Yarrow is a perennial herb that is native to Europe and Asia and has naturalized in North America and most other countries throughout the world.  Yarrow is a very common roadside herb that is found in fields, pastures, and meadows in the eastern and central United States and Canada.  It is perhaps one of the most useful herbs that you will find. It is a stimulating diaphoretic and is very good for colds and fever. When it is used hot, it will raise the body’s temperature and produce perspiration by opening the pores of the skin. The diaphoretic action, plus antiviral action makes it excellent for feverish colds. Yarrow is also very well known as an appetite stimulant for treating anorexia as well as being a bile stimulant for treating gastrointestinal complaints such as cramps, diarrhea, flatulence, and inflammation. It also increases the flow of gastric juices, relieving dyspepsia, indigestion, heartburn, and other gastrointestinal complaints such as gastritis, enteritis, colitis, and abdominal cramps.  Yarrow tea also contains several spasmolytic compounds and is recommended to alleviate menstrual cramps and to treat amenorrhea. Research has demonstrated antibacterial and antifungal properties for several of the compounds contained within the herb. Traditionally, the herb was used externally to stimulate wound healing and prevent infections. It is also well known as a styptic and can be taken as a tea for treating internal bleeding, including nosebleeds and hemorrhoids, as well as externally for nosebleeds, wounds, and abrasions.  Creating tea with this herb can also be used externally as an anti-inflammatory wash for treating skin problems such as acne.  The root of yarrow is great for toothaches. Energy/Taste: Neutral, bitter, spicy Tendencies: Cooling, drying Traditional uses of this herb include: ◊ Abdominal cramps ◊ Amenorrhea ◊ Anorexia ◊ Antibacterial ◊ Antimicrobial ◊ Appetite Stimulant ◊ Bile Stimulant ◊ Bleeding/Styptic Poultice ◊ Bone and Joint Problems/externally ◊ Cold and Flu Symptoms ◊ Colic ◊ Colitis ◊ Cramps ◊ Digestive Disorders ◊ Dyspepsia ◊ Enteritis ◊ Expectorant ◊ Fever: use a 1/2 to 1 cup of the hot fluid decoction every two hours ◊ Flatulence ◊ Gastrointestinal Disorders ◊ Gastritis ◊ Heartburn ◊ Hemorrhoids ◊ Indigestion ◊ Infections › internal bleeding › menstrual cramps › menstrual difficulties › nosebleed: sniff powder into nostrils › poultice › sciatica › skin disorders › spasms › styptic › ulcers › wounds; bathe the area with infusion or fresh leads directly to the area Yarrow Recipes Yarrow is a cool and slightly bitter addition to salads, so use in small quantities. It may also be cooked as a vegetable by steaming its leaves. It is rich in magnesium, copper, potassium, and phosphorus. People who have an allergy to the daisy family plants may experience allergy symptoms with this herb. Discontinue if rash occurs. Large amounts contraindicated during pregnancy. Possible side effects include allergic reactions in susceptible persons. Because of this, infusions should not be used near the ice. Yarrow is completely safe when used appropriately.  The common dosages for Yarrow are shown below: ◊ Decoction:  2 to 4 tablespoons ◊ Fluid Extract: up to 1 teaspoon ◊ Infusion: 4 to 8 tablespoons ◊ Juice: 2 to 4 tablespoons diluted with water ◊ Essential oil: 5 to 20 drops ◊ Powder: up to 1 teaspoon ◊ Tincture: up to 2 teaspoons Aromatic Yarrow Tea Recipe To create yarrow tea, you will need the following: ◊ 1 teaspoon of dried yarrow herb ◊ 1 cup of boiling water Boil 1 cup of water and then add 1 teaspoon of dry yarrow herb.  Let this steep for 10 minutes and sweeten to taste.  Take at bedtime. Fever, Cold, and hemorrhoid Blend Recipe To create this blend, you will need the following: ◊ 2 ounces of yarrow leaves and flowers ◊ 1 ounce ginger root ◊ 3 pint water ◊ 2 cups of honey or molasses ◊ Vegetable glycerin Simmer your herbs in the water until they are reduced to approximately 1 pint and then strain.  While the blend is still hot, add honey or molasses.  Cool the blend and bottle it.  Vegetable glycerin may be added to preserve your blend.  Take 4 tablespoons, four times per day between your meals.]]>