An erect perennial herb, yarrow produces one or more stems of up to 3 feet high. The leaves, which are from 2 to 8 inches in length, are feather-like and arranged spirally on the stems. The ray (three to eight in number) and disc (15 to 40 in number) flowers are white to pink.
In antiquity, yarrow was the go-to herb for staunching blood.
WHERE IT CAN BE FOUND:
All 50 US States, all of Canada, throughout Europe, throughout Asia, New Zealand, Central America, Mexico, South America
PROPERTIES AND USE:
Analgesic, anti-aging, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibacterial, expectorant, hepatoprotective, anti-allergen, diuretic, cholagogue, emmenaogue, hypotensive, antispasmodic, antitumor, stomachic, abortifacient. Used to treat sore throat, skin conditions, toothache, candida, incontinence, swelling, thrombosis, catarrh, toothache, migraine, amenorrhea.
TRADITIONAL PREPARATION:
For amenorrhea, catarrh, and allergies, boil
6 tablespoons of the dried leaf in 2 1/2 cups water. For migraine, place leaves in nostrils. This will cause bleeding, but relieve pressure. For toothache, chew fresh leaves. For acne and other skin conditions, make a decoction of
1/2 cup leaves in 2 cups boiled water; cool and wash with it. You can drink this warm or cool for all conditions. To stop bleeding on small- to moderate-sized cuts, place a leaf on the affected area. For larger cuts (when proper first aid is not available), make a plaster by chewing on several leaves, and gently pushing them into the wound.
