Characteristics and Uses of Yarrow

Yarrow does spread and is a very hardy plant. It can become invasive in areas where you may not want it to grow. Yarrow may be recognized by other names such as Bloodwort, Milfoil and Yarroway among many other terms used throughout the years.

The great part about yarrow is that almost the entire plant can be used. Before trying to collect yarrow on your own make sure you fully understand what you are looking for. Yarrow has a stem that is angular in shape and rough to the touch. The leaves are feathery in appearance and alternate along the stem. They are generally three to four inches long and are about one inch wide.

Yarrow blooms between the months of June and September and are generally white in color. Some may have a light cast of purple too. The flowers look like miniature flattened daisies.

Throughout the ages yarrow has had many medicinal and not-so medicinal values attached to its name. Yarrow has been used by militaries to help wounded soldiers by making an ointment and applying the cream to the affected areas.

A tea made from the yarrow plant was used to treat depression.

Another use for yarrow over the years has been to stop a nosebleed but at the same time others believed yarrow could cause a nosebleed but relieve a headache.

Yarrow has been linked to witchcraft to use in potions to cast spells and at the same time romantic qualities as well. A young adult was to place an ounce of yarrow in a piece of flannel. Place this sachet under your pillow and recite a poem and you were supposed to be able to have a vision of your future spouse.

Yarrow should be collected in August when in full bloom. Stems, leaves and the flowers can all be used.

Yarrow tea has been used to treat severe colds and in alleviating fevers. You can make an infusion with 1 ounce of dried herb to 1 pint of boiling water. You should drink this warm. It may be sweetened with sugar or honey and a dash of Cayenne Pepper can be added to help break up congestion. This concoction opens up the airways in your sinuses to help you breathe more freely.

As with any herbal or at-home remedy use caution. If you do not know exactly what it is you are looking for do not collect it and definetly do not ingest it.

Always be careful and discuss any at-home remedies with your doctor before using. Always use caution or avoid administering a herbal or at-home remedy to a child. Pregnant and nursing mothers should also proceed with caution.

Yes, at-home or alternative therapies are wonderful to use but only with extreme caution. Take note of any ill side effects and stop use immediately.

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