Harvesting Yarrow: A Guide for Medicinal Use and Homesteading Income

If you’re looking for easy ways to make money on your homestead, harvesting native plants and herbs for homesteading income and medicinal benefits might be a great way to go. That’s what we’re focusing on today so let’s learn all about harvesting Yarrow: a guide for medicinal uses and homesteading income.

Yarrow has quickly become one of my favorite Oklahoma native herbs. It smells delicious and it is so easy to identify and to harvest!

So let’s dive right in! Keep reading to learn all about Yarrow.

Legal Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not medical professionals, and we do not offer medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health. Use of any information provided in this article is solely at your own risk.

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What Is Yarrow?

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a revered herb among herbal enthusiasts, foragers, and natural medicine lovers. Known for its versatile healing properties and potential as a source of homesteading income, yarrow is a valuable addition to any herb garden or natural medicine cabinet.

Yarrow, scientifically known as Achillea millefolium, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its numerous health benefits. Its name is derived from Achilles, the Greek hero, who is said to have used yarrow to treat his soldiers’ wounds on the battlefield. It is commonly found in North America, Asia and Europe and grows up to three feet tall with white or pink flower clusters.

Where is Yarrow Native?

Yarrow is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia. It thrives in a variety of habitats, such as meadows, grasslands, and roadsides. Its adaptability makes it a common sight in both wild and cultivated settings.

Yarrow tends to thrive in growing zones from 3 to 9 so odds are good you’ve come across Yarrow at some point in your life.

Medicinal Uses of Yarrow

Yarrow has a long history of medicinal use in various cultures, including Greek, Chinese, and Native American. It is known for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, diuretic, and analgesic properties. Here are some common uses of yarrow in natural medicine:

• Wound Healing: Due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, yarrow is commonly used to treat wounds and cuts. Its astringent nature also promotes blood clotting and helps stop bleeding.
• Digestive Health: Yarrow promotes digestion by stimulating bile production and improving overall gut health.
• Cold and Flu Relief: Yarrow can help alleviate symptoms of the common cold and flu, such as fever, congestion, and cough.
• Menstrual Health: Yarrow has been traditionally used to regulate menstrual cycles and ease symptoms of PMS, such as cramps and bloating.
• Skin Care: The anti-inflammatory properties of yarrow make it a popular ingredient in natural skin care products for conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne.

Useful Resources That Teach About Herbs and Foraging

I am not a certified herbalist, nor am I a medical professional. For even more in-depth learning about this topic, check out these resources:

• Inner Vector Naturopaths – If you’re in Northeast Oklahoma or Northwest Arkansas, Dr. Taylor Goodwin, N.D., regularly holds free and premium herbalism classes.
• Eat The Weeds: A Forager’s Guide to Identifying and Harvesting 274 Wild Foods (by Deane Jordan)

Eat the Weeds: A Forager’s Guide to Identifying and Harvesting 274 Wild Foods

 

• Herbal Medicine: Trends and Traditions (A Comprehensive Sourcebook on the Preparation and Use of Medicinal Plants) (by Charles W. Kane)

Herbal Medicine: Trends and Traditions (A Comprehensive Sourcebook on the Preparation and Use of Medicinal Plants)

 

By tapping into these diverse resources, you’ll constantly discover new techniques and insights, ensuring you stay inspired and informed on your path to personal and professional growth.

What Parts of the Yarrow Plant Are Useful?

Every part of the yarrow plant is useful in some way, whether it’s for medicinal purposes or homesteading income. Here are the different parts of the yarrow plant and their potential uses:

• Flowers: The flowers of the yarrow plant can be used fresh or dried to make herbal teas and tinctures. They are also a popular ingredient in natural skin care products.
• Leaves: Yarrow leaves can be consumed as a tea or added to salads for their nutritional benefits. They are also commonly used in natural medicine for their anti-inflammatory properties.
• Stems: Yarrow stems can be dried and used as a material for making wreaths and other decorative items.

Harvesting Yarrow

Harvesting yarrow can be a fun and rewarding activity that allows you to connect with nature while reaping its medicinal benefits. Here are some tips for harvesting yarrow:

• Identification: Before harvesting yarrow, make sure you have correctly identified the plant. Look for feathery leaves, white or pink flowers in clusters, and a distinctive scent.
• Timing: It is best to harvest yarrow

What Does Yarrow Look Like?

Identifying yarrow is relatively easy, thanks to its distinctive features:

• Leaves: Yarrow has feathery, finely divided leaves that give it a fern-like appearance. The leaves have a very distinctive odor that smells very medicinal and bitter/sour.
• Flowers: The plant produces clusters of small, white or pale pink flowers arranged in flat-topped corymbs. These blooms are slightly aromatic and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Blossoms can be found from April to October.
• Stems: Yarrow stems are typically green, sturdy, and covered with fine hairs. Yarrow can reach about 3 feet in height.

What Should I Watch For When Harvesting Yarrow?

When harvesting yarrow, it’s essential to follow sustainable foraging practices to ensure the plant’s continued growth and health. Here are some tips to consider:

1. Identify Properly: Make sure you correctly identify yarrow before harvesting. Misidentification can lead to the collection of non-medicinal or harmful plants.
2. Harvest Responsibly: Only take what you need and avoid overharvesting from a single area. Leave enough yarrow plants behind to maintain the ecosystem’s balance. Consider only harvesting leaves rather than flowers or the entire plant so that the plant can continue to live and grow, even after you’re gone. (If harvesting leaves, choose to harvest 1/3 of the plant at most so it can still remain healthy.)
3. Choose Healthy Plants: Select yarrow plants that appear healthy and free from pests or diseases. This ensures the quality and potency of the harvested material.
4. Timing: When harvesting the entire plant or the blossoms, harvest yarrow when it is in full bloom, typically during late spring to early summer. This is when the plant’s medicinal properties are at their peak. Or if only harvesting leaves, you can harvest at any time from mid-spring to late summer.

When to Harvest Yarrow

When harvesting the whole plant, the best time to harvest yarrow is in mid to late summer when the flowers are in full bloom. It’s important to wait until the flowers have fully opened and not pick them too early. This ensures that you’re getting the most medicinal benefits from the plant.

When harvesting more sustainably, you can harvest the leaves of a yarrow plant anytime from mid-spring to late summer.

How to Harvest Yarrow

When harvesting the entire yarrow plant or the yarrow flowers, you’ll need a pair of sharp scissors or garden shears and a basket or container for collecting the plants.

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Begin by cutting off the flower heads just above where they meet the stem. You can also cut off some of the leaves if desired, as they also contain beneficial properties. Be careful not to damage the stem. Or pull up the entire plant so you can use the roots too. When harvesting, make sure to only take what you need and leave enough for the plant to continue growing.

If you want to harvest more sustainably (and what we recommend), rather than taking the blossoms or the entire plant, opt to only harvest a few leaves from each plant. The leaves come off the plant quite nicely with bare hands – just grab a leave and gently pull down towards the ground. The leaf will rip right off. When harvesting in this method, only take about 1/3 of the leaves so the rest of the plant can stay behind and keep growing.

How Can I Turn Yarrow into a Source of Income on My Homestead?

Yarrow’s medicinal benefits and easy-to-grow nature make it an ideal candidate for homesteading income. Here are some ways to monetize yarrow:

1. Drying and Selling Leaves: Harvest and dry yarrow leaves, then package them for sale to herbalists, health stores, and online marketplaces. To do this, harvest your leaves, rinse them, towel-dry them, and then set them out to dry for a few days in a place with good air flow. I like to use a hanging heb drying basket for this but feel free to get creative. You can also use a dehydrator for this step.
2. Yarrow-Infused Oils and Salves: Create value-added products like yarrow-infused oils and salves. These can be marketed as natural remedies for skin conditions, inflammation, and minor wounds.
3. Crafting: Use yarrow to create decorative wreaths, dreamcatchers, and other crafts for sale at farmers’ markets or online.
4. Herbal Workshops: Share your knowledge of yarrow by hosting workshops on growing and using this medicinal herb. You can charge a fee for these events.

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The possibilities are endless when it comes to earning income from yarrow on your homestead. Just make sure to follow sustainable harvesting practices and comply with any regulations in your area regarding the sale of herbal products.

More Tips and Tricks for Foraging Yarrow

Follow these tips and tricks for harvesting and foraging for Yarrow.

1. Respect Nature: Always forage with respect for nature and local regulations. Avoid protected areas and private property without permission.
2. Storage: Store dried yarrow in a cool, dark place in airtight containers to preserve its potency.
3. Documentation: Keep a journal of your foraging experiences, noting locations, conditions, and results. This can help improve future harvests and product quality.
4. Safety: Avoid foraging yarrow from areas that may have been sprayed with pesticides or herbicides.
5. Cleanliness: Always wash and dry harvested yarrow before using it in any medicinal preparations.
6. Control: Consider growing your own yarrow patch to ensure a sustainable supply for personal use and income generation.

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Final Thoughts On Harvesting and Working with Yarrow

By incorporating yarrow into your foraging and homesteading practices, you can enjoy a wealth of benefits that extend beyond its immediate medicinal uses. Whether you’re harvesting leaves for teas and tinctures, crafting beautiful items to sell, or even hosting educational workshops, yarrow offers an abundance of opportunities for both personal wellness and financial gain.

Remember to harvest responsibly, store your finds correctly, and respect nature, ensuring the sustainability of this incredible plant for years to come. With its versatility and myriad of uses, yarrow stands out as an essential addition to any homestead.

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