Herbs in my Garden: Yarrow
Yarrow is a common herb with a long history of medicinal benefits. The flat umbel of snow-white yarrow flowers can be seen on many hikes around the Central Coast this time of year. The feathery leaves and the flowers have a variety of medicinal uses. According to the legend, Achilles' mother held him by the heels and dipped him in a bath of yarrow. Achilles was forever protected by the herb except for the heels, his only vulnerability. Hence the term: Achilles' heel.
Forty-six different Native American tribes applied yarrow to injuries and sores; they found 28 ailments that responded to the herb. During the Civil War yarrow was used on soldiers to stop bleeding. The stalks are the traditional sticks for throwing the I Ching. “Ideally, the fifty divining sticks should be yarrow stalks between one and two feet long” John Blofeld author of The Book of Change.
Yarrow has strong anti-inflammatory effects and helps in recovering from the intestinal flu, colds dysentery, and diarrhea. An excellent to stop hemorrhaging and heal wounds, yarrow is also a helpful remedy for allergies. Taken as a hot infusion or as a tincture in hot water, it eases acute fever symptoms.
Together with shepherd's purse, yarrow decreases heavy menstrual flow. These two herbs together with several others are found in my Flood Gates tincture and have aided many women in regulating the menses in the peri-menopausal stage of life. In addition, yarrow is useful for stimulating delayed or absent menstrual cycles.
White yarrow (Achillea Millefolium) is the medicinal variety and can be collected wild in many areas of the central coast including Islay Peak and Montano de Oro. I use yarrow in teas and many of my tinctures including Allergy Ease, Bring on the Moon, Flu Fighter, Gentle Ripening, Gladder Bladder and Lymph Cleanse. Yarrow is also an ingredient in my Savvy Salves for its excellent healing properties for the skin.
Yarrow is a great companion plant in the garden as it attracts beneficial wasps and lady bugs. It is easy to grow and doesn't require much water. Be sure to find the medicinal white species rather than many of the ornamental varieties found at local nurseries. The plant adapts to a variety of soils. The beautiful white flowers emerge in late spring and blossom throughout the summer so it's not too late to go out and collect some. Use the leaves and flowers to make tea either fresh or dried.
Easing Fever Infusion (good for children)
¼ cup yarrow flowers and leaves
1/8 cup elder flowers (elder flowers in late summer on the Central Coast so you can collect that now too)
1/8 cup lemon balm
1/8 cup peppermint
Echinacea can be added to build the immune system
Put the herbs in a stainless steel pot with a lid and add 6-8 cups of water. Bring to a boil and immediately reduce the heat to a slow simmer and cover. The tea will be ready in about 20 to 30 min. Strain out the herbs and add some honey. Drink as much as possible during the fever's duration. Store the rest of the tea in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 5-7 days.