Gathering Yarrow
Locate and identify yarrow. You can find yarrow in a variety of soils. It thrives in lawns, meadows, riverbeds, and fields. Look for stalks that reach 1 to 3 feet (0.3 to 0.9 m) high with fern-like blossoms. During the summer, the heads of yarrow will flower into white or yellow blooms. Each yarrow head will have a few clusters of flowers. Yarrow looks similar to Queen Anne's lace, but yarrow flowers don't spread as widely as the flowers of Queen Anne's lace. Yarrow also lacks the center spot that Queen Anne's lace has.
Plan to harvest yarrow when it blooms in the summer. Pay attention to when the stalks of yarrow put on buds and wait a few weeks for the buds to open. Most yarrow plants in the northern part of the U.S. bloom between July and September while southern yarrow blooms between late-April and June. If you're unsure when the yarrow in your area will bloom, watch for the buds. They should bloom within a few weeks.
Check the yarrow flowers before you harvest. Once the white flowers have completely opened on the yarrow plants, pluck off a few leaves with your fingers. Rub the leaves in the palms of your hand and then smell. If you smell a rich, spicy fragrance, the yarrow is ready to harvest. If you can't smell anything, wait a few days and then check again.
Gather the yarrow late in the morning. Wait for the morning dew to dry so the plant isn't wet. It can also help to harvest on a sunny day since the moisture will evaporate faster.
Wear gloves to protect your hands from contact dermatitis. Although it's rare, some people develop an allergic reaction from handling the yarrow plant, especially when harvesting large quantities. To prevent skin irritation and redness, wear a pair of gardening gloves to harvest the yarrow. It's also a good idea to wash your hands after harvesting and handling the yarrow.
Use pruning shears to cut the yarrow 2 in (5 cm) above the ground. If you want to cut a single stalk or 2, take clean pruning shears and cut the yarrow stalk 2 in (5 cm) above the soil. If you'd like to harvest several stalks, gather them together in the palm of 1 of your hands. Use the pruning shears in your other hand to cut the yarrow near the ground. You can harvest up to 10 stalks at a time by gathering them together. Use the leaves, flowers, stems, and roots of the plant.
Using Harvested Yarrow
Brew yarrow tea to relieve nausea, headache, and fever. Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of boiling water into a mug with 1 tablespoon (1 g) of fresh, chopped yarrow flowers or 1 teaspoon (1 g) of dried flowers. Steep the tea for 10 to 15 minutes and then strain the tea. Sip it slowly and drink up to 3 cups every day. If you'd like to adjust the flavor of the tea, stir in honey or agave syrup and add lemon slices.
Mix a yarrow tincture to use in compresses, lotions, or salves. Pour 5 ounces (147 ml) of alcohol that's at least 80-proof into a glass container. Stir in 1 ounce (28 g) of dried yarrow and put the lid on the container. Let the tincture infuse for 6 to 8 weeks and then strain it. Store the tincture in a dark bottle so light won't damage it. Tinctures can last several years when prepared properly.
Create an herbal bath for menstrual or postpartum relief. Yarrow can relieve common menstrual pains and provide relief after childbirth. Mix yarrow with other herbs and fill a muslin or cotton bag with the combination. Then run a bath with hot water and add the bag of herbs. Soak in the tub for 20 minutes. For 1 bath, mix together: 1/4 cup (59 g) of sea salt 0.5 ounces (14 g) of lavender blossoms 0.5 ounces (14 g) of plantain leaf 0.5 ounces (14 g) of witch hazel 0.5 ounces (14 g) of yarrow 0.5 ounces (14 g) of calendula 0.5 ounces (14 g) of chamomile
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