Yarrow is one of the most widely used medicinal plants in the world (and since our Herb Folk: Yarrow workshop, my new favourite… well… as favourite as I could ever have…)
Here’s a few ways to use it everyday!
1. To stop bleeding
Also called soldiers’ woundwort and long associated with Archilles , yarrow is famous for its ability to stop bleeding and help prevent infection – from bloody noses to deep, profusely bleeding wounds.
Use as a: fresh spit poultice, powdered dry herb, tincture
2. Herbal First Aid:
Cuts and scrapes, bee stings, bruises, boils, minor injuries
Use as a: fresh spit poultice, powdered dry herb, salve
3. Fever-reducing Tea
Yarrow is part of a trio that make up the infamous old gypsy fever-reducing tea blend: YEP.
Yarrow, Elderflower, Peppermint
Use as a: a tea, in the bath
4. Menstruation – bringing the body into balance
For menstruating women, yarrow uses its plant intelligence to both balance heay and light bleeding. It’s also helps with menstrual cramping
Use as a: tea, yoni steaming, sitz bath, poultice (cramps)
5. Yarrow acts as digestive bitter (very bitter!), helping relieve digestive discomfits through stimulating the secretion of digestive enzymes (when taken before a meal) and is helpful for stomach cramps and indigestion.
6. As a food.
Yarrow can be used in salads, stews and soups – anywhere you’d use a bitter green.
Alyson Maier, our guest educator at Herb Folk: Yarrow said she likes it as a pesto.
Cautions:
Whilst Yarrow has a long history of use as food and medicine and is generally considered safe:
- Avoid in pregnancy
- Can cause allergic reaction in some people
There are other uses as well, these are just a few common ways.
