Yarrow uses.

Newsgroups: alt.folklore.herbs
Subject: Yarrow
From: wrolley.garlic.com (Wesley C. Rolley)
Date: 21 Nov 1994 09:18:57 -0800

I have seen references to American Indians using yarrow for gum and tooth problems. What other uses does yarrow have? Is a yarrow tea safe to drink?

From: jean.noao.edu (Jean Goodrich)

Yarrow is an excellent styptic (stops bleeding cuts) and can be used in teas to slow/ease heavy menstrual flows and hemorrhaging (sp?).
I also have a book that recommends it for healing skin. I just recently tried making a yarrow massage/bath oil for this reason, but haven't used it yet. I use the fresh leaves. But I've seen the dried flower heads for sale in health food stores.

From: chrispru.aol.com (ChrisPru)

Yarrow tea made from the flowers and small stem pieces is excellant for relieving fevers and cold symptoms. The fresh leaves will stop nosebleeds, but some people are irritated by them.

From: hollyberry.delphi.com (Holly Berry)

> I have seen references to American Indians using yarrow for gum and tooth problems.

I've never heard of this usage. I have heard of myrrh for toothaches or for the gums as well as acidophilus gargle for cleanliness and fresh breath.

I drink yarrow and elder flower tea whenever I feel like I am coming down with a cold and it seems to knock it out of my system. It's pretty tasty - kind of like chamomile. The addition of peppermint will give it a nice fresh flavor.

Peace & Light
Hollyberry

From: conrad.richters.com (Conrad Richter)

> What other uses does yarrow have? Is a yarrow tea safe to drink?

A recent report in _Economic Botany_ suggests that alcoholic extracts of yarrow are about as good as 20% DEET for repelling mosquitos.

Conrad Richter

From: ravendncr.aol.com (RAVENDNCR)

Yarrow, one of those nice weeds growing in the meadows that at one point I only picked for dried flowers! As an infusion, drink for upper respiratory phlegm, or use for eczema, which I have done. A fresh leaf inserted into a bleeding nostril will stop the flow. used that before also. You can also use yarrow essential oil, make tincture, and use as a compress and poultice. i believe the only part not used is the root. [Wrong. The root is excellent for toothaches. -Henriette] BUT, like all living things, some people can be allergic to yarrow, and pregnant women should not use without consulting a professional. Hence the warning, that the above is my opinion only! Good luck.

From: ehrenspe.alexia.lis.uiuc.edu (David Ehrensperger)

: Will someone talk on the history and uses of Yarrow? Thanks.

The history of the herb I do not know, but I have used it. It is good for purifying the blood and helps w/fevers and colds. It is also supposed to help blood clot though I haven't used it for that. Bombarding an embryonic cold (ie, when the symptoms first appear) with plenty of yarrow tea is supposed to help make the cold go away quickly.

Warning: the taste leaves something to be desired--honey can be your friend.