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Today, I want to share with you the wonders of Yarrow and the art of crafting your own wildcrafted yarrow salve. As someone deeply passionate about the beauty and healing powers of nature, I find immense joy in identifying and foraging this remarkable plant. Yarrow offer a multitude of benefits, such as soothing bee stings, rashes, minor cuts, burns, and abrasions. Join me on this journey as we delve into the enchanting world of yarrow and discover how to wildcraft a healing yarrow salve to add to your herbal first aid kit.
HOW TO IDENTIFY YARROW (ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM)
When I set out to identify common yarrow in the wild to craft some yarrow salve, the first thing I look for is its distinct flower. Common yarrow flowers are small and tightly packed, forming flat-topped clusters known as umbels. These umbels consist of numerous individual flowers, each measuring around 1/4 to 1/2 inch in diameter. The flowers themselves have five petals that can vary in color, ranging from white to pale pink or even lavender. However, for making salve, I prefer to find the white yarrow flowers as they are believed to have the most potent medicinal properties.
Moving on to the leaves, common yarrow has finely divided fern-like leaves, giving it a feathery appearance. The leaves are arranged alternately along the stem and are usually between 2 to 8 inches long. They have a characteristic pinnate or bipinnate structure, meaning they are divided into smaller leaflets arranged on opposite sides of a central axis. These feathery leaves have a vibrant green color, making them relatively easy to spot amidst other foliage.
To correctly identify common yarrow, it’s important to pay attention to the stem as well. Common yarrow stems are slender, erect, and can reach heights of up to 3 feet. Yarrow stems are grooved, light green, and have small wooly hairs.
When it comes to scent, common yarrow has a distinct fragrance. If you carefully smell the flowers, you might notice a sweet and slightly spicy aroma. Some people even describe it as having a subtle chamomile-like scent. The fragrance can vary in intensity, but it is often a characteristic feature that can help you identify common yarrow in the wild.
Now, why do we prefer white yarrow specifically for making yarrow salve? While yarrow of different colors can have similar medicinal properties, white yarrow is traditionally believed to be the most potent variety. Its white flowers are associated with enhanced medicinal benefits, including anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. These attributes make it a popular choice for herbal preparations like yarrow salve, where the goal is to harness the plant’s healing properties.
Yarrow Look-alikes
When foraging for yarrow or any wild plant, it’s crucial to be aware of its look-alikes to avoid any potential misidentification and ensure your safety. While yarrow has some distinctive features, there are a few plants that resemble it, especially in terms of their leaf shape and growth habits. Here are a couple of common yarrow look-alikes:
Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota): This plant is often mistaken for yarrow, particularly during its early stages of growth. Queen Anne’s lace has finely divided leaves that resemble yarrow’s feathery foliage. However, unlike yarrow, the flowers of Queen Anne’s lace are white and lacy, forming a flat-topped cluster similar to yarrow’s umbels. The key distinguishing factor is that the central flower in Queen Anne’s lace is usually a dark purple or black, while yarrow flowers do not have this feature.
Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum): This plant can be quite dangerous, so it’s essential to differentiate it from yarrow. Poison hemlock has leaves that can bear a resemblance to yarrow’s finely divided foliage. However, there are notable differences. Poison hemlock leaves have a more lacy appearance, and their stems are often purple-spotted. Additionally, the overall structure of the plant is larger, with a taller, hollow stem and clusters of small white flowers that resemble yarrow’s umbels. However, unlike yarrow, poison hemlock has a distinct unpleasant odor when crushed.
It’s vital to consult reliable field guides, seek guidance from experienced foragers, or consult local plant experts to become familiar with the specific look-alikes in your region. Remember, proper identification is crucial to ensure you’re harvesting the desired plant and to avoid any potential risks associated with misidentifying similar-looking species. Here are my favorite field guides: 30+ Best Field Guides & Plant Identification Books
Finding Yarrow in the wild
Yarrow thrives in a variety of environments, making it quite versatile in terms of its habitat. Typically, I head to open fields, meadows, and grassy areas to search for this hardy plant.
Yarrow has a remarkable adaptability and can be found in diverse regions, ranging from dry, arid landscapes to moist, fertile soils. It has a wide distribution, so you can come across it in North America, Europe, and many other parts of the world. This plant is truly a survivor, capable of withstanding different climates and soil conditions.
One of the key features of yarrow’s habitat is its preference for full sun. It tends to flourish in areas that receive plenty of direct sunlight throughout the day. So when I’m searching for yarrow, I keep an eye out for sunny spots in open fields or meadows.
Moreover, yarrow has a tendency to colonize disturbed areas. You can often find it growing along roadsides, trails, or in areas that have experienced some form of human or natural disruption. The plant is highly adaptable to disturbances, which contributes to its prevalence in various habitats.
When it comes to soil preferences, yarrow favors well-drained soils. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or even clay soils. However, it generally avoids waterlogged or overly compacted soil conditions. So keep an eye out for areas with good drainage when searching for yarrow.
Another characteristic of yarrow’s habitat is its ability to tolerate drought. It has a deep root system that enables it to access water even in dry conditions, making it well-suited to survive in arid environments. This resilience allows yarrow to flourish even in regions with limited rainfall or periods of drought.
Foraging and harvesting yarrow
When it comes to harvesting yarrow in the wild, there are a few key steps to follow. To begin, I focus on the leaves of the plants that have not yet flowered. I carefully cut a few leaves from the base of these plants, ensuring to leave enough foliage for the plant’s continued growth and health.
When it’s time to harvest the flowers, I opt for a different approach. For the best results, I cut the entire stalk of the yarrow plant, including the leaves and flowers growing from the stem. This allows me to gather the full potential of the plant’s medicinal properties.
Once I have collected the leaves and flowers, I have two options for preservation: drying or using them fresh. If I choose to dry them, I hang the leaves and flowers upside down in a well-ventilated area. This allows them to dry naturally over time, and they can be stored for later use. It’s worth noting that natural products made with dried plant material tend to have a longer shelf life, but they may be slightly less potent compared to those made with fresh plant material.
On the other hand, if I prefer to use the yarrow leaves and flowers fresh, I can skip the drying process altogether. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that products crafted with fresh plant material have a higher potency. But to maintain their quality, it’s crucial to use them within a specific timeframe.
For instance, yarrow salve made with fresh leaves should ideally be used within 6-8 months. This timeframe ensures that the salve remains fresh and effective. If not used within this period, the salve might begin to go rancid and lose its potency.
By following these guidelines for harvesting and preserving yarrow, you can make the most of this remarkable plant’s healing properties while ensuring optimal potency and shelf life for your homemade remedies.
Ways to Use Yarrow
Culinary Uses:
Yarrow leaves and flowers are edible and can be utilized in various culinary preparations. However, it’s important to note that yarrow’s taste can be quite bitter and astringent, so it’s often recommended to use it in moderation or in combination with other flavors.
One common culinary use of yarrow is as a flavorful addition to salads. The young leaves can be harvested and added to salads to provide a unique, slightly bitter taste. They can be used as a fresh herb, similar to parsley or cilantro, to add a fresh and herbaceous note to your salad creations.
Yarrow can also be employed as a flavoring agent in soups, stews, and herbal infusions. The leaves and flowers can be added to broths, imparting a subtle, earthy taste to the liquid. They can be used fresh or dried, depending on the desired intensity of flavor.
In addition to its use as a seasoning, yarrow can also be incorporated into herbal teas and tisanes. Infusing yarrow leaves and flowers in hot water creates a soothing beverage with a mildly bitter and aromatic profile. Some people enjoy combining yarrow with other herbs like mint, chamomile, or lemon balm to enhance the overall flavor and create unique herbal blends.
Medicinal Uses:
Common yarrow has a rich history of medicinal uses and is known for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and astringent properties. It can be used topically as a poultice or to make yarrow salve to promote wound healing, reduce bleeding, and alleviate skin irritations. Internally, common yarrow is often brewed into herbal teas or tinctures and is believed to have digestive benefits, relieve menstrual discomfort, and support respiratory health.
Yarrow Cautions
It’s important to exercise caution when consuming yarrow, as some individuals may be sensitive or have allergies to the plant. If you’re unsure about how your body will react to yarrow, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating it into your diet.
Yarrow Salve Recipe
To make your own Yarrow Salve for cuts, scrapes, and skin abrasions using the Folk Infusion Method, follow these instructions:
Infusion Time: 48 hours or 4-6 weeks.
Herbal Prep Time: 5 minutes.
Cook Time: 5 minutes.
Makes about 12 oz.
MATERIALS
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups fresh yarrow leaves and white flowers
- 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups jojoba oil (or any other neutral oil)
- 1 ounce beeswax (the more wax the more firm the salve)
TOOLS
- Double boiler (or saucepan and heatproof bowl)
- Salve tins (or small resealable jars)
Gather your ingredients:
- Fresh yarrow flowers and leaves (1 1/2 to 2 cups)
- Carrier oil (1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups such as jojoba, olive oil or coconut oil)
- Beeswax (about 1 ounce)
- Optional: Essential oil (such as lavender or tea tree oil) for added fragrance or therapeutic benefits
Prepare the yarrow infusion:
- Roughly chop the yarrow flowers and leaves using a mortar and pestle or a grinder to increase the surface area for extraction.
- Place the chopped yarrow in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Pour enough carrier oil over the yarrow to fully cover it, ensuring all the plant material is submerged.
- Stir the mixture gently to remove any air bubbles and ensure even distribution of the oil.
- Close the jar tightly and place it on a sunny windowsill for at least four weeks. Shake the jar daily or whenever you remember to help with the infusion process. You may also opt for the rapid infusion method listed in the section below.
Strain the yarrow-infused oil:
- After four weeks (or 48 hours if using the rapid infusion method listed below), strain the infused oil using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
- Place the strainer or cheesecloth over a clean container and carefully pour the infused oil through it, allowing the oil to separate from the plant material.
- Squeeze the strainer or cheesecloth gently to extract as much oil as possible.
- Discard the used yarrow plant material.
Prepare the salve:
- Measure the strained yarrow-infused oil and pour it into a heat-safe container, such as a glass measuring cup.
- In a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl placed over a pot of simmering water, melt the beeswax.
- Add the melted beeswax to the yarrow-infused oil and stir well to combine.
- Optional: If desired, add a few drops of essential oil to the mixture and stir again.
Test the consistency:
- To check the consistency of your salve, place a small amount on a spoon and let it cool for a few minutes.
- If the salve is too soft, add more beeswax and melt it into the mixture.
- If the salve is too hard, add more yarrow-infused oil and stir well.
Pour the salve into containers:
- Once you have achieved the desired consistency, carefully pour the salve into clean, sterilized containers, such as small glass jars or tins.
- Leave the containers open until the salve has completely cooled and solidified.
Label and store the salve:
- Label each container with the name of the salve, ingredients, and date of preparation.
- Store the salve in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat.
- It should remain usable for several months, but check for any signs of spoilage before each use.
Now you have your homemade yarrow salve ready to use for various skin conditions, minor cuts, scrapes, and bruises. Enjoy the benefits of this natural remedy!
Rapid Infusion Method
With this method for making a yarrow salve, you can significantly reduce the infusion time from 6 weeks to just 1-2 days, making it an excellent choice when you’re pressed for time but have the necessary equipment. To follow this accelerated infusion process, please refer to the steps provided below:
Fill a saucepan or slow cooker with approximately 1 inch of water.
Slowly heat the water until it reaches a temperature range of 110 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (43 to 49 degrees Celsius). It’s crucial to exercise caution and avoid overheating the water or exposing the infusion directly to high heat, as it may damage the properties of the herbs and oils.
Once the desired temperature range is reached, turn off the heat source. This ensures that the water remains warm without continuing to generate additional heat.
Place the yarrow-and-oil-filled jar into the warm water, taking care not to let any water enter the jar. Placing the jar on a trivet within a double boiler or in the slow cooker helps prevent direct heat contact with the jar. The warm environment created by the water will serve as an incubator for the infusion process.
Allow the jar to incubate in the warm water for the next 24 to 48 hours. During this period, it’s important to periodically check and regulate the water temperature. To do so, bring the water back up to the desired temperature range at regular intervals.
However, it’s crucial to never leave the heat source on for an extended period of time or allow the water level to evaporate to less than 1/2 to 1 inch. Maintaining a consistent water level and temperature is vital for a successful infusion.
By following these instructions, you can effectively expedite the infusion process, achieving your desired results within a much shorter timeframe. Remember to exercise caution and monitor the water temperature and level throughout the incubation period to ensure optimal infusion quality.
Where to Buy High-Quality Herbs
If you don’t have access to local or homegrown herbs, I highly recommend purchasing them from Mountain Rose Herbs. They are my favorite place to buy high-quality, organic dried herbs and herbal products. As a company they believe in people, plants, and planet over profit and only ever source their herbs ethically and sustainably. It is through this ethical, responsible sourcing, that they are able to offer one of the largest selections of certified organic herbs, spices, and botanicals in North America.
Disclaimer- I am not a medical professional. All information shared here is for information and entertainment only. Do your own research and consult your health care provider before treating yourself with any product, plant or mixture.
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