Yarrow Flowers
Taken as a hot tea, Yarrow will naturally increase the bodies temperature, open skin pores, stimulate free perspiration, increase elimination, and equalize the circulation thus making it an important herb for colds and fevers. This herb is considered very effective where there are symptoms of fever and/or chills and constant nasal drip. Yarrow has a very healing effect on the mucus membranes. Yarrow is generally considered safe, non-toxic, and is commonly used for colds, flu’s, and fevers.
Yarrow purifies the blood of morbid waste material which must be eliminated in sickness. Its tonic action will assist the body in removing congestion and disease. This herb supports and regulates liver and pancreas function.
Yarrow has the ability to stop bleeding relatively quickly which assists in the healing process. It can be used for nosebleeds. For centuries Yarrow has been used on wounds. It will shrink hemorrhoids and stops hemorrhages. For hemorrhoids inject 2 tbsp of warm tea several times a day and after each stool. It will even stop bleeding from the lungs.
The flowers contain tannin or tannic acid, a powerful virus inhibitor. Yarrow also helps to control fungus. A salve made from yarrow is very good for old wounds and ulcers. It is good to douche with “Yarrow tea” for a vaginal discharge.
This herb is also a good blood cleanser helping to rid the body of uric acid crystals (the cause of gout) and shrinking the inflamed tissue. Yarrow is a tonic for run-down conditions.
It is used in skin and hair conditioner.
Note: Yarrow is a strong astringent and a mild abortifacient so it should not be taken during at least the early stages of pregnancy. It is, however, combined with Shepard’s Purse and used after childbirth as a tincture if there is a hemorrhage or excessive bleeding.
Steep a heaping teaspoon in a cup of boiling water for 30 min. Drink 3-4 cups a day an hour before meals and before retiring. The tea must be hot to be effective.
Bodily Influence:
Alterative: This herb cleanses, stimulates, and aids in the efficient removal of waste products
Anti-bacterial: This herb destroys or stops the growth of bacterial infections
Anti-inflammatory: This herb counteracts and diminishes inflammation or its effects
Anti-pyretic: This herb reduces fever
Antiseptic: This herb combats and neutralizes pathogenic bacteria and prevents infection
Anti-spasmodic: This herb prevents and relieves spasms
Aromatic: This herb contains volatile, essential oils that aid digestion and relieves gas.
Astringent: This herb has a constricting or binding effect, for example: one that checks hemorrhages or secretions by coagulation of proteins on a soft surface
Carminative: This herb relieves intestinal gas pain and distension; promotes peristalsis
Diaphoretic: This herb causes perspiration and increases elimination through the skin
Digestive: This herb aids in digestion
Diuretic: This herb increases the secretion and flow of urine
Emmenagouge: This herb facilitates and regularizes menstrual flow. (Avoid during pregnancy)
Homeostatic: This herb stop bleeding
Stimulant: This herb increases internal heat, dispels internal chill and strengthens metabolism and circulation
Stomachic: This herb strengthens stomach function
Styptic: This herb contracts blood vessels and will stop a hemorrhage by astringent action
Tonic: This herb restores, nourishes, and supports the entire body; it exerts a gently strengthening effect on the body
Vulnerary: This herb assists in the healing of wounds by protecting against infection and stimulating cell growth