If you discover a wild patch of yarrow, you should know how to gather it.If you wait until the yarrow is in full bloom, it will have more of its spicy scent.Pruning shears can be used to cut the stalks above the soil.You can use the stalks, leaves, and flowers that you harvest.Yarrow has anti- inflammatory and pain relief properties.
Step 1: Find yarrow and identify it.
Yarrow can be found in a variety of soils.It thrives in grass, meadow, riverbeds, and fields.There are stalks that reach 1 to 3 feet high with fern-like blossoms.Yarrow flowers into white or yellow blooms during the summer.There are clusters of flowers on each yarrow head.The flowers of Queen Anne's lace spread more widely than the yarrow flowers.Queen Anne's lace has a center spot.
Step 2: Yarrow will bloom in the summer.
Wait a few weeks for the yarrow buds to open and pay attention to when the stalks put on buds.Most yarrow plants in the northern part of the U.S. bloom between July and September.If you don't know when the yarrow will bloom, watch for the buds.They should bloom in a few weeks.
Step 3: Before you harvest, check the yarrow flowers.
Pull off a few leaves from the yarrow plants once the white flowers have completely opened.Rub the leaves in the palm of your hand.The yarrow is ready to harvest if you smell a rich, spicy scent.Wait a few days and then check again if you can't smell anything.
Step 4: Pick up the yarrow in the morning.
Wait for the morning to dry so the plant doesn't get wet.It can help to harvest on a sunny day.
Step 5: Wear gloves to protect your hands.
Some people have an allergic reaction to handling the yarrow plant.If you want to harvest the yarrow, wear a pair of gardening gloves.It's a good idea to wash your hands after handling yarrow.
Step 6: Prune shears can be used to cut the yarrow above the ground.
If you want to cut a single yarrow, you have to take clean shears and cut it above the soil.If you want to harvest several stalks, gather them together in the palm of your hand.You can use the shears in your other hand to cut the yarrow.You can harvest up to 10 stalks at a time.The leaves, flowers, stems, and roots of the plant can be used.
Step 7: Yarrow tea can be used to relieve nausea.
Take 1 cup of boiling water and put it into a mug with a small amount of yarrow flowers or dried flowers.If you want to strain the tea, steep it for 10 to 15 minutes.You should drink up to 3 cups a day.If you want to change the flavor of the tea, add honey or Agave syrup and lemon slices.
Step 8: It's a good idea to mix a yarrow tincture.
5 ounces of alcohol can be put into a glass container.Put the lid on the container and stir in 1 ounce of dried yarrow.Take the tincture for 6 to 8 weeks and strain it.Light won't damage the tincture so store it in a dark bottle.Tinctures can last a long time.
Step 9: An herbal bath can be used for menstrual or post-partum relief.
It is possible to relieve menstrual pains with yarrow.Put yarrow with other herbs in a bag.Add a bag of herbs to the bath.Take 20 minutes in the tub.For 1 bath, mix together: 1/2 cup of sea salt, 1 ounce of lavender blossoms, and 14 ounces of witch hazel.