“The lizard, an exemplar of the small,
Spreads fine, adhesive digits to perform
Vertical push-ups on a sunny wall;
Bees grapple spikes of lavender, or swarm
The dill’s gold umbels and low clumps of thyme.”
-Timothy Steele
Sometimes…I stand still and close my eyes when I step out into my garden…just so I can breathe in the scents of my herbs planted in my raised garden bed and set out in clay pots on my patio. The air…is enticingly delicious smelling…with the scent of herbs…something I look forward to every year. As I deeply breathe in the aroma of Rosemary…Basil…Oregano…and Mint…my mind and heart connects me…to all the many…many ancient folks and ancestors who relied on and practiced expertly… herbalism for their families and communities. Not just my ancestors…or yours…but our collective human ancestors all over the world…who once like me… performed the very steps and practice of foraging…growing and harvesting…and then carefully preparing safe herbs for their culinary use…making their own herbal medicine… and for all the traditional ceremonies they practiced.
Civilizations have been built and thrived throughout history…partly due to natural resources provided by the land…which included the abundance of herbs and plants…that grew wild and free where they resided.
I have always been fascinated…and totally enthralled with history…especially ancient cultures. You know… I want to know how they lived…what they believed in…the food they hunted and foraged for and ate…what herbs did they use for medicine…what and how did they celebrate special events…including traditional ceremonies that they held…you know daily cultural living in their society…and community.
It is such an interesting journey…soulful in fact…learning and studying about herbs throughout human history. Herbs and plants connect us…like a life affirming green thread. Since ancient times…to our present day …herbs and plants have helped build empires and cultures…nourished our souls…healed and fed our bodies…and created sacred space as a natural but meaningful symbols in human celebrations and traditions.
We have found careful inscriptions…logged in ancient texts…or written on clay…inside tombs…and inscribed on the walls of temples…descriptions…drawings and medicinal treatments of herbs and plants to heal wounds…illness…aide in pregnancy and childbirth…burial rites…traditional ceremonies…and certain herbs used for protection from harm…and as amulets and charms.
Of course…oral teachings of herbs for medicine and food were also shared to keep the herbal traditions and medicinal herbs alive…the ancient Scots knew and respected how valuable herbs and plants were to their very survival and lives.
Herbs were also an important food source…foraged and grown in gardens for flavoring foods…as a main course for meals…added to healing soups and stews…and brewed for teas…mead…ale…beer…and braggots ( an ancient hybrid beverage between mead and beer). Herbs and plants were also used to preserve foods and added to beverages.
Now I could go on and on…sharing with you here about herbs…and their use in ancient cultures and civilizations…it really is one of my passions and interests. I am a Clinical Herbalist by vocation…and learning…exploring and personally experimenting with herbs…both culinary and medicinally…is something that I constantly pursue…and thoroughly enjoy. The wisdom of herbs…their healing abilities …including safe and accurate formulas for everyone’s use…and the civilizations and cultures they have impacted in such a positive way should never be LOST. Seasons…Traditions…And Herbs….is a portal to the ancient practice and natural healing of herbalism…and will continue to help keep herbalism alive and evolving into a safe…doable…and easily practiced Earth medicine…that anyone can learn…through mindful…careful respect…and accurate herbal protocol and herbal education.
I truly believe anyone can benefit from using safe…mindfully prepared herbs. Herbal preparation and proper use is a skill that you can continue to cultivate and develop for the rest of your life…and your health and emotional well-being will thank you for it…a million times over.
Step back in time with me…as we explore…the herbal traditions of the ancient Scots…a part of my ancestral heritage…that I am so proud of. My family name is Shaw…and I have felt my Scottish soul call and speak to me…many… many… times in my life…like an ancient mantra or chant…stirring my own ancient memory of my Scottish ancestors past…and my own sense of place in this stunning…ancient land.
I have traveled to Scotland…and it is all my heart imagined and more. Scotland is a soulful…sacred land. A land…full of beauty…history…mysticism…folklore of old…welcoming hearts…lovers of nature…herbs…plants… and all the wisdom that goes with their ancient knowledge of living and revering nature…including their long ancient history…of practicing herbalism…a legacy worthy of sharing with the world.
Ok then…let’s journey back in time…to the ancient and magical land of Scotland…a country rich in herbal history.
Herbal Love to You…
Victoria Clinical Herbalist
HONORING SCOTTISH HERBAL EDUCATION FEATURING THE HERB YARROW
The Scots have used herbs for medicine…to preserve food…ceremonies…traditions…and cooking…since ancient times…and continue herbal practice and protocol in present time.
I found during my extensive research…that many of the herbal remedies commonly prepared and used by ancient Scots…is still used today. I have included a few of those Yarrow formulas here for you to prepare…and enjoy.
The Scots were very familiar and confident… with the herbs that they used for illness…food preparation etc.
Some of the herbs they foraged and used for herbal medicine application…and culinary use are Yarrow…Nettle…Bog Myrtle…Mugwort…Wild Garlic…Tormentil…Thyme…Marjoram…Water Lily Dock…Fox Glove…Corn Bellflower etc.
My intention is to share an herb I am familiar with and the ancient Scots loved too. Yarrow was a very common and much used herb for medicine…as well as a food source…by the Scots and is a safe herb to use in most cases…I have included precautions and safety…that are important for you to follow.
YARROW (Achillea millefolium)
In GAELIC…Yarrow is known as Earr Thalamhainn (Earth tail) and it was highly respected for its magical and medicinal powers.
Yarrow has other names…Doggie’s brose…Meal and foil…Melancholy…Yarra…Stanch-girse…and Woundwort.
BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION…Yarrow has soft…feathery…fern -like foliage…pretty white lace flowers…although Yarrow can come in other pastel colors. Yarrow has a fragrance that smells light…a bit spicey…as well as fresh…with delicate floral scents. Yarrow is an herbaceous perennial that pops up during Spring season.
Yarrow can be found of course in gardens…but is found in wide open spaces such as fields…pastures and occasionally in thin forests…and is resistant to both hot and cold temperatures…as well as drought…but does not like extremely wet soil.
YARROW…Has vitamin A…C…A…K… B complex vitamins…thiamine…folate…niacin…vitamin…B9…potassium…calcium…magnesium…iron…zinc…phosphorus…flavonoids…and is anti-inflammatory…and antioxidant.
YARROW’S TASTE…This herb has a complex mix of flavors…notes of Tarragon…Anise…and a lingering taste of Hops
YARROW IS A WOUND HEALER
Yarrow was used in ancient times as a wound healer. Yarrows traditional use was to stop bleeding…and it became known as herba militaris for its use in the treatment of wounded soldiers in the army. In 1777 John Lightfoot noted in his detailed description of Yarrow in For a Scotia that ‘ The Highlanders…are said to make an ointment of which dries and heals up wounds”.
Yarrow is anti-bacterial and has anti-septic properties…and its drying quality is why it has such great wound healing ability. It has been historically used for its astringent…scar and wound healing properties…Yarrow also helps with inflammation…and can lighten pores.
Today Yarrow is used in much the same way…in Yarrow ointments…infusions and decoctions…to use on minor cuts…scrapes and dry patches on your skin.
YARROW INFUSED OIL FOR SKIN
For massaging on your skin…or for a bath soak.
Yarrow is excellent for daily skincare in todays world. It helps with skin irritations…helps with calming inflammation and regeneration…and is soothing.
SUPPLIES…clean…dry glass bottle or jar with tight fitting lid
Jojoba oil
Dried Yarrow
PROCESS…Fill the jar or bottle with dried Yarrow flowers…to almost the top…then pour in jojoba oil to the top. Screw on lid tightly…gently shake. Place in a cool dark spot for 4-6 weeks. Strain out herbs. Pour Yarrow oil into a clean…dry…bottle…place lid on tightly. Use as a massage oil…to sooth irritated skin…or put a few teaspoons in a bath and experience a soothing and healing Yarrow oil bath soak. Store Yarrow oil in a cool dry place…and gently shake before each use.
YARROW FACIAL STEAM
A cleansing…refreshing…soothing…facial…perfect for any skin type
SUPPLIES…dried Yarrow…dried Chamomile…and dried Lavender…1 teaspoon each
Big pot or bowl
2 towels
Quiet…undisturbed time
Place herbs in pot or large bowl…pour boiling water over herbs…cover with towel to allow the herbs to steep…for 5 minutes. This facial steam will be very hot…use caution please.
When you are ready…sit in a comfortable place…placing the facial steam container in front of you…lean over the steam…keeping your face at least 6-8 inches from steam…to prevent burning. Cover your head…completely with a towel…and breathe in the healing herbs. Sit with this Yarrow facial steam for 5 minutes. Rinse off with cold water. Pat dry your face…and if you like…moisturize your face with cream that you normally do. Drink a full glass of water to hydrate.
YARROW THE PROTECTOR
The ancient Scots used Yarrow to protect and spirits. Folks would hang dried Yarrow in doorways or sprinkled dried Yarrow around their homes to ward off negative energy…and bring in love and positivity.
SAFTEY AND CAUTIONS CONSUMING YARROW
Yarrow may lower blood pressure…so please CONSULT your doctor before ingesting Yarrow.
Yarrow is also a mild sedative and may increase effects of other drugs you take for
sleep…or anxiety issues.
***DO NOT CONSUME YARROW IF YOU ARE PREGNANT OR NURSING A BABY
***DO NOT CONSUME YARROW IN ANY FORM IF YOU TAKE LITHIUM
AS YARROW HAS SEDITIVE PROPERTIES
YARROW ACTIONS…amphoteric…analgesic…anti-inflammatory…antiseptic…antimicrobial…antiparasitic…antiviral…astringent…circulatory stimulant…diaphoretic…diuretic…tonic…vulnerary
GUIDELINES FOR HARVESTING
Lots of folks harvest Yarrow when in flower…however the top of the stems and the leaves…also have potency and can be gathered with the flowers…and is best picked in early morning after the dew dries…and before the Sun’s heat evaporates the lighter volatile oils. Place the herb loosely in brown paper bags or hang in bunches upside down to dry.
If you want to forage Yarrow…it can be found growing in grassy areas…usually in Spring…until August. PLEASE forage in a responsible way…take only what you need.
TO PURCHASE ORGANIC YARROW FOR YOUR PERSONAL USE…I have purchased from the herbal farm for many…many years…actually I won’t purchase herbs from anyone else… mountainroseherbs.com
TO GROW YARROW…Yarrow can be seeded and grown in your garden…as well as other Scottish herbs. Just check your garden zones and follow planting…growing…harvesting guidelines.
YARROW TEA FOR FEVER
A soothing cup of Yarrow tea…made with fresh or dried parts of the plant…will make you sweat and help reduce a fever. SAVE the strained Yarrow…as you can apply the strained herb (take the strained Yarrow place in cheese cloth…and put directly on areas of inflammation on the body…or place on forehead to ease a headache.
Use 1-2 teaspoons of fresh or dried Yarrow…into 1 cup of boiling water. Turn off heat…cover tea…and steep for 15 minutes. Strain out Yarrow into a clean cup…and drink up to 3 cups only. Use honey to sweeten.
YARROW SCOTTISH SHORTBREAD
Buttery and tender…with just a hint of Yarrow…a perfect sweet to indulge in! Perfect with tea…hot or iced.
2 cups all purpose flour
¼ cup corn starch
½ cup cane sugar
2 tablespoons dried Yarrow
Pinch of salt
6 ounces high quality butter cold and cubed
More sugar for dusting
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a food processor…combine the flour…cornstarch…sugar…salt…dried Yarrow and pulse until well combined. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture resembles wet sand and holds together slightly if pressed between your fingers. If you do not own a food processor …use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut in butter thoroughly.
Press into the bottom of a 8 inch round tart pan with removable bottom or your favorite baking dish of the same size…until dough is flat in baking pan…making sure edges are pressed firmly as well.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the very edges are barely golden and the surface of the shortbread appears “dry”. Remove from oven…dust lightly with sugar and immediately cut or score into preferred servings. Cool completely before removing from baking.
HIGHLAND FORAGED YARROW AND NETTLE SOUP
Serves 4
This soup is packed with minerals…and the Yarrow adds a peppery depth to an otherwise mild-tasting soup. This yummy soup is historically a Scottish seasonal favorite. You will be tasting Scottish history with each spoonful!
4 cups stinging nettles…leaves only and washed (be sure you wear gloves…Nettles can sting
1 cup Yarrow leaves
1 large onion diced
2 medium potatoes…peeled and diced
1 leek…white parts washed and sliced
4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
2 or 3 tablespoons butter
½ cup cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Prepare the Yarrow and Nettles…being sure to wear gloves…by first washing them off in the sink or large bowl in cold water. Remove any tough…fibrous stems.
Saute the leek and onion in the butter in a large pot over medium heat…until they are soft and translucent about 10 minutes. Add the chicken or vegetable stock to the pot…and then add the potatoes…peeled and sliced. Cover…reduce heat…and simmer for 20 minutes…until the potatoes are soft.
Add the foraged Nettles and Yarrow…letting them simmer for 3 minutes…until tender and bright green. Remove soup from stove…and use a handheld mixer or immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. Stir in the cream…season with salt and pepper to taste…serve hot…and enjoy this healthy…historical Scottish soup!
HISTORY AND FOLKLORE OF YARROW
In Scottish…Celtic…and Norse traditions…Yarrow was carried into battle…used in love charms…and divination rituals…and also burned in protective bundles. Yarrow was believed to bring clarity…courage and connection.
They say that young women would cut Yarrow with a black handled knife on a moonlit night and use it to foretell the future…often placing sprigs of Yarrow under their pillow to help them dream of their sweetheart and see if they should marry or not.
In Scotland…in the Hebrides…women would traditionally pick fresh Yarrow…while reciting this as they harvested.
“I will pluck the smooth Yarrow
That my figure may be sweeter,
That my lips may be warmer,
That my voice may be gladder…”
Beannachdan an t-samhraidh
A Scottish Gaelic Summer Blessing
Victoria