers), broadleaf plantain leaves, and calendula flowers for best results.

Equipment:

  • Small glass jars or metal tins (perfect for gifting!)
  • Double boiler (or just a pot and heat-safe bowl)
  • Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
  • Labels

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Infuse Your Oil (Two Easy Methods)

Quick Method (1 hour)

  1. Place the herbs (yarrow, plantain, and calendula) and your chosen oil into a double boiler.
  2. Gently warm on very low heat. Aim for just a barely-there simmer for about 1 hour (or longer if you have the time!). You’ll notice the lovely herbal scent filling your kitchen—that’s when you know it’s done!
  3. Carefully strain out the herbs using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Save this beautifully infused oil; it’s your base.
A wooden scoop is pouring dried calendula flowers into a glass jar
Add Herbs to Jar
A glass jar filled with herbal ingredients, including yarrow, calendula, and plantain, is being poured with oil
Cover with Oil

Slow Method (4–6 weeks)

  • Put the herbs and oil into a clean jar.
  • Place in a cool, dark spot to infuse naturally for 4–6 weeks, shaking every few days.
  • Strain herbs when ready. I just use a strainer, but if you want your salve to be totally clarified, use cheesecloth too.
A glass jar filled with an herbal mixture for a wound salve, containing yarrow, calendula, and plantain, sits on a table surrounded by scattered herbs, illustrating a first aid recipe.
Infuse Herbs
Straining mixture through fine mesh strainer into double boiler
Strain

Step 2: Make Your Salve

  • Pour your infused oil (1 cup) back into the double boiler.
  • Add beeswax and melt it gently until fully dissolved (about 15-20 minutes for bars, less for pellets).
  • Remove from heat, stir in vitamin E oil, and let cool slightly so you don’t burn yourself (about 2 minutes).
Hand dropping beeswax chunks into double boiler with infused oil
Melt in Beeswax
1 tbsp of vitamin e oil added to mixture
Add Vitamin e Oil

Step 3: Pour and Package

  • Pour the mixture into your clean jars or tins.
  • Let cool completely—salve will solidify after about 20 minutes, but wait a full 24 hours for it to fully solidify before use.
  • Add lids and label with ingredients and date. (Don’t skip labeling! You’ll thank yourself later!)
pouring wound salve into black tin containers
Pour into Containers
final yellow salves in rough containers on a white tray
Wait for it to Solidify

How to Use Your Yarrow, Plantain & Calendula Salve

Simply apply a small amount directly to clean cuts, scrapes, or minor wounds using a cotton swab.

finger in salve indicating a soft texture
You Can Choose to Add More or Less Beeswax Depending on Your Desired Consistency. I like mine harder for on-the-go so it doesn’t melt as easily!

Shelf Life and Storage

Stored in a cool, dark place, your herbal salve will keep beautifully for about 12–18 months.

A jar labeled "Wound Healing Salve" containing a herbal formula made with yarrow, calendula, and plantain is displayed beside loose herbs and a piece of beeswax on a textured surface.

Key Benefits of Each Herb

  • Yarrow: Quickly helps stop bleeding, reduces inflammation, and provides antimicrobial benefits.
  • Plantain: Soothes irritation, reduces swelling, and supports the natural healing process.
  • Calendula: Promotes skin regeneration, calms inflammation, and gently supports overall skin health.

Herbal Wound Salve FAQs

Yes! This herbal salve can be used similarly to how you’d use Neosporin—applied to clean minor cuts, scrapes, and wounds to support healing and protect the area. It doesn’t contain antibiotics, but the herbs offer natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Fresh herbs contain water, which can lead to spoilage or mold in oil-based salves. It’s best to use fully dried herbs for safety and shelf stability. You can simply dry your own homegrown herbs to use for salves.

Yes, this salve is generally safe for minor cuts and scrapes on children. As always, do a patch test first and consult your pediatrician if your child has known allergies or skin sensitivities.

You can! Lavender and chamomile are other common skin-supportive herbs—but yarrow, plantain, and calendula make a powerful team for wound care.

Many herbalists do use yarrow and calendula topically on pets, especially dogs. However, always consult a holistic veterinarian before applying anything to your animals.

Encouragement for Your Herbal Journey

Remember, you don’t need necessarily need extensive herbal training to start making your own natural remedies at home. With just a few easy-to-grow herbs and simple ingredients, you can create wonderful, effective salves that truly support your family.

Give this easy herbal wound healing salve a try, and let me know how you like it in the comments below!

Pin it for Later!

Overview of ingredients and completed products for a DIY herbal first aid wound salve, featuring yarrow, calendula, and plantain in a kitchen setting.

Medical Disclaimer:

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any herbal remedies, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

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Sources:

Brittany wearing a big hat. At the kitchen table working with herbs and potted plants

About the Author

Brittany Gibson is a modern suburban homesteader and the founder of The Homestead Challenge. She empowers women to adopt a simpler, more self-sufficient lifestyle, feeling confident to grow, create, and thrive on their own terms with joy and balance.

Read more about my transformation and join me in building our lives from scratch.

Contact Brittany
A jar labeled "Wound Healing Salve" containing a herbal formula made with yarrow, calendula, and plantain is displayed beside loose herbs and a piece of beeswax on a textured surface.

DIY Herbal Wound Healing Salve with Yarrow, Plantain & Calendula

An herbal salve recipes specifically designed to help stop bleeding and support faster wound healing, featuring three incredible herbs: yarrow, plantain, and calendula.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Servings 4 2 oz tins

Equipment

  • Small glass jars or metal tins
  • Double Boiler (or just a pot and heat-safe bowl)
  • Fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth
  • Labels

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Olive Oil
  • 1/4 cup Dried Yarrow
  • 1/4 cup Dried Plantain
  • 1/4 cup Dried Calendula
  • 2 TBSP Beeswax Bar or Pellets
  • 1 TBSP Vitamin e Oil

Instructions
 

  • Place the herbs (yarrow, plantain, and calendula) and your chosen oil into a double boiler.
  • Gently warm on very low heat. Aim for just a barely-there simmer for about 1 hour (or longer if you have the time!).
  • Carefully strain out the herbs using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
  • Pour your infused oil (1 cup) back into the double boiler.
  • Add beeswax and melt it gently until fully dissolved (about 15-20 minutes for bars, less for pellets).
  • Remove from heat, stir in vitamin E oil, and let cool slightly so you don’t burn yourself (about 2 minutes).
  • Pour the mixture into your clean jars or tins.
  • Let cool completely—salve will solidify after about 20 minutes, but wait a full 24 hours for it to fully solidify before use.
  • Add lids and label with ingredients and date. 

Notes

Simply apply a small amount directly to clean cuts, scrapes, or minor wounds using a cotton swab.

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