| Author |
Herbal Wisdom:  Yarrow Tincture - A Summer Project  |
|
babs
True Blue Farmgirl
226 Posts
Babette
MN
USA
226 Posts |
 Posted - Oct 02 2006 : 08:02:20 AM
|
Hi Everyone,
I see someone shared a lemon balm tincture. I'm so glad to see the sharing of herbal wisdom here. I am a huge proponent of natural medicine. It is so much better for us.
My children can not tolerate antibiotics and antibiotic creams are completely ineffectual. Not a good thing when you have a diabetic daughter who insists on running the farm barefoot. We always follow any wound care up with a dose of "Yarrow Juice", and I tell you is sure does the trick. My youngest stepped on a nail this past summer. When the leading antibacterial cream failed us miserably, I washed the wound with Yarrow Juice, bandaged it with my Healing Salve and then had her drink a shot for good measure. It was all healed up in 2 days.
This is definetly something that I think should be in every womans medicine cabinet, and it's so easy you can make it yourself.
How To Make A Yarrow Tincture -
First I went out and collected yarrow heads, snipping them off into my basket. Snip only the clean white ones, none that are browning or look to be slightly pink or any other color.
You are going to want to have your clean mason jar and lids ready so if you havent washed them yet do that now.
I snipped the flower heads again in my sink to just under the blossom heads. Snipping them long just helps to keep them fresh while you are out collecting. Then I rinsed and rinsed and rinsed. It takes a lot of cool water washes to rinse all the sand (and yes, little bugs) out of the dense flower clusters.
Place the blossoms in a strainer now and try to get as much water out of the plant material as you can. Dont press just let it drip.
When that step is finished take your yarrow and very lightly pack it into the jar. Your going to need to leave a little head room, about an inch of space or so is good.
Next fill the jar, pouring over your plant material with plain vodka covering the top of the plant material. Cap tightly. Store in a cool dark cupboard and remember to shake once or twice daily. The tincture is ready in six weeks at which point you can strain out the yarrow.
To Use: I take one tsp and stir it into 1c of water and drink it down. You should barely taste it. The flavor becomes stronger the longer you let it sit. Note: Do not use a metal measuring spoon. I keep an assortment of plastic measuring spoons for this use.
Yarrow tincture counters all bacteria internally and externally, and also repels insects. However, if you intend to use yarrow as bug spray you might want to make a second tincture using rubbing alcohol, (make it the same way) as it will save you trouble from the beach or park rangers, plus its less costly than vodka. ;)
Babs
Country Egg
www.countryegg.com |
|
|
Hideaway Farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1553 Posts
Jo
Virginia
USA
1553 Posts |
Posted - Oct 02 2006 : 12:16:56 PM
|
Babs,
this sounds great. I have never even heard of yarrow, but will need to check this out further. If you can, make sure you send this to Diane under the Farmgirl (FG) Cookbook..the deadline for recipe submittal is TODAY.
Thanks for the specific instructions...I guess I am going to be getting to know the lady at the liquor store on a first name basis...scary, huh? Especially if she sees my car and grabs a bottle of Smirnoff off the shelf for me. LOL
Love the idea of bug spray too.
Vodka Jo
Jo |
Edited by - Hideaway Farmgirl on Oct 13 2006 12:17:03 PM |
 |
|
|
grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Oct 02 2006 : 1:02:16 PM
|
Babs
glad to hear that someone else uses herbal medicine. I have used this same tincture on my animals as well. Keep up the great work. I also went to your site (Great, Great, Great) I would love to know if you have a printed catalog? I am wanting to get back into raising chickens and would love to see what I can do with you (a farmgirl).
Keep picking those herbs and flowers.
Grace
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep |
|
|
|
BarefootGoatGirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1495 Posts
Corrine
North Carolina
USA
1495 Posts |
Posted - Oct 02 2006 : 4:22:06 PM
|
Thanks for the info, Babs! I use yarrow for an immune booster when those nasty flu bugs are going around in late winter. It is on my list of herbs to add to my garden (once I get the raised beds in).
Trina
'
Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. Proverbs 27:23 |
|
|
|
farmgrlchick
True Blue Farmgirl
439 Posts
Theresa
Columbus
Montana
USA
439 Posts |
Posted - Oct 03 2006 : 6:47:52 PM
|
I have lots of yarrow, I never thought to use it this way. I was wondering what you use for healing salve ? Thanks!
Farmgirl Blessings,
Theresa
http://theresaslavenderbox.blogspot.com/ |
|
|
|
babs
True Blue Farmgirl
226 Posts
Babette
MN
USA
226 Posts |
Posted - Oct 18 2006 : 4:30:50 PM
|
Hi Grace,
I wish I felt more confident about using herbs on my animals. At this point I try to treat them as little as possible with anything because I'm just a little afraid of messing up on dosages.
Thanks for looking at my site. I have a catalog for the quail, but not for the chickens. If you go back and look, I just uploaded nearly 200 show quality chicken breeds from a local breeder. The only sticker is that I have no pictures. Do you think I should still bother with a catalog?
Babs
Country Egg
www.countryegg.com |
|
|
|
babs
True Blue Farmgirl
226 Posts
Babette
MN
USA
226 Posts |
Posted - Oct 18 2006 : 4:36:19 PM
|
Theresa,
There are many recipes online. Everyone seems to have their own way of making it.
However, the basic ingredients are usually plantain, chickweed and comfrey.
Babs
Country Egg
www.countryegg.com |
|
|
|
Hideaway Farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1553 Posts
Jo
Virginia
USA
1553 Posts |
Posted - Nov 20 2006 : 08:07:48 AM
|
Babs,
I am trying to identify yarrow in the wild...can't seyarrowem to be certain what I have is the right plant. Should I just find a nursery that sells the plant? I am very interested in expanding my tinture-making capabilities; I am having a grand time making the lemon balm tincture per Kathy of the Enchanted Woods' recipe.
I am also willing to trade 1 oz. bottles of my own lemon balm tincture for other farmgirl-made tinctures, if anyone is interested?
Jo
"There are no strangers here, only friends you've yet to meet." |
|
|
|
GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
|
|
Marybeth
True Blue Farmgirl
6418 Posts
Mary Beth
Stanwood
Wa 98292
USA
6418 Posts |
Posted - Nov 20 2006 : 08:58:54 AM
|
Yarrow is ACHILLEA. A perennial grown in all zones. Common yarrow is ACHILLEA millefolium
www.strawberryhillsfarm.blogspot.com
"Life may not be the party we hoped for...but while we are here we might as well dance!" |
|
|
|
babs
True Blue Farmgirl
226 Posts
Babette
MN
USA
226 Posts |
|
|
Hideaway Farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1553 Posts
Jo
Virginia
USA
1553 Posts |
Posted - Nov 21 2006 : 11:36:40 AM
|
Babs,
i will send you an email to discuss further offline. Thanks for the tips about the right type of yarrow.
Jo
"There are no strangers here, only friends you've yet to meet." |
|
|
|
Hideaway Farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1553 Posts
Jo
Virginia
USA
1553 Posts |
Posted - Dec 19 2006 : 05:33:29 AM
|
Babs, I received the package from you today; thanks for the tincture and for the milk bath tea! Am suffering a nasty cold right now, so I will take your tonic ASAP and hopefully, be cured by morning!
Jo
"There are no strangers here, only friends you've yet to meet." |
Edited by - Hideaway Farmgirl on Dec 19 2006 05:33:49 AM |
|
|
|
Hideaway Farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1553 Posts
Jo
Virginia
USA
1553 Posts |
Posted - Jun 25 2007 : 06:27:38 AM
|
Babs, (and other farmgirls)
Glad to report that I now have half a dozen yarrow plants growing in my herb garden.
I see that Babs' recipe for yarrow juice is made using only the flowers, NOT the leaves. Is there any benefit to be gained from the leaves of the yarrow plant in the yarrow juice recipe or in other ways? Just asking, since I am used to making other tinctures using leaves...and I hate to waste all those leaves!
Jo
"There are no strangers here, only friends you've yet to meet." |
|
|
|
GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
Posted - Jun 25 2007 : 06:53:47 AM
|
dry the leaves and use them in tea. the tea is good for tummy aches.
You can also dry the flowers and save them in a jar. when your face needs a boost, you can take a bit of flowers and put them in a bowl and pour water over it at a 2:1 ratio. It makes a nice astringent when the water cools. There are plent of uses for the whole plant, you just have to do some digging.
There is one site that says yarrow is a good garden companion in the dirt and as a bug repellant-which makes sense.
I use it mixed 1:1 with catnip tincture for a bug repellant. There was a study done recently that touted catnip's benefit as a bug repellant-it outshone deet!
anyhow, there's what I know about yarrow.
It's simply a pretty flower too...
~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose
Blogs: http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
http://tasharose365.wordpress.com/
Homepage:
http://gaiasrose.etsy.com
http://ForestFaeries.etsy.com
Birth is safe, interference is risky; TRUST BIRTH |
|
|
|
Hideaway Farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1553 Posts
Jo
Virginia
USA
1553 Posts |
Posted - Jun 25 2007 : 07:14:38 AM
|
Thanks, Tasha!
I have read that yarrow is superb for helping compost break down, using one leaf per wheelbarrow-lad of compost. No wonder it clears up infections and wounds so well! I'll have to do some more digging...in more ways than one.
Jo
"There are no strangers here, only friends you've yet to meet." |
Edited by - Hideaway Farmgirl on Jun 29 2007 04:50:17 AM |
|
|
|
Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22937 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22937 Posts |
Posted - Jun 25 2007 : 08:45:10 AM
|
Thanks for reviving this topic. I want to try this! I think I even know where some Yarrow grows!
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for tying, one hand to hold Nora! |
|
|
|
Huckelberrywine
True Blue Farmgirl
1607 Posts
Michelle
Rosalia
1607 Posts |
Posted - Jun 25 2007 : 09:32:08 AM
|
Yarrow/catnip bug repellant, now there is something I would love to use. I've never made a tincture, could you share how to do it? Do you end up with something you splash/spray on and then mosquitoes won't bite?
We make a difference. |
|
|
|
Hideaway Farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1553 Posts
Jo
Virginia
USA
1553 Posts |
Posted - Jun 26 2007 : 11:04:56 AM
|
Michelle,
Scroll back to the first post (page 1) where Babs wrote out her recipe for making yarrow tincture. She shared a bottle of her yarrow juice with me last year. For internal issues you take a teaspoon or so...externally I suppose you wet a cotton ball with it and apply to affected area, unless you put into an aromatizer bottle...hmmm, another good idea.
I now have my first batch of yarrow tincture perc'ing away in my cupboard. I'm also on my fourth batch of Lemon Balm tincture, using "Kathy of the Enchanted Wood" 's recipe at: http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/snitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4321
Good luck!
Jo
"There are no strangers here, only friends you've yet to meet." |
|
|
|
Huckelberrywine
True Blue Farmgirl
1607 Posts
Michelle
Rosalia
1607 Posts |
Posted - Jun 26 2007 : 3:35:11 PM
|
Okay, got my jars, snippers, alcohol, yarrow and catnip. I guess I make a tincture of yarrow and one of catnip, then mix in equal parts and fill my atomizer and I don't have to smell like Deet? Happy dance! Of course, I may need cat repellant. One thing at a time. :)
We make a difference. |
|
|
|
babs
True Blue Farmgirl
226 Posts
Babette
MN
USA
226 Posts |
Posted - Jun 27 2007 : 5:11:23 PM
|
Hey Jo - I read this a couple days ago and it just isn't sitting right with me.. Are you sure you don't mean comfrey? I can't imagine such a teeny tiny ferny yarrow leaf doing any amount of noticable good. However Comfrey is well known for its composting superpowers. ;)
Babs
quote:
Originally posted by Hideaway Farmgirl
I have read that yarrow is superb for helping compost break down, using one leaf per wheelbarrow-lad of compost. <snip>
Jo
My NEW store: www.mugwortmaggies.com
Laundry Soap at Etsy: www.mugwortmaggies.etsy.com
Connect to me on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/mugwortmaggie
|
|
|
|
Huckelberrywine
True Blue Farmgirl
1607 Posts
Michelle
Rosalia
1607 Posts |
Posted - Jun 27 2007 : 9:13:24 PM
|
Oh dear. Well, I just had a visit this weekend with Dr. Rich Old (pg. 171 Ideabook) and he did mention and point out the lovely Yarrow and its astringent properties. Of course, the alcohol has astringent properties...hmmm. Well, I'm up for an experiment that may mean no deet required anyway. If it doesn't work, what have I lost? I may itch and smell funny, and have the cat licking me... ew.
We make a difference. |
|
|
|
Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22937 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22937 Posts |
Posted - Jun 27 2007 : 9:53:10 PM
|
Michelle- ROFL!
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for tying, one hand to hold Nora! |
|
|
|
babs
True Blue Farmgirl
226 Posts
Babette
MN
USA
226 Posts |
|
|
Hideaway Farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1553 Posts
Jo
Virginia
USA
1553 Posts |
Posted - Jun 28 2007 : 04:59:39 AM
|
Babs,
I most definitely defer to your yarrow expertise, and I don't know if the composting ability is true or not; it was in my Herb and Plant book, and also mentioned on a couple of websites when I researched yarrow. Seems like wrong proportions to me, too (only 1 leaf per wheelbarrow-load) so I am glad you jumped back into this topic!
Back to my original question, is there anything I can do with the leaves from the yarrow plant? It just seems to be a shame to use the flowers only.
Thanks,
Jo
"There are no strangers here, only friends you've yet to meet." |
Edited by - Hideaway Farmgirl on Jun 29 2007 04:51:36 AM |
|
|
|
GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
|
|
Herbal Wisdom: Yarrow Tincture - A Summer Project |
|
Yarrow Tincture - A Summer Project
