Yarrow (Achillea millefolium L)
Yarrow is another great herb that grows abundantly in the nature.
You can find it in the north hemisphere (mainly) and it grows around grasslands, roads and around bushes.
Yarrow prefers dry soil and rarely grows around lakes, and riverbanks, but can be seen in sandy areas around sea shores.
Grows up to 3 feet and has crawling roots. From a resurfacing root can grow another young sprout of Yarrow.
Yarrow is not to be mistaken with Red Yarrow, which has other properties.
Yarrow blossoms are white and they bloom in small flower basket on top of the herb and have very specific aroma.
Uses
Yarrow can be used for various ailments. In basics, Yarrow is very good blood coagulating agent and can be used as well externally as a toppical on damaged or wounded skin.
- Increases appetite
- Helps digestion by increasing stomach glands secretion
- Reduce hemorrhoids
- Helps remove stomatitis (stomach infection) by improving healthy stomach flora
- Stops nose bleeding
- Reduces bleeding in too abundant period
- Improves small muscles tone (very good for bedwetting in elderly and infants)
- Battles acne
- Helps get rid of parasites in intestines
- Infussion is also good for red and puffy eyes
Gathering
is done when the herb blooms actively between June and August. The whole flower basket is detached by knife. The crawling root will survive the winter and more Yarrows will grow from it, so it's okay to take the whole flower basket.
Remove the remaining stem (leave only a small part for hanging). Dry in shadow or in windy room. Temperature no more than 40 Celsius if you prefer herb drier.
When completely dry, the blossoms are easily crushed by hand.
Keep in dry place. Preferrably paper bag or small herbal box.
Topical ointment
is prepared for acne, wounds and damaged skin by soaking 3 tablespoons of the crushed petals in one cup of olive oil. Leave it far from sunlight for one week. Filter and store in small bottle. It promotes skin growth and cleans the acne pustules from bacteria and infections, helping them close. (not overnight, but you will feel it in a week). Same is valid for tea ...
Infussion
The infussion is made by pouring a pint of boiling water over 2 tablespoons of the crushed petals. Let them soak good for 1 hour then filter and keep in a bottle.
1/2 glass of this herbal tea is taken 4 times a day before meals. It helps cleaning the blood and improves blood clotting.
Disclaimer and Warning:
Yarrow can be a mild allergen to some people, so please - have a talk with your physician before taking it orally or applying it as an ointment.
It can increase light sensitivity of the skin, when applied topically.
The herb is also natural magnet for small wasps, lady bugs and other predatory insects, so be aware for them.
