There’s something sacred about foraging. It pulls you into the moment, into the rhythms of nature, into presence. For us at Loil Life, it’s not just about gathering—it’s about listening. One of the herbs we’ve grown deeply connected to is yarrow, and every year, we make a quiet pilgrimage north to the Arizona high country where this resilient plant grows wild and free.
Why We Choose Yarrow
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is one of those herbs that feels like a guardian. It’s both delicate and powerful—lacy white flowers sitting atop strong stems, rooted in the wild, often growing in places that seem too rugged to nurture something so beautiful.
We choose yarrow for its incredible versatility and healing strength. Traditionally, it's known for:
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Skin repair and calming – Yarrow is a go-to for soothing irritated or inflamed skin, making it ideal for our skincare formulas.
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Antiseptic and astringent properties – It helps cleanse and tighten the skin naturally, perfect for balancing the skin barrier.
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Energetic protection – In herbalism and folk medicine, yarrow is said to create energetic boundaries and foster emotional resilience.
When we infuse yarrow into our skincare, we’re not just offering an herb—we’re sharing a story, a ritual, a piece of wild Arizona.
Our Foraging Ritual
Every summer, once the desert heat rolls in, we head north—usually to the forests and open meadows of the Mogollon Rim or the White Mountains. There’s a rhythm to the journey: we pack light, we rise early, and we give thanks to the land before we gather.
We never take too much. A respectful harvest means leaving more than we take, honoring the plant and ensuring it continues to thrive. We snip only the flowering tops, drying them slowly and carefully to preserve their vibrant aroma and healing oils. These hand-foraged blooms make their way into oils—each one infused with intention and the quiet magic of the forest.
A Bit of Yarrow’s History
Yarrow has been used for thousands of years across cultures. The name Achillea comes from the Greek hero Achilles, who was said to use yarrow to heal the wounds of his soldiers. Native tribes in the Southwest used yarrow for everything from poultices and teas to ceremonial use. It’s long been associated with protection, both physical and spiritual.
In folk traditions, yarrow was tucked into doorways or used in rituals to ward off negative energy. Herbalists today still speak of yarrow as a plant that knows how to hold boundaries—a powerful ally in both skincare and life.
Bringing the Wild to Your Skin
When you use our products infused with yarrow, you're tapping into that lineage—the hands that gathered it, the earth that grew it, the sun that warmed it, and the story that continues with you. It’s not just skincare—it’s connection.
