Medicinal Herb -- Yarrow

     I collect yarrow every year, but, I have to admit I collect it for it's crafting properties first.  I love to use dried yarrow in flower arrangements, and decorating fall wreaths.



Yarrow

 

     This year I will be collecting enough to be used medicinally too.   Yarrow is specific for fevers.  Drinking a cup of yarrow tea will cause you to sweat, which will lower a fever and help get rid of toxins.  I would not use it right at the beginning of a fever.  I'd let the fever do what it's suppose to do.  (kick in that immune system)  But a fever that is hanging on,  I would use it.  The flavonoids in yarrow and the action of dilating peripheral arteries, will also help to bring blood pressure down.  Yarrow will also help to stop bleeding due to the tannins in it, .....a good reason to store some in your emergency kit.

     I have to admit that yarrow is not as easy for me to "slam" down as the herbs that just taste "green".  It has a distinct taste -- pretty strong.  (It tastes like the crushed leaves smell.)  I still store it, because I will use it if I have to.  I really doubt you would be able to get it down small children.  I don't think you could mask the taste.  Just a little too medicine-y.



Strip the leaves off .  It's the flower heads you want,
whether you are crafting or using it medicinally.



Dry it upside down.  When dry, the flower heads will
stay upright, making it a beautiful dried flower.  If
you are storing it as an herb, crumble the flower heads off
of the branches and store in a glass jar, out of the light.
Steep about 1 TBL. of dried flowers in hot water for a cup of tea.



When picking yarrow in the field, please be sure not to pull  up the roots.
(The roots come up easy.) Yarrow is a perennial. 
 Use a scissors to cut it,  and next year it will grow in the same place.

Disclaimer

The information on this blog is being provided for education purposes only. Statements about the possible health benefits provided by any foods or diet have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult your health care provider with all questions concerning your health.

.....dr momi