Yarrow
The yarrow plant grows in pastures, in meadows, and along roadsides. It stands ten to twenty inches tall and has many downy, toothed leaves, white or pale rose flowers, and oblong fruit. Achilles is said to have been the first to use yarrow to cure wounds; hence its scientific name Achillea millefolium. The leaves and fruits are now used to treat hemorrhages, ulcers, and chicken pox, and to heal mucous membranes, ease diarrhea, and improve blood clotting. Yarrow contains potassium, tannins, and vitamin C, as well as other chemicals and nutrients.
Precautions and Recommendations
- Yarrow interferes with absorption of iron and other minerals.
- Use yarrow mouthwash to promote healing of cuts in mouth due to surgery, teeth cleaning, and braces. (See Using Herbs, Mouthwash Preparation, in Part Three.)
From The Complete Book of Dental Remedies by Flora Parsa Stay, DDS, ©1996. Published by Avery Publishing, New York. For personal use only; neither the digital nor printed copy may be copied or sold. Reproduced by permission.