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Astringent Herbs

The word “astringent” is not one we commonly use. Astringing herbs draw proteins together, meaning that they bind tissues and hold back fluids. If you’ve ever had a very dry, red wine, then you’ve felt the effects of astringency. The sudden dryness of your mouth is a perfect example of the action of astringents. In …

Yarrow Fairy

If you live in a climate where Achillea millefolium grows, then you’re probably beginning to see her delicate blooms everywhere you look! Meet the Yarrow Fairy: Among the harebells and the grass, The grass all feathery with seed, I dream, and see the people pass: They pay me little heed.   And yet the children …

Let’s Make a Yarrow Margarita

We’ve been talking a lot about harvesting and using yarrow lately, so today, let’s make a Yarrow Margarita! This recipe requires a little bit of planning ahead. You’ll be making a simple syrup with yarrow flowers, and if you’re going the homemade route, your bitters will need about 3 weeks to infuse. The bitterness of …

Yarrow as a Styptic

Being a styptic is likely yarrow’s best-known use, and for good reason — it’s highly effective at stopping and controlling excessive bleeding. Simply take a little fresh plant, chew it up and apply directly to the wound. It encourages blood clotting, slowing and eventually stopping the bleed. If all you have is powdered yarrow and …

All About Yarrow

If you’re interested in finding and harvesting yarrow, here are a few guidelines to keep in mind. Yarrow, aka Achillea millefolium, can grow up to 3-feet high, but most of mine are closer to 18″ to 2′. The leaves are the first thing you’ll notice in the spring. They grow very close to the ground …

Yarrow: What’s in the Name?

Achillea – representing a couple of different folklore stories that have been passed down: Achilles used it to treat his soldiers in the battlefield Achilles mother dipped him in protective water – a yarrow infusion – but she held his heel meaning that his entire body was safe from harm, except his heel. Mille = …