Organic Dandelion - Chickweed - Yarrow Salve

This salve can soothe irritation, brighten and lighten skin, and reduce varicose veins. 

Dandelion, Taraxacum officinalis, inhibits oxidation of skin cells when those cells are exposed to UV rays. It stimulates antioxidant regeneration, further acting as a protection against UV damage. This helps prevent fine lines, spots, and other signs of aging. Leaves and flowers are used for this salve. They are higher in beneficial polyphenols than the roots. Dandelion is antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial. It has been shown to be effective against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Bacillus cereus, Vibrio harveyi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Paracoccus bacillus, and other microorganisms. It can also inhibit the growth of Candida albicans. 

Chickweed, Stellaria media, is an annual flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae. It is native to Eurasia and naturalized throughout the world. Chickweed contains; ascorbic-acid, beta-carotene, calcium, coumarins, genistein, gamma-linolenic-acid, flavonoids, hentriacontanol, magnesium, niacin, oleic-acid, potassium, riboflavin, rutin, selenium, triterpenoid saponins, thiamine and zinc. It is strongly anti-inflammatory and is used topically for inflammation, abscess, eczema, boils, psoriasis, ulcers, and itching. 

Yarrow, Achillea millefoliumis, is native to Europe. Achilles used to tread soldiers' wounds, and this led to its other names of woundwort and herba militaris.  The strong antioxidative properties of yarrow make is useful for reducing skin ageing while its antimicrobial properties make it soothing for irritations. It is cytotoxic and is being investigated as a cancer treatment. The alkaloid achillene is astringent and stops bleeding. This makes yarrow helpful for varicose veins and for wounds.

Sunflower oil is non-comedogenic and contains the beneficial nutrients oleic acid, vitamin E, sesamol, and linoleic acid, which is anti-inflammatory and beneficial for eczema. 

Vitamin E is a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It has photoprotective qualities that are very beneficial for skin that is exposed to the elements. 

Beeswax is an excellent moisturizer and protectant that helps balance the natural flora of the skin.