Yarrow

Achillea millefolium

When we crashed landed at the family farm, I came with pots of yarrow uprooted from our previous existence. It was a turbulent time; I was working my remote job from the lobby of our local hotel - the only place with reliable internet and commuting four hours to Kansas City each weekend for my work at the Brookside Farmers Market. The yarrow died unwatered, and I sobbed in a reaction that seemed far greater than the loss.

As we began to walk the farm, I found yarrow growing in little clumps all over; I was deeply grateful that in the place of loss, I found abundance beyond what I could have imagined. To this day, yarrow reminds me of the possibility of new life beyond all the little deaths.

Years before, yarrow had become precious to us, and we would use it to tend the wounds of our sheep and goats. When dealing with particularly bad wounds we would clean them with a steep yarrow tea. Yarrow has traditionally been used in powdered form to stop serious bleeding, giving it the nickname of woundwort or carpenter’s weed. We would watch in amazement as wounds would heal rapidly and without infection. Yarrow is also great at soothing swelling and is perfect for insect bite relief.

Yarrow is a key ingredient in our Herbal Utility Salve. Combined with soothing calendula, plantain and comfrey, it is an ideal salve to have on hand for all that the busy summer may throw your way. While Utility Salve is great for minor cuts, bruises, stings or bites, we do not recommend it for puncture wounds or deep cuts. This is where cleaning a wound with yarrow tea or a tea made with a yarrow tincture would be most appropriate.

Beyond its fantastic healing ability, yarrow has beautiful flowers in a range of colors. The yarrow we grow are mainly white, but up on the prairie ridge-top, we often find yarrow with pale pink and even yellow blooms.

Be on the lookout for this helpful herb as you go about your days.