HERB OF THE MONTH - AUGUST 2021
Yarrow
Yarrow has been a plant friend for a long time. It is one of the first herbs that I began gathering wild while living at Mt. Baldy in Southern California, in the 1980's.
Achillea millefolium, is a perennial herb that grows at the edge of dry fields and usually flowers during July in the northern United States.
It grows well in my gardens in north Idaho USA without much watering. It has white flower clusters atop a stalk with a square stem and feathery alternate leaves.
Home Remedies for Internal use:
Yarrow’s natural bitter flavor makes it a healing digestive tonic. The bitter taste actual stimulates natural digestive juices. When you eat too much or too fast a cup of yarrow tea can help your stomach relax and feel better.
It is also an important herb for girls. Sip on the tea before bed for menstrual cramp relief. A facial steam with the flowers can keep your skin clear.
I make a tea with Yarrow flowers and drink a cup at the first sign of a cough or sore throat. I blend it with Oregano, Hyssop, and Rose hips for extra immune boosting power. I blend yarrow and rosehips together for an immune tonic tincture herbal concentrate. The sweet flavor of the rosehips mellows out the bitter yarrow taste making it a pleasant remedy for kids.
To make a tea: Boil 1 cup of water. Add about a teaspoon of blossoms to the hot water. Steep the herbs for about 10 minutes. Strain off the herbs through a small sifter. I have grown accustomed to the bitter flavor but sometimes I do add honey especially when I am taking the tea in the winter when I want a natural sore throat remedy.
Home Remedies for topical use:
The leaves make a quick topical first aid treatment for bugs bites and wounds. I add the flowers and leaves to a healing salve for yarrow’s anti-inflammatory and ability to stop bleeding. Salves are rubbed on the skin for soothing, antiseptic, anti inflammatory, and moisturizing purposes.
I have rubbed the fresh leaf on my arm when it was scratched from wire fencing. The bleeding stopped immediately. Historically yarrow was gathered and used to treat battle wounds. Choose 1-2 fresh leaves, crush to release the juices and rub or place on the area needed.
Yarrow has natural antihistamine properties. You can make a refreshing anti-itch rinse for hair or skin by putting 1/2 cup of yarrow flowers into a quart jar. Fill to the top with boiling water. Steep by placing a plate or cup over the jar opening for 10-20 minutes until cool enough for your skin. I like doing a yarrow rinse after a day of being out with the horses or at the end of a hot day.
Home Remedy for the Environment:
To make a Natural Insecticide, gather the fresh yarrow flowers leaves and stems. Chop it up with scissors and place the plant bits into a bucket. Fill to the top with water. Let it sit and ferment a couple of days. Strain off the liquid into spray bottles. Compost the plant pieces. Spray the liquid onto plants that have aphids on them.
Psychospiritual benefits:
The yarrow picture in this article gives an idea of its emotional and spiritual benefits. Notice how the flower tops create an umbrella of protective Divine light. I make a Spirit Herbs formula called Protectea which contains Yarrow tincture, Saint john’s wort flower essence, and Gold gem elixir. This formula strengthens the aura by helping you keep focused on the blessings of Divine Light within and around you. This formula provides a natural shield that helps you to set healthy boundaries and stay true to your Highest Divine self.
Enjoy exploring ways to include Yarrow in your life to bring harmony to your body and soul.
