Herb of the Week: Yarrow!

Happy Monday All! What a fantastic weekend and a busy Monday here in the Apothecary! Definitely not too busy to address our Herb of the Week!

Today I want to talk to you about Yarrow! I found the name very interesting and wanted to know more about its origin. According to Merriam-Websters Dictionary online, Yarrow is from the Middle English yarowe, from Old English gearwe; akin to Old High German garwa yarrow! So my spell check did not like those spellings at all, however when it gave me an alternate correction, it said "yarrow." So I do find that fascinating. But more about what yarrow IS would be the point of this feature, so let us dive right into it!

First and foremost, as pictured above, there is wild yarrow and yarrow. Wild yarrow typically has white or even rarely, pink flowers but cultivated yarrow can have yellow, orange, pink, or red flowers. The Yarrow stems are grooved and have small wooly hairs. It smells of fresh pine needles and if you crush the flowers or leaves in your hands, it will intensify the scent!

Personally, I stick with the white-flowering yarrow when I harvest for medicinal purposes. It is a member of the aster family and is distinguished by its feathery leaves and flowers that bloom in densely arranged clusters.

Yarrow is rich in history and has been used dating back to Neanderthal times! In North America, yarrow is considered to be one of the sacred "Life Medicines" by the Navajo people. The mythical Greek warrior Achilles was said to have used this plant to heal soldiers wounded in war and in China, stalks of yarrow plants were traditionally used to cast I Ching hexagrams. (The I Ching is an ancient Chinese book of divination.)

Dried yarrow plant.

Neanderthal teeth were discovered with traces of yarrow and chamomile, indicating that meat was NOT the only food source in their diet.

Yarrow sticks for an I Ching hexagram.

Warriors!

Yarrow is considered by herbalists to be a "blood-moving herb," it is used to stimulate blood circulation and to lower blood pressure. Amongst herbalists, yarrow is famously known for its ability to stop bleeding (when applied directly to a wound), prevent infection, and aid blood circulation when taken internally.

Yarrow is often used as a poultice, wash, soak, or salve to relieve pain and to help heal wounds and injuries of various types.

It is beneficial in alleviating digestive complaints and symptoms of colds and flu and is also used to treat hemorrhoids and ease menstrual discomfort and postpartum bleeding.

Finally, its analgesic properties can help numb the affected area of a toothache; just chew on a yarrow leaf!

Ways to Prepare Yarrow

• Leaves and flowers can be steeped in boiling water to make tea

• Best to use fresh when applied as poultices for treating minor wounds

• Make an infused oil with dehydrated yarrow

• Make a tincture from the dried leaves and flowers-can be used as a mosquito repellent

• Excellent in the garden; the beautiful flowers attract beneficial insects such as predatory wasps which eat common garden pests and pollinate other plants. For this reason, it is often included in butterfly and wildlife gardens and native plant displays.

I designed a yarrow facial bar for those with acne-prone and/or sensitive skin and have had great results. It is a favorite among my product testers and I can't wait to stock the online Apothecary with some. I hope you find yarrow in your yard today, and I highly encourage you to try out some of the ways yarrow can be utilized and let it make a difference in your health, naturally!

Thank you for reading, please subscribe so you don't miss anything happening at A Snail's Pace and keep foraging on.

Love and Mushrooms,

Ginger

https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn22075-neanderthal-dental-tartar-reveals-evidence-of-medicine/

www.gardenerspath.com