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Both
the leaves and flowers of yarrow are useful in fresh and dried flower
arrangements. During my gardening years, I began harvesting yarrow in
early spring. My regularly pruned plants continued to bloom through the
summer months.
These
dainty flowers grow in flat umbels, one to three inches across, bearing
a slight resemblance to Queen Anne’s lace. I witnessed very little, if
any, problems with insect pests, fungus or other common plant problems.
For
drying, I tied several stems into a bundle and hung, with the flowers
down, in a dark dry room. I kept an electric fan running in the room to
ensure proper air circulation. There was a time when I created many
crafts objects including wreaths, baskets, tussie mussies, etc. Most of
them contained home grown yarrow.
Of
course, yarrow has its place in folklore medicine also. According to
legend, Achilles used it to staunch the bleeding of his wounded
soldiers. For this reason, it is sometimes referred to as "military
herb."
One
of my reference books lists 42 ailments for which it is useful. For one
thing, this author says, "Use yarrow tea for a shampoo to help
baldness." Another reference book contains this bit of advice,
"If you have any sick sheep, it (yarrow) is reputed to make a tea
which restores their health."
Over
five years ago, I suspected that I had breast cancer. Before this was
confirmed, I began taking natural products for my immune system and
still continue this treatment. It has been over five years since I
developed a bad cold or flu symptoms. This is until recently when I woke
one morning expecting to have a full blown cold. However, I remembered a
friend saying that when she’s threatened with a cold, she takes
yarrow.
Well,
I took yarrow. I took two capsules every hour all morning. By noon, all
cold symptoms had disappeared. Evidently it works. I checked with my
friend. She suggested that I note that a person should begin this remedy
as soon as symptoms appear.
That’s
enough about yarrow except to say, "Please check with your doctor
before taking this or any other herbal remedy."
Now
for a personal note. If you leave a message on my answering machine,
please repeat the phone number twice. Sometimes they are just not clear
and I cannot return your calls. Also, I’m "computer
illiterate" and sometimes cannot make the darn thing answer your
messages. Please give me a telephone number so that I may call you.
Nadine
Johnson is a resident of Goshen. Alabama, a member of the Goshen Farmer’s
Co-op, and a long time user and promoter of wise herb use. Her telephone
number is 334/484-3580. Her email is
herbal@troycable.net. |
