Yarrow tested first hand

I do not have luck with manual can openers. They all seem to leave a little connection; never a clean cut around the entire can. I have even shopped around and bought supposedly, “new and improved” can openers, but after awhile they all leave a small frustrating connection.

One day while making supper, I made a mistake. I was in a rush and had very little patience while opening a can. Instead of slowing down, focusing on the little connection and getting a good grip on the can opener or use a proper tool to release the little connection, I attacked the connection with a chopstick. As it popped up my thumb slid into the can with a very sharp edge. It was a bloody mess.

white yarrowI immediately ran cold water over my thumb for a minute or two then quickly grabbed a towel, wrapped my thumb, applied pressure, held my hand above my heart and ran to my garden where I picked and “bruised” several Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) leaves. I slowly opened the towel, wrapped my thumb in the Yarrow leaves with the towel around it, and held my hand above my heart.

Mathew finished making dinner, thank goodness he is much better at opening cans than his mother. After dinner was made and we were waiting for Mike to come home, I looked at my thumb. The bleeding had stopped thanks to Yarrow’s amazing hemostatic abilities. I was very impressed as there was a lot of blood when I first cut it. Since the bleeding had stopped, I took the opportunity to look at the damage. I suspect some people with a similar wound would have gone to the doctor for a couple of stitches, but I decided that it would heal okay on its own. I found a couple more fresh Yarrow leaves, bruised them, wrapped them around my thumb and taped a gauze patch around my thumb. Along with having great hemostatic powers, Yarrow is a powerful antiseptic.

close up yarrow

After dinner, I removed the bandage, no more blood, so I simply put a regular band-aid around my thumb. It was still rather tender but in good shape. The next morning, I was rather impressed at how well the healing process was going.

The day after

The day after

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After a week, it barely looked like a scratch.

A week after

A week after

I highly recommend that you learn how to identify Yarrow: once you do, you’ll find it is an excellent first aid herb. It can help you in a pinch (or cut, or a slice…). After all, I do have first hand knowledge of it (pun intended).

All information is shared for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

First herb of the year

Okay, I know I am not alone when I state that, “I am ready for some rebirth and all the glorious wonders that spring has to offer.” Winter has outdone itself this year. When I wake up to a small blizzard and it’s March 30th, it is time for a change. I am done with the bitter cold, high winds and layering my clothes for warmth. Stick a fork in me, I am done!

yarrow emergingAlthough there was still snow on the ground, I decided to take a walk to see if any of my herbal friends were peeking up through the mud and snow. I was overjoyed to see the distinctive featherlike leaves of Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) emerging. Thank goodness, it’s about time!

Not only does it validate spring has actually arrived but Yarrow is an herb that I rely on during most of the year. I welcome its return.

Yarrow is a very versatile herb. It is best known for its hemostatic (stops external and internal bleeding) and diaphoretic (reduces fevers) properties. But it is so much more. Yarrow is known as a normalizer; while it can stop bleeding, it can also promote blood circulation, which is very helpful with varicose and uterine congestion.  Yarrow is very bitter and aids in digestion. Its diuretic and antiseptic properties make it helpful with bladder infections too. It soothes and relieves pain making it great for aches, bruises and arthritis.  It pretty much assists and aids in all the major body systems.

Throughout folklore and history, uses for Yarrow have been mentioned over and over again. I believe the most famous mention is in Homer’s Iliad, where its legendary warrior Achilles uses Yarrow to treat the wounds of his fallen comrades. Recently, I came upon an interesting use for Yarrow. Apparently, in the Orkney Islands (north of Scotland) Yarrow was widely used for dispelling melancholy. It helps lift the burdens of troubled emotions, while cleansing them of sorrow or depression, which has lasted too long. Perhaps that is why I was so happy to see Yarrow on this fine day. It lifted my sorrows of a winter that’s gone on too long.

May spring and Yarrow emerge for you.

All information is shared for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition.