Page 152 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

An easier (and more palatable) method is to take yar-
row in tincture form. It opens the pores, encouraging
perspiration, and purifies and moves the blood.
Menstrual Problems: Yarrow tea or tincture
treats menstrual problems ranging from a lack of men-
struation to excessive bleeding and cramping. It tones
the uterine muscles after childbirth, reduces cramping
by relaxing the smooth muscles, and prevents hemor-
rhage. It also helps to bring on menses.
Dental Pain: To reduce inflammation and relieve
dental pain, chew on a piece of fresh yarrow root or
yarrow leaves. In addition to its anti-inflammatory and Yarrow Tincture: Ingredients: fresh yarrow leaves
anti-infection benefits, yarrow contains salicylic acid, and flowers, vodka, brandy, or other alcohol, 80 proof
a pain reliever that acts quickly. or higher. Chop yarrow into small pieces and pack it
tightly to fill a glass jar. Fill the jar with alcohol and
Mastitis: As an antibacterial and an anti-inflamma-
tory yarrow works well for mastitis. A leaf poultice cover it tightly. Check the jar every few days and add
seems to work the best while alternating between more alcohol as needed to keep the jar full. Allow the
warm and cold compresses (cabbage leaves also work tincture to steep for 6 to 8 weeks. Strain the alcohol
well for mastitis). through a few layers of cheesecloth and squeeze out all
the liquid. Discard the herbs, label the jar and store
Anxiety and Relaxation without Sedation: your tincture in a cool, dark place.
Yarrow seems to reduce anxiety without sedative ef-
fects. It has a calming effect on the Yarrow Oil: Fresh or dried yarrow leaves, or-
central nervous system. ganic olive oil or another carrier oil. If using fresh
yarrow, cut the leaves into one-inch (2.5 cm)
Harvesting: Yarrow is best pieces and allow them to dry. Place the herbs
when young, picked in the into a jar or heatproof container and add oil just
spring or early summer be- to cover the herbs. Fill a small pot about 1/3 full
fore the flowers have been of water and bring to a boil. Turn the heat down
pollinated. Dry the leaves, to a simmer before using. Place the jar of oil
stems, and flowers for later and herbs into the water, preventing the water
use. Once the herb is dry, from getting into the oil container. Use the
store it in a capped jar in a water like a double-boiler to gently heat the
cool, dark, and dry location. herbs and oil for 2 to 3 hours. Do not over-
heat! Allow the oil to cool, then filter it
Warning: Do not eat yarrow
or take yarrow tea during pregnancy. through a couple of layers of cheesecloth.
Squeeze the cheesecloth to get all the oil.
Some people are allergic to yarrow. Do
Discard the herb and use the oil for medici-
not use it if you are allergic to plants in the As- nal purposes.
ter/Daisy family, if you develop a rash, or if any irrita-
tion occurs. Do not use before surgery. Yarrow Salve: Ingredients: ½ cup (4 oz or
125ml)) Infused Yarrow Oil, 1-ounce Beeswax. Using a
Recipes. Yarrow Tea: One teaspoon dried yarrow double boiler, mix the beeswax and the infused oil until
flowers and/or leaves, one cup boiling water, sweet- the beeswax has melted. Check the consistency by dip-
ener, if desired. Pour one cup of boiling water over one ping a spoon in and putting it in the fridge to harden.
teaspoon of dried yarrow flowers or leaves. Cover and If it is not hard enough, add more beeswax. If too hard
allow the tea to steep for 5 minutes. Sweeten with raw add more oil. Pour into your jar or tins and let harden.
honey or maple syrup.
Label and date.

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