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Herbal Wisdom:  Yarrow Tincture - A Summer Project  |
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Hideaway Farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1553 Posts
Jo
Virginia
USA
1553 Posts |
 Posted - Jun 29 2007 : 6:14:21 PM
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Thanks, Tasha. Do you mean "throw them in" to boiling water, for a cuppa, or alternatively, soak them in vodka for several weeks like I do with the lemon balm tincture recipe?
Jo
"There are no strangers here, only friends you've yet to meet." |
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babs
True Blue Farmgirl
226 Posts
Babette
MN
USA
226 Posts |
Posted - Jun 30 2007 : 09:02:06 AM
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Jo -
You need to find a good herb book - or several. Dandelion is a good spring tonic but not something I would use long term, it has laxative effects. ;) The leaves are rich in vitamins so its a good bit of green to add fresh to your salads. Dry it and tincture it too. It's the best way to keep it on hand when it's out of season.
You should know exactly what something does, and why you are taking it. If something is said to be loaded with potassium and you can't assimilate potassium well, you might do well to avoid that plant. Herbal care is about knowledgable self care. :)
Most plants have contraindictions. It's good to just study one for awhile to learn everything about it and keep good notes.
Personally, I stand by peppermint for a tummy tea. If one is vomiting but can stand to sip a little, it can help to calm a nausous stomach. Taking Yarrow for a tummy ache might be overkill. Think about it's antibacterial properties... would you take an antibiotic for gas?
Yarrow tea would be good to drink if you are fighting a fever or a cold. It's important to know that yarrow will reduce a fever by increasing sweating. This may not be a desired effect with all fevers, as your body's way of healing itself is to raise its temperature.
It can also help relieve cramps and regulate a menstrual cycle. I have a female blend I use for Es as she's having those teen cramps, a pinch of yarrow finds its way in that as well.
Also, look at the common names of a plant for a clue to its use. Yarrow is also known as: Milfoil, Old Man's Pepper, Soldier's Woundwort, Knight's Milfoil, Thousand Weed, Nose Bleed, Carpenter's Weed, Bloodwort, Staunchweed. Yes! Externally it was traditionally used to stop bleeding.
Anyway.. thats just a little of MY perspective on the herbs as I know them. I realize we each have our own. I encourage you to develope your own herbal philosophies. :)
Babs
My NEW store: www.mugwortmaggies.com
Laundry Soap at Etsy: www.mugwortmaggies.etsy.com
Connect to me on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/mugwortmaggie
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Hideaway Farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1553 Posts
Jo
Virginia
USA
1553 Posts |
Posted - Jul 01 2007 : 10:57:54 AM
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Thanks for posting useful information, Babs! I have two herb books now and have been shopping around for a couple of others that have been frequently recommended around the MJF forum. I also have several printouts from herbal websites, since I agree that we novices must study up on our own as well as learning from others. It's always so interesting to learn something new here, then go off and find more information about a particular subject. I like the way MJF assigns us titles based on number of postings, maybe we start giving ourselves diplomas or certificates from FarmGirl College? (that last part was a joke; I am not volunteering for, or suggesting anything here!)
Jo
"There are no strangers here, only friends you've yet to meet." |
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babs
True Blue Farmgirl
226 Posts
Babette
MN
USA
226 Posts |
Posted - Jul 01 2007 : 11:07:58 PM
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Your welcome Jo. :)
Babs |
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Hideaway Farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1553 Posts
Jo
Virginia
USA
1553 Posts |
Posted - Aug 06 2007 : 11:26:12 AM
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bumping this up, and...
I was stung this weekend by a nasty little bee or fly; have not identified it yet but maybe a sweat bee? Anyway, a big red and itchy welt came up on my upper arm, and I ran into the house and got my trusty bottle of yarrow juice. Dabbed some on the bite and went back to lugging wheelbarrow loads of composted dirt around my yard. I cam in a couple of hours later to shower and dress for date night; a sleeveless sundress and voila, hardly a mark, hardly an itch. Thanks, Babs, just wanted to share that!
Jo
"Wish I had time to work with herbs all day!" |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Aug 06 2007 : 7:20:15 PM
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I have noticed several places on the palouse where Yarrow is growing. I will have to try this soon before it is too late in the season!
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora!
http://home.test-afl.tulix.com/aleeandnora/ |
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babs
True Blue Farmgirl
226 Posts
Babette
MN
USA
226 Posts |
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babs
True Blue Farmgirl
226 Posts
Babette
MN
USA
226 Posts |
Posted - Sep 18 2007 : 11:00:01 AM
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Yarrow is awesome. I love that you had faith to experiment and discovered for yourself a new use!
Babs
quote:
Originally posted by Hideaway Farmgirl
bumping this up, and...
I was stung this weekend by a nasty little bee or fly; have not identified it yet but maybe a sweat bee? Anyway, a big red and itchy welt came up on my upper arm, and I ran into the house and got my trusty bottle of yarrow juice. Dabbed some on the bite and went back to lugging wheelbarrow loads of composted dirt around my yard. I cam in a couple of hours later to shower and dress for date night; a sleeveless sundress and voila, hardly a mark, hardly an itch. Thanks, Babs, just wanted to share that!
Jo
Laundry Soap & girly stuff: www.mugwortmaggies.com
Connect to me on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/mugwortmaggie
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Hideaway Farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1553 Posts
Jo
Virginia
USA
1553 Posts |
Posted - Sep 18 2007 : 11:30:59 AM
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I'm a BIG fan, Babs. I'm anxious to try planting it again in the spring and get it established in my herb garden.
I had my DH using it for the first time over the weekend...he calls it my voodoo juice. He ended up at the doctor's yesterday anyway, the change in weather is giving him bronchial issues and we were worried it might be pneumonia but it's not, at this point. Hopefully he'll be better in a few days.
So far I've been okay; I was dosing my own symptoms as well, and I hope I'm going to stay healthy through this coming season.
Jo
"Wish I had time to work with herbs all day!" |
Edited by - Hideaway Farmgirl on Sep 18 2007 11:31:19 AM |
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babs
True Blue Farmgirl
226 Posts
Babette
MN
USA
226 Posts |
Posted - Sep 18 2007 : 12:03:39 PM
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"Voodoo Juice" too funny.. ;) I've posted for you a new topic on a really great plant. It's called Gumweed. If your family is the sickly sort and prone to bronchial junk, you should really check it out. :)
Babs
Laundry Soap & girly stuff: www.mugwortmaggies.com
Connect to me on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/mugwortmaggie
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Hideaway Farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1553 Posts
Jo
Virginia
USA
1553 Posts |
Posted - Sep 18 2007 : 12:23:46 PM
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Oh ho, ho. I'll be sure to check it out.
We are not normally the sickly sort, but it's always good to have some voodoo juice at the ready.
Let me tell you, I knew he was feeling bad when he chose to try it. He's seen me using it internally and externally for the last few months.
Off to learn about Gumweed...thanks!
Jo
"Wish I had time to work with herbs all day!" |
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Herbal Wisdom: Yarrow Tincture - A Summer Project |
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Yarrow Tincture - A Summer Project
