Soothing Ocean Salve

My favorite place in the world is the Oregon Coast. I have spent many days of my life in its oceanic glow, covered in salt and sublimely happy simply being in its presence. This summer I took a little piece of the ocean back to Austin, Texas: wild-growing Yarrow, Achillea Millefolium.

Yarrow is a powerful magical herb. It strengthens one’s courage and helps the user define boundaries. At a time when the world is screaming in our faces at all times, to have the courage to hold firm one’s boundaries is crucial. Named after the brave and unstoppable Achilles, yarrow is an herb for these unprecedented times. Achilles had a great affection in his handsome Patroclus, and so yarrow blooms in our hearts to enhance feelings of love. Courage and love go hand in hand, after all.

I brought the dried flowers home and infused them into sunflower oil, my favorite nourishing hydrator. The essential oils of blue tansy, blue chamomile, blue yarrow, lavender and sandalwood make up the sweet scent blend. This salve smells dreamy.

We named this the Soothing Ocean Salve because the color is reminiscent of Oregon’s beautiful ocean spray, just at the moment the sun sets and the sky turns from yellows and oranges to greens and dusty blues. Yarrow is rooted in the earth yet connected to the divine, just like the sea. This formula, relying heavily on this world-spanning herb, is simple yet profound. 

Organic sunflower oil infused with yarrow from Cascade Head, Oregon. Beeswax, organic jojoba oil, organic borage oil, organic black cumin seed oil, blue chamomile essential oil, blue yarrow essential oil, sandalwood essential oil, blue tansy essential oil, lavender essential oil, vitamin E oil.

Massage it into your hard lines, head to toe, and gently breathe in the sea, perfect for post shave or pluck in the shower (if you’re into that).