Plant Medicine Summary: Yarrow

 Yarrow is definitely one of our "TOP TEN" favorite herbs. It is amazing for SOOOOOO many reasons! 

Brief History:

It was considered a sacred plant in ancient China. Yarrow is native to Europe and western Asia, and grows wherever it is allowed to. It is believed that it is called Achillea because the legendary Greek hero Achilles is said to have staunched his soldiers’ wounds with this plant. In English it is also called Soldier’s Woundwort, which describes one of the uses yarrow was put to in the past. The Romans used it to heal wounds and staunch the flow of blood from wounds as well as the Greeks. They called it the Herbis Militaris or the military’s herb. In Scotland the plant was made into an ointment and used to dress wounds.

In the 17th century the leaves were used in salads and you can do this as long as you blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes, and then refresh them under cold water. “Yarrow was naturalized early in America, William Wood who traveled New England in 1629-66 spoke of perennial yarrow in gardens. Yarrow was an important medicine to keep on hand to stop bleeding and treat fevers.” (Anniesremedy.com) In North America it was widely used by the indigenous people and the Flathead Indians used to rub it under their armpits and elsewhere on their bodies as a deodorant.
(Source)

How Do I Use It?
Yarrow is used to treat colds and flu. Yarrow can be used as a tea, glycerite, syrup or tincture. At NMM we LOVE the yarrow glycerite because of how easy it is to give to kids.  A cup of hot tea (1 teas dried herb to 1 c. water) will make you sweat so your body can get rid of toxins and reduce fevers. It is an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. It helps relax the blood vessels. It is also good for cuts and wounds. Helps you relax at night for sleep.

We will personally love using the tea and glycerite.  have a dropper full of yarrow tincture to help with sleeplessness, fevers, eliminate toxins during illness, help with bleeding control, etc. 

Yarrow works nicely for a cleansing facial steam. Put 1-2 tbs dried herb in a bowl or pan of hot water or lean over pan on stove on low. Cover your head with a towel while leaning over steaming water. Can add mint or rosemary.
 
Here are a few properties
       Anti-Inflammatory – Decreases Inflammation and Inflation
       Anti-Bacterial - Fights Infection
       Antispasmodic– Relax Muscle Cramps
       Astringent – Constricts tissues
       Cathartic - Laxative
       Depurative – Detoxifying Blood purifier and Cleanser
       Emmenagogue – Stimulate Menstral Flow
       Febrifuge - Reduce Fever
       Hypotensive – Lower Blood Pressure
       Insect Repellent
       Vulnery – Supports Cuts, Scraps and Wounds in Healing
List from www.anniesremedy.com

NMM Products With Yarrow

Infection Fighter - Herb combination for deep infections in the body, primarily the lungs
Mens Nutritional - Excellent mix for men's health, cardiovascular health, supports aging and boosts libido
Go To Sleep Mix - Herbal combination that is a tonic to the nervous system
Super Salve - Anytime anyone says, "Ouch!" this salve can be used! Cuts, scrapes, bruises, etc.