Yarrow

Like Yarrow, other members of the Aster family include Brown-Eyed Susan, Chamomile, Coneflower, Fringed Aster, Goldenrod, Sage, and Smooth Aster.

Yarrow and Goldenrod are the most prolific plants in the garden.

Yarrow leaves contain protein, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium, copper, iron, and manganese. (Marles et al., p.  118)

Because it's bitter, yarrow can be used as a hops subsitute.  It's also an ingredient in Vermouth. (Krohn, "Yarrow")

As we weeded the garden one day Maria told us that if you get stung by a bee, take the white flower part of yarrow, chew it up, and press it on the bite for about 15 minutes for pain relief. 

The leaves can be rubbed on the skin as an insect repellant. (MacKinnon et al., p. 357) A United States Army study showed that yarrow was was better than DEET as an insect repellant (Gray, p. 183). Burn the dried stalks like incense to keep away mosquitoes (Keane, p. 66).

For skin rashes or sores, the dried flower heads can be boiled into a wash (Cree Elder - Pelican Bay, Cree Elder - Northwestern Alberta region, Métis Elder - Sucker Creek First Nation, published in Marles et al., p. 117).  The leaves can be used as a wash for pimples or mosquito bites (Dene Elder -Fond du Lac, published in Marles et al., p. 117).  You can also mix it with lard to apply the yarrow to infected sores (Cree Elder - Pelican Bay, published in Marles et al., p. 117).  Swelling can be reduced by drinking a tea made from the yarrow root (Cree Elder, Nelson House MB, published in Marles et al., p. 117).  Yarrow's anti-inflammatory activity comes from chamazulene and prochamazulenes which are alkaloids (Bradley 1992 in Marles et al., p 118).

Yarrow helps to stop bleeding and relieve pain.  It is scientifically confirmed to improve resurfacing of skin cells, among many other benefits (Foster & Duke, p. 109).  Yarrow's ability to check bleeding comes from the alkaloid called achilleine (Bradley 1992 in Marles et al., p. 118).  You can stop nosebleeds by placing a gently chewed leaf in your nostril.  The leaves and flowers also have the ability to stop internal bleeding (Gray, p. 179).  The painkiller tea is made by mixing the yarrow with another plant (Cree Elder - Shoal Lake, published in Marles et al., p. 117).

For headaches, dry the leaves and/or flowers and place them in the nostrils.  You can also use the above-ground parts in a poultice to the head for headaches and migranes. (Cree Elders, Nelson House MB, published in Marles et al., p. 116-7) or steeped tea (Plants Growing Along the River, yarrow).  Another headache treatment is to burn the flowers or leaves and inhale the smoke (Dene Elder - Stony Rapids, Dene Elder - Black Lake, published in Marles et al., p. 117). 

For blood regulation, yarrow can help lower blood pressure (Gray, p, 180) and help regulate the menstrual cycle (Belacourt, p. 65).  The flowers can treat menstrual cramps, labor pains, and stop hemorrhaging (Cree Elder - Pelican Bay, and Dene Elder, published in Marles et al., p. 116).  If you have cold hands and feet, the yarrow tea will help warm you up by promoting blood circulation (Gray, p. 180).

For diabetes, the dried leaves can be made into a drink (Cree Elders - Nelson House, published in Marles et al., p. 117).

The leaf tea has been used for fever, cold and flu (CBC News, Medicine Walk at Wanuskewin, 2:40).  One reason for yarrow's effectiveness may be its sweat-inducing qualities (Foster & Duke, p. 109).  Yarrow is also a mild stimulant to get rid of excess phlegm (Gray, p. 180).  The flower can treat sinus or chest congestion (Cree Elder - Nelson House, published in Marles et al., p. 117) or a sore chest (Cree Elder - James Smith 100 Reserve, published in Marles et al., p. 117).

The tea also treats measles, smallpox, chickenpox, hemorrhoids, lung ailments, and helps clear mucus discharges from the bladder (Belacourt, p.65).  You can fumigate the room where someone is sick with the smoke from burning yarrow (Dene Elder -Fond du Lac, published in Marles et al., p. 117).

You can relieve muscle sprains or strains by chewing yarrow root and applying it to the area. (Belacourt, p.65) Arthritis and aching bones can be treated by adding the whole plant to a hot bath soak, or as a poultice for the back (Cree Elders - Nelson House, published in Marles et al., p. 117).

It can also help with stomach indigestion, bloating, flatulence, and nausea (Gray, p. 180) and to regain lost appetite (Cree Elder, Pelican Bay, published in Marles et al., p. 116), and for diarrhea (Cree Elder - Chitek Lake, published in Marles et al., p. 117).

Treat a sore throat, inflamed gums, or mouth infections by gargling with yarrow (Gray, p. 180).  For toothaches, the yarrow root mixed with other plants can be applied directly to the tooth or in the form of a drink (Leighton 1985 in Marles et al., p. 117).