BACKYARD HERBAL HEALING SALVE

Getting to Know Yarrow

I was first introduced to yarrow several years ago when i used to be given one plant started from seed. For several years my yarrow made happy company with some red bee balm and filled a pleasant little spot in my garden . It gradually filled out and one plant became several but without being a nuisance like mint planted within the wrong spot (oh yes, I’ve done that!)

It was only after I started studying herbalism that i started to understand how absolutely amazing and useful yarrow is! actually , because it's very easy to seek out (it grows everywhere Europe, Asia, and North American and in various climates and altitudes,) knowing a touch about the way to use yarrow could are available very handy do you have to ever end up in need of care .

Yarrow is one among the foremost ancient and useful care remedies we discover in nature.

You may have seen a number of the various sorts of yarrow grown for both their color and wonder while buying plants. you'll find yarrow in various reminder pink, yellow, orange and white, but remember , they aren’t all used interchangeably.

While a number of these beautiful cultivars could also be medicinal, most herbalists use the common white varieties, yarrow and Achillea lanulosa, for medicine.

You can find yarrow and Achillea lanulosa growing wild in open pastures or meadows, along roadsides and disturbed areas otherwise you can grow it from seed, get some root divisions from a lover or purchase the plant at a garden center or nursery.

How to Use Yarrow as a primary Aid Remedy

Yarrow For Bleeding

Should you ever end up during a situation where someone features a wound or a nosebleed which will not stop bleeding, consider yarrow.

Yarrow is named the “master of the blood” by Matthew Wood which i feel may be a great way to recollect it!

Here, Herbalist Matthew Wood explains how yarrow works to prevent bleeding.

Through numerous devices – clotting, unclotting, neurovascular control, flavonoids, etc. – it {yarrow} regulates the flow of blood to and from the surface, in and out of the capillaries and venules, thickening and thinning. Through this it cures all manner of wounds, bruises, hemorrhaging, and clotting.

Yarrow works quickly to prevent bleeding, usually during a matter of minutes. For this reason alone, you would possibly believe planting yarrow during a pot or in your yard. albeit you don’t have the space or the inclination to grow it, you'll still use the dried herb to prevent bleeding.

Typically, only the yarrow leaves are wont to stop bleeding (we’ll mention the way to use the flowers next time) and that they are often used a few of various ways:

1.Fresh Poultice. A poultice is just ground up material applied to a wound. In an emergency situation, have the individual chew some fresh yarrow leaves and apply evenly to the wound (this is understood as a spit poultice.) Cover the material with a clean cloth and apply pressure. Alternatively, you'll chop, puree, blend or use a mortar and pestle to form a pulp or paste to use to the wound. As a side note, chewing or chopping is important for the yarrow to release it’s natural, healing juices. Simply applying whole yarrow leaves won't be as beneficial.

2.Dried Poultice. Although fresh herbs are preferred, a poultice made with dried or powdered yarrow also can be effective. Simply mix the dried yarrow with a touch predicament to form a paste. Apply to the wound (or to a clean bandage placed over the wound) and apply pressure. If you have already got dried yarrow leaves, there's no got to purchase powdered yarrow. it's easy to powder with a mortar and pestle or an herb grinder.

Yarrow for Preventing Infection & Wound Healing

Not only can yarrow stop bleeding, but it also excels at preventing infection and healing wounds.

Yarrow is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and astringent which makes it ideal for reducing both the pain and swelling in wounds and preventing infection.

Here are two easy methods of using yarrow:

Yarrow Soak: One simple yet effective thanks to use yarrow for wound healing and preventing infection is to brew a robust cup of yarrow tea using the fresh or dried leaves, dilute it with some warm water and soak the wound (or add it to your water . ) still do that several times each day until the wound begins to heal.

Yarrow Salve. Another good way to use yarrow for wounds is to form a homemade herbal salve (or purchase one. Etsy is usually an excellent place for this.) Make an easy yarrow leaf salve or combine the yarrow with other wound-healing herbs like I did during this Backyard Herbal Healing Salve.

How to Use Yarrow as a primary Aid Remedy

BACKYARD HERBAL HEALING SALVE

An all purpose herbal salve for cuts, wounds, rashes, scraps, bruises, minor burns, insect bites, eczema, and acne.

Ingredients

• 1 cup wilted and chopped backyard herbs like chickweed, plantain , elder leaves, yarrow leaves, dandelion flowers ,chamomile or calendula.
• 1 cup olive or copra oil or a mix of the 2 oils
• 1/4 cup (1 oz) beeswax
• 20 drops frankincense volatile oil or Peru Balsam
• 10 drops lavender volatile oil

Instructions

1. If working with fresh herbs, lay your herbs out flat to dry out slightly (for a minimum of overnight.)
2. Chop your herbs either by hand or during a kitchen appliance .
3. Using rough, equal amounts of every herb, measure 1 cup of the chopped herbs and place during a clean, dry glass jar with lid.
4. Add the carrier oil and shake to mix . you'll expect the herbs to expand a touch over subsequent day approximately .
5. Check your jar over the primary few days to make sure all the herbs are completely covered with the oil as they expand. Add more oil if needed.
6. Allow your oil mixture to infuse for two weeks during a warm, sunny spot or infuse using one among the fast methods (see recipe notes.)
7. Strain your oil employing a fine mesh strainer or cheese cloth/muslin.
8. In a double saucepan or employing a heat safe glass cup during a pan of water, heat 1 cup of the prepared oil and therefore the beeswax until the beeswax is melted. Allow to chill slightly before mixing within the essential oils.
9. Pour immediately into tins or small glass jars. Label and date your salve.

Notes

If you don’t want to attend 2 weeks for your infused oil, try one among these quick methods:

Quick Infusion (Double-Boiler Method):

In a double saucepan or a heat safe cup during a pan of water, simmer the oil and herbs over very low heat. Simmer gently for 30 to hour or longer, keeping the oil between 95-110 degrees. As Rosemary Gladstar likes to mention , “the lower the warmth and therefore the longer the infusion, the higher the oil.”

Quick Infusion Method 2# (Dehydrator):

This is one among my favorite methods! If you've got an Excalibur (or similar type) dehydrator with a temperature control, you'll infuse your herbs in it.

Add all of your herbs and oil to a glass jar. Shake to mix .

Remove enough of the trays in your dehydrator in order that your glass jar with infused herbs sits within the bottom. Set the temperature between 95-110 degrees and leave it for two days or longer, shaking it periodically.