Yarrow Oil: Tutorial

Yarrow is in full bloom on our property. I actually have to pull the flower from our herb and vegetable gardens since it reproduces so readily. We appreciate that it grows in our native grasses since it's a deep rooted herb that is rich in minerals. It therefore helps to prevent mineral deficiencies for our grasses. Not only that, but our bees don't have to travel too far for food.

This year I have started to use our Yarrow to make salve. To do so, I began with a simple Yarrow Oil. Here is the tutorial:

1. Gather 10 Yarrow stalks (flowers, stems and leaves included).

2. Throw everything into a food processor. Process for 30 seconds, or until you have fine pieces of Yarrow.

3. Place your Yarrow into a glass jar and cover with a carrier oil. Let sit for 6 weeks.

4. Pour the Yarrow Oil through a fine sieve into a second glass jar.

At this point, you can use your Yarrow Oil by massaging it directly into your skin, or incorporate it into a salve.

Medicinal Benefits of Yarrow:

According to Organic Facts, Yarrow has been credited by scientists with at least minor activity on nearly every organ in the body. It is beneficial for the reproductive organs of women, for irregular menstruation or an for women during or after menopause

Yarrow is an herb, native to the Northern hemisphere, that grows in meadows and pastures, by roadsides and paths. The flowers are white or pink, have an aromatic smell.

Note that the following beneficial properties are for educational purposes only - I am not a doctor:

Yarrow tea helps activate sluggish kidneys, rectifies lack of appetite, dispels flatulence and stomach cramps, is beneficial for liver disorders, inflammation of the gastro-intestinal tract and regulates the movement of the bowels.

An ointment prepared from Yarrow flowers is used to fight hemorrhoids

Externally, the yarrow herb has been used for helping to heal bruises, burns, cuts, swelling, ulcers and wounds.

A few words of caution - Yarrow may show neuro-toxic effects, headache and skin irritations with continuous use or in high dosages. Oral intake should be avoided throughout pregnancy.

Blending: The Essential Oil of Yarrow blends well with those of Angelica, Cedar Wood, Oak Moss and Verbena.