Yarrow has been long known for its ability to stop bleeding, but has many other uses as well. It can be used both internally and externally in many ways, ranging from medicinal to cosmetic purposes.
Yarrow is a fairly tall plant, growing in stalks about three feet high. It has very thin, delicate looking leaves that resemble those of a fern. At the top of the stalk you will find a large, flat cluster of tiny white flowers. There are other varieties of yarrow with flowers other than white, but these are not commonly found growing wild.
Ointments and poultices made from yarrow can be used externally to treat cuts and wounds. It will stop bleeding and also acts as an astringent to help wounds heal. It has been used as a snuff to stop nosebleeds as well.
Yarrow can also be made into an infusion for internal treatments. In this way it can help the digestive and circulatory systems of the body; it is particularly helpful to the liver, gall bladder, and kidneys. It will also act as a diaphoretic to help stop fevers. The infusion is often taken as a general tonic to build up the body's immune system.
As a cosmetic yarrow can be used in lotions and soaps for the skin. It is an astringent so will tighten up your pores and remove excess oil and make up.
Soaps can be made by grating a bar of soap into a pot. Soaps used in this way should not be perfumed and be as unprocessed as possible. Add 1 part pulverized yarrow for every three parts soap into the pot and enough water to barely cover the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil and then simmer. Stir the mixture constantly so that the soap melts into a paste. Let this simmer uncovered until most of the water has evaporated and the mixture gets fairly thick. Pour this into a mold and let sit and dry until hard (this may take a few days).
Yarrow was used in the past as a symbol of love. Many wedding decorations once used yarrow flowers to insure a happy and prosperous marriage; it was also hung over the bed for the same purpose.
The yarrow plant has also been an aid in divination for centuries. In the western world many psychics have drank yarrow tea to boost their insight. In the East yarrow was used to make
I-Ching sticks for divination. Many still burn yarrow incense before performing divination.
