Medicinal Preparations:

Habitat:

Yarrow is a highly aromatic perennial that flourishes in a sunny, warm habitat. Often found along roadsides, meadows, mountains, deserts and coastal dunes from May to August. A beautiful show of tiny white to pink flowers in dense, flat topped clusters. The leaves are fern like and the stalks grow up to 3’ tall.

Medicinal Uses:

The flowers and leaves (fresh preferred) are used in tea or tincture to lessen the symptoms of colds and flu such as fever and pain. Yarrow is a diaphoretic that contains cooling volatile oils that dilate blood vessels that stimulate sweating and encourage heat loss.

Yarrow is a diuretic and a urinary antiseptic cooling the tissues in the bladder and urethra. It is one of the best herbs for UTI and cystitis. The hot tea stimulates delayed menses and beneficial when experiencing clotting, cramping menses and promotes a more regular flow.

External:

Yarrow is an effective hemostatic and contains anti-inflammatory and astringent properties.  A topical poultice using the leaves can be applied to minor cuts and abrasions to stop or slow bleeding.  A bath made with a strong tea (ounce of herb steeped in 2 quarts water) for tendon and joint inflammation.  Contains mild disinfectant properties and can be used in salves.

Harvesting:

Gather the recently flowered stalks and bundle together with twine a couple inches from the cut ends and hang out of direct sunlight with adequate ventilation.

Beauty: 

The flowers can be simmered in water and used as a facial steam to promote a healthy complexion.

Contraindications: