Yarrow, or what the Ancients called Achillea after Achilles, the legendary warrior. In battle, Yarrow was used to speed up the blood clotting and to stop haemorrhaging. Crushed, the leaves can be put directly onto cuts, and used for nose bleeds and earache, and even chewed for toothache.
Yarrow is also probably the best fever remedy. While we’ve been draped in cold and flu this week, I’ve managed to drag myself to the field across from us, and pick some handfuls of Yarrow. Yarrow is a fantastic fever remedy. It makes you sweat, and lowers your blood pressure.
Simple, easy and quick.
At the same time, steeping a few of the flowers in boiling water makes a rather sweet, if slightly unusual tasting tea.