Yarrow has been used for
thousands of years as a powerful wound healer. Yarrow is known to be highly
medicinal in the strengthening of the upper respiratory system. It is an
effective decongestant, able to dry up the lungs and improve coughs and sinus
infections.
Yarrow is an astringent, tonic, stimulant, mild
aromatic and diaphoretic, meaning it induces sweating. It’s diaphoretic
properties make it a useful herb for treating severe colds. According to Maude
Grieve’s A Modern Herbal, it is “most useful in the commencement of fevers.” Grieve
recommends making an infusion with 1 ounce of dried herb and 1 pint of boiling
water. It can be drunk warm, with some honey and a bit of cayenne pepper.
According to herbalist Susun Weed
Yarrow is a diaphoretic, hypotensive,
astringent, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, vulnerary, carminative, and antiseptic
herb. It’s one of the best herbs you can use to sweat out a fever. It also
tones and dilates the blood vessels, which helps lower blood pressure. Yarrow
helps relax the smooth muscles of both the uterus and the digestive tract,
making it useful for menstrual cramps as well as stomach complaints,
flatulence, diarrhea, and sluggish digestion.
