Yarrow is a plant that grows about 2 - 3 feet tall. The whole plant has a very pleasant fragrance with many small leaves. The flowers are grouped in bloom on the stem. This plant grows everywhere, like a wild plant, from June to August. It should be harvested when the plant is in full bloom, and on sunny days. Only the upper parts of the plant are used so you should not cut off more than a few inches from the top flower. You dry them by tying them in bunches of three or four stems and hang upside down in an airy place, away from direct sunlight. When they are thoroughly dry, remove the flower clusters carefully and discard the rest of the plant. The plant is ready for use after two or three days. You know it is well dried when it can be crumbled with your fingers and it is not sticky. When it is perfectly dry it may be stored in dark glass jars with tight-fitting tops, jute bags or in cardboard boxes, away from light for up to 18 months.
The tea can be made from both fresh and dried plants. The bitter taste can be masked with sweeter herbs and a bit of honey. It is used as a tea to enhance appetite, to normalize the metabolism and helps with gastric discomfort.
Externally it is used for washing, baths and compresses. Yarrow makes an excellent skin wash because its astringency makes it particularly beneficial to oily complexions. Pour 2 cups of boiling water over about 1 cup of crumbled dried flowering yarrow tops, cool, and strain. Pat on the skin. This wash soothes chapping and minor irritations. When a person has nerve problems it is recommended washing the whole body with cool tea in the morning and evening.
It is also useful for excessive bleeding and fresh leaves can be used as a poultice to stop bleeding. To cleanse wounds and control bleeding, you can soak a cloth in a strong yarrow infusion and apply it to the affected area. Not only will yarrow speed blood clotting, it also helps relieve pain, disinfects wounds, promotes tissue repair, and reduces inflammation.
The fresh Yarrow spit poultice is extremely effective to relieve the pain and swelling which usually comes from bee, wasp, and hornet stings. The spit-Yarrow mass is applied directly to the stung area.
You can chew the fresh root for temporary relief of dental pain.
When consumed hot, yarrow is a superb medication that helps in getting relief from fevers and contagions due to colds, flu, coughs and sore throats.
An infusion of yarrow flowers can be prepared by steeping the flowers into boiling water for some time. If taken internally, the infusion is useful for upper respiratory phlegm. It may also be useful to heal eczema when applied externally as a wash.
Fresh yarrow flowers may be added to boiling water and the aroma inhaled to cure hay fever and mild asthma.
When using yarrow it should be noted that it may cause an allergic reaction in sensitive people. These people should use only the young, yet flowered plants, and drinking tea only in small quantities.
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