YARROW—

 

Yarrow grew where ground was disturbed—along paths, fields, and open grass. It spread readily and returned after cutting. The flowering tops were taken in high summer, cut clean and dried quickly. Roots were seldom kept.

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The plant was handled fresh or lightly dried. Leaves and flowers were bruised, pressed, or set into simple preparations. Heat altered it. Prolonged storage weakened it. It was used soon after harvest or remade each season.

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Yarrow does not favor excess. Too much handling rendered it bitter and coarse. Old material lost its sharpness. It was taken in small measure and not kept for long use.

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It appeared wherever injury or sudden illness were common. 

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It was associated with open ground and midsummer cutting.

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