Yarrow Tincture

In the spring we found Yarrow growing wild in the yard, just a tiny little plant that hadn't been growing long.  We carefully transplanted it to the herb garden, where it flourished!  Here is a picture of the yarrow growing alongside some purple sage!  Those tiny white flowers brought so much beauty to our garden - but my main interest in this plant was for it's medicinal uses!

I harvested flowers, stems and leaves to create a tincture.  It was distilled in 80 proof vodka for 6 weeks and then placed in sterilized 1 oz glass bottles with droppers.

I primarily use yarrow tincture to help ease menstrual cramps!  If you have ever experienced painful menstrual cramps, you can imagine my excitement in finding a natural remedy to help ease that pain! I find it helps take the edge off of my cramps, and slows the heavy bleeding so I generally suffer a lot less when I use this tincture. Here is an overview of the medicinal uses of this amazing plant!

Relief of menstrual cramps & stomach cramps
Yarrow has antispasmodic properties which makes it perfect for menstrual cramps and stomach cramps.  It is an effective uterine relaxant and also helps reduce heavy bleeding.  It will also relieve stomach cramps and indigestion.  Take 1/4 to 1/2 a teaspoon mixed with water, up to 3 times a day while symptoms persist.  Oddly enough, Yarrow tincture can also be used to induce a late period, and to induce labor.  Should not be used by pregnant women.

Wound care
Yarrow is an antiseptic and a styptic - meaning that it helps stop bleeding.  To use on a cut or open wound, soak a clean cotton cloth in the tincture and apply to the wound with gentle pressure until bleeding has stopped.  Obviously for deep wounds or heavy bleeding, get immediate medical attention.  Yarrow tincture can also be used as a face cleanser to treat acne - use a clean cotton cloth soaked with yarrow tincture to wash your face (careful to avoid the eyes) and follow up with your favorite moisturizer to avoid over-drying your skin with the alcohol in the tincture.

Precautions
Always talk to your doctor and let them know what herbal remedies you are using or thinking of using - it may interact with other medications or be unwise to use with certain health conditions.  Do your research and read other sources of information on any herb before deciding if you want to use it or not.  This information is provided to inform, not as medical advice.  Everyone reacts differently to different supplements, use caution especially if you have never used this before.

I have just a few bottles of this tincture available for sale.  I will be at the Evergreen Fall Arts and Crafts Fair on December 2 with these available to purchase.  After that (if any are left) they will be available on my Etsy shop!