What is the plant yarrow good for?
Yarrow contains chemicals that might help to stop stomachcramps and fight infections. People commonly use yarrow for eczema, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), wound healing, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Yarrow is sometimes called bloodwort. As a magical herb Yarrow is renowned for its protective qualities. Bruise a few leaves and place in your navel to ward off negative energy or psychic attack. It can be included in a smudge stick for the purpose of clearing negative energy from a house or person.Native American uses Common yarrow is used by Plains Indigenous peoples, such as the Pawnee, who use the stalk for pain relief. The Cherokee drink a tea of common yarrow to reduce fever and aid in restful sleep. The occidentalis variety is used medicinally by the Zuni people.Modern science has confirmed many of yarrow’s traditional medicinal properties. Its healing ability comes mostly from the alkaloid achilleine, which helps wounds heal over by encouraging blood clotting.One should use fresh or dried Yarrow leaves: first remove the finely branched portions of the leaves from the central petiole/midrib. Discard the petiole and crush or grind the fresh or dried remainder and apply directly to wounds.
What are the magical benefits of yarrow?
Protection and Warding: Yarrow is considered by many to be a protective herb. Witches might use it to create charms, sachets, or talismans to ward off negative energies, evil spirits, or hexes. It was also believed that yarrow could be used to create a protective boundary or circle during rituals or spellwork. Yarrow, revered for its magickal properties, plays a significant role in various rituals associated with love, protection, courage, dispelling negativity, and divination.Harvesting/Vase Life Harvest when at least three-quarters of the florets are open on the flower heads and the pollen is showing. If picked too early, the flowers will wilt and not recover. Yarrows are notorious for making their water dark and murky overnight, even with floral preservative.In astrology Yarrow is ruled by Venus, the planet of love and was a popular ingredient in love spells and charms. It was hung in bunches at doors and windows to ward off evil and worn as a talisman for this purpose too. Yarrow is associated with courage, healing and balance.Yarrow’ is irresistible to pollinators, but can be poisonous to dogs and cats if consumed in large enough amounts. The plant is of medicinal value to humans, however.How to identify. Yarrow has dark green, finely divided, feathery leaves. It has flat-topped clusters of white flower heads, each comprising yellowish disc florets and pinky-white ray florets – together they give the impression of one flower with a yellow centre and white petals.
Is yarrow poisonous to dogs?
Yarrow’ is irresistible to pollinators, but can be poisonous to dogs and cats if consumed in large enough amounts. The plant is of medicinal value to humans, however. If desired, apply a thin layer of compost around the base of plants in spring. Pruning: Pruning yarrow plants helps to maintain a more compact habit and encourage new blooms. In early spring, cut back dead stems before new growth emerges. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms.Cultivated varieties with white, yellow, gold, pink, or red flowers are staples in home gardens throughout the world. Yarrow attracts butterflies, bees and other insects, making it a nice addition to a pollinator garden.The yarrow plant has alternating, fern-like leaves that are themselves made up of many leaflets. Generally the flowers bloom throughout the summer, beginning in June and ending in September. Yarrow mainly attracts bees and beetles as pollinators, but will also attract some butterflies.Wait until the dew has dried, but before the plants’ essential oils have dissipated in the heat of the day. Harvest yarrow on a warm, sunny day when the plants are in full bloom. Cut the stem just above a leaf node. You can use both the flowers and the leaves.You can adjust your care of yarrow plants to promote more compact growth and prevent the stems from falling over. Just prune the plants back by one third after the first set of flowers fade. Then cut back new growth near the base of the plant after the second flush of flowers finish their show.
Who should not use yarrow?
Yarrow may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Pregnant women should not take yarrow. Its ability to relax the smooth muscle of the uterus could cause miscarriage. At least one study found that yarrow was associated with reduced fetal weight in rats. Nowadays, science proves that yarrow helps with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) because of its ability to improve gastric secretions, along with its anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic effects in the gut. Yarrow also contains flavonoids and alkaloids, known to relieve digestive complaints.Yarrow also has potential to protect our kidneys and livers against infections and inflammation. One study found that supplementing with yarrow reduced the markers of kidney disease in patients with chronic kidney disease. And yarrow can also be used to treat kidney stones.Yarrow tea can have side effects on some individuals. These include allergic reactions, upset stomach, nausea and dizziness. It is important to note that yarrow tea should not be consumed by pregnant or breastfeeding women as it could cause uterine contractions which could lead to miscarriage.The flavonoids and alkaloids in yarrow tea may help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Where does yarrow grow best?
Soil: Yarrow is tolerant of a range of soil types, performing best in lean, well-drained soil. If soil is too rich, it can cause plants to flop. Poorly draining soil may lead to root rot. Deadheading’s not just beneficial to prolong blooming, however. Yarrow’s faded flowers can look untidy. Deadheading them gives the plant a neater appearance,’ says Gene. Bear in mind, too, that deadheading stops the plant spreading.Planting Location Grow Yarrow in full sun. If the plant receives shade during the day, the stems may be spindly and need support. Yarrow is not picky about soil, but it does need to drain well.Some yarrow can become weedy and aggressive by spreading rapidly from invasive rhizomes. Deadhead early to promote a longer blooming period and prevent seedlings. Foliage can be cut to ground mid-spring to produce shorter, stockier stems. Leave basal foliage over winter to provide protection, cut back in spring.Low-light plants like coral bells and hosta are not a good fit to plant with yarrow. Even plants with similar care needs may not work well, depending on how they are planted. A tall shrub or tree that blocks sunlight and keeps yarrow in the shade will not be a good neighboring plant.
Why is yarrow called devil’s nettle?
Yarrow’s nickname “devil’s nettle” comes from its long history and association with both healing and protective folklore. Traditional beliefs held that yarrow could ward off evil spirits, and it was often used in protective charms. Yarrow requires regular pruning and deadheading in order to keep the plant in continuous bloom. It can be easily grown from seed and doesn’t require much attention once the plant has been established.Yarrow, as a spiritual plant, holds associations with protection, warding, and the establishment of boundaries. This belief transcends geographical boundaries, extending its influence wherever the plant thrives across the globe.Protection and Warding: Yarrow is considered by many to be a protective herb. Witches might use it to create charms, sachets, or talismans to ward off negative energies, evil spirits, or hexes. It was also believed that yarrow could be used to create a protective boundary or circle during rituals or spellwork.Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms. When cutting back yarrow after flowering, trim plants back by up to half their size for a possible rebloom in fall.