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Yarrow  (Milfoil, Achillea Millefolium)

Written by Sky Taylor, Diet Bites

Basil's House of Herbs: Herb Recipes |  When Herbs & Medicines Collide

Herbs Often Accompanied With Serious Health Risks

Take note that herbs can be accompanied with health risks and may trigger serious consequences for some individuals.

Therefore it is important prior to using herbal remedies, particularly those involving weight loss purposes, that the individual consult with a qualified health professional.

Yarrow - Culinary Roots, Folklore, Historical Rootsyarrow

Yarrow is a hardy perennial that is typically one to three feet in height generally flowering May through June and is drought resistant.

In history it was used to stem the flow of blood from skin wounds.

Yarrow is often found in butterfly gardens.

The leaf of the yarrow can speed decomposition for composting purposes and its presence in the garden can assist in repelling certain insects which are harmful to the garden while attracting bugs which are useful to the garden such as the gracious ladybug.

Yarrow also assists other plants in being resistant to disease.

Yarrow - Herbal Medicine Uses, Culinary & Household Uses

Yarrow holds significant astringent properties; it has been used externally in treating skin related issues such as eczema; in the old days a slave was made from the plant for healing skin infections and in treating soreness.

It has also been used for diminishing mucous properties & in treating allergic mucous related issues such as hay fever and sinus; the American Indians make an infusion of the yarrow's plant tops to treat earaches.

Used internally as an infusion to treat a myriad of conditions including oral issues, flu, internal bleeding, digestive issues, nosebleeds, gastritis, slow heartbeat, liver issues, including body detox;

When yarrow is combined with other herbs the medicinal effects of the paired-herbs are accentuated.

It was used to relieve toothache via chewing the leaves in the old days, before modern medicine.

Long term use of yarrow can increase the skin's photosensitivity.

Some individuals may experience a severe allergic skin rash when coming in contact with yarrow.

Dried yarrow for decorative purposes. Because the fragrance lingers it enhances other dried flowers in the flower arrangement.

Yarrow leaf has been used as an infusion for an aromatic tea in treating digestive issues.

The recipe is 1/2 cup of fresh yarrow leaves and flowers seeped in boiling water - the amount of water used dependent upon the desired strength of the herbal tea.

Allow to steep from 3-5 minutes and serve with a favorite sweetener. Honey tends to compliment the yarrow tea well as the brew is rather tangy.

Reference: Tom, the Biologist

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