YARROW: Herb of the Month

“Flow on for ever, Yarrow Stream! 

Fulfill thy pensive duty,

Well pleased that future Bards should chant

For simple hearts thy beauty”

-William Wordsworth

Yarrow is an aromatic and hardy perennial plant that grows in the eastern and central parts of the US. You have probably seen yarrow and not known it. It is sometimes confused with Queen Anne's Lace, though it's feathery leaves give it away. It is a medicinal plant that has been used since ancient times as a remedy for physical, spiritual and emotional conditions. Its history of worldwide medicinal use and in folklore is very rich- a whole book could easily be written about yarrow. It has been used as medicine from China to ancient Greece to India. Medicinally, it is very valuable. It has numerous beneficial properties and can help with anything from colds and flu to digestive complaints to nosebleeds and varicose veins.

Yarrow is a wonderful ally for colds and flu, as it is a diaphoretic- an herb that induces sweating. This is useful when attempting to bring down a fever. It can relieve sore throats and is an immune stimulant. Yarrow's scientific name, achillea millefolium, is said to be derived from the name of the Greek hero Achilles, who was said to have an affinity for the herb and use it to heal his wounded soldiers. It is a styptic- an astringent herb that is used to stop bleeding. It can be used as a remedy for the circulatory system for moving stagnant blood, as well as helping with blood clots. It can tone blood vessels and help to lower high blood pressure by improving blood flow.

Yarrow is probably one of the most popular herbs for its folklore and history with divination. Spiritually, in ancient China, yarrow stalks were used as part of a divination ritual. Researching the folklore of it, one is overwhelmed with the depth of yarrow's history. Magically, it is used to manage the energetic flow in the body- much like it's medicinal use of managing the blood flow.

Yarrow is a great plant to grow in one's garden because it attracts beneficial insects such as bees, wasps and butterflies. It also strengthens and protects other plants around it from disease because of the secretions that come from its roots! It can also help to keep unwanted pests away due to its potent aromatic essential oil.

Yarrow Natural Insect Repellent

(from Learning Herbs)

Gather enough yarrow leaves and flowers to fit snugly in a jar.

Chop them up and put them in the jar.

Pour in vodka to the top of the jar.

Shake it every day for a first week.

Strain after 2 to 6 weeks.

Pour desired amount into a spray bottle and add catnip and lavender essential oils.

Note: There is a rare possibility that yarrow may cause photodermatitis in sensitive individuals. If you have sensitive skin, it would be best to test this bug spray on a small area. (The area needs to receive sunlight to see if there is a reaction.)