Pioneer Woman at Heart

  Our yarrow is going to flower, so it is next in line for the dehydrator.   We have used our homemade yarrow salve many times, and it's definitely a keeper salve.   I've saved some to dry for tea, and other uses. I think it was last year, or the year before, where I found out that yarrow deters mosquitoes.  I added it to our homemade but spray. Speaking of bug bites, I went out one day while gardening, and forgot to use our bug spray.  I was got bitten by something that I never saw before.  Sort of like a fly, but different colors.  It left a bad red spot that was large.  My homemade plantain salve worked very well to treat the redness and swelling (works as a drawing salve).  Much easier to apply and re-apply than a poultice, but a poultice would work much faster. We planted more in the herb garden, but the rain has not arrived.  Yet.  Hopefully soon.  My green onions could use a good ol' dose of Mother Nature. Dehy...

                                                  In 2024 I made our first yarrow salve, after learning more about the herb.  I have a lot of it growing here, and have used it many ways.  I'd have to go look into my notes, but I believe I used olive oil, or sweet almond oil. I have, in the past, pulled off some fresh leaves and rubbed it on my arms in a quick pinch to ward off the mosquitos while gardening (will be added to our homemade bug spray), and I have used it many times for a bloody nose (who knew?).  I read, sometime about 2 years ago, that one can simply put the fresh leaves in their nose to stop a nose bleed (have not tired that, but read it somewhere on an herbal blog or book). I infused oil, and whipped up some salve in 2024, and the most use over the last two years, has been for a bloody nose brought on by dry heat indoors over wi...

  Back in the June fo 2024, I waited patiently for my yarrow to spring forth flowers, so I could brew up a tincture.  In the end, I ended up putting both catnip and yarrow in one tincture, for a experimental mix for bug repellant spray (for us). I strained it and used it to make the every changing recipe that Mountain rose herbs keeps changing (on their website). You can read about the bug/mosquito repellant here on my blog.  Original post is here, but their link no longer works. (dried yarrow on a screen) We have added powdered yarrow to our "medicine chest" of remedies.   We learn something new every year.   We have already used macerated yarrow for a bleeding cut, and it is said to be great for wound healing.  If you haven't read up on yarrow, you really need to.  According to Learning  Herbs,  yarrow is also great for treating a fever.  In the past, we have grown and dried feverfew, but we now dry yarrow.  Yarrow salve...

  Once again, weather is all over the map these past few days.  First the rain moved back in, and now they say we may see snow flurries.  Winter is still hanging around. A few scant tulips the moles did not eat. Lots of different daffodils and hyacinths. Chives in the herb garden. More daffodils. Green onions in the herb garden. Bunching onions. Yarrow. Fall planted garlic.  It's under wire to protect it from rodents that might find it tasty.  Once it's up, we'll remove the screen. I did not get a photo of my peppermint and spearmint (in pots), but I'm hoping they will spring back to life.  I'm almost out dehydrated spearmint for tea making. What's Growing in Early March    © March 2024 by  Kristina  at  Pioneer Woman at Heart

  I  have been saving egg shells for the garden(s), and even when I shelled eggs for egg salad. Lilacs are in bloom, and it smells wonderful outside.  I cut a few to bring indoors. I love snail mail like this!  A Mother's Day card from a blog follower.  Thank you! Rain is moving in.  We need it, but I wish the evenings were warmer to get this garden planted.  Spring time is always a battle of weather for planting.  I got basil, parsley and cilantro seeds soaked and planted before the rain.  Last year I had to buy plants for some reason or another. Any medicinal herb gardeners here?  Wondering what the best use is for yarrow?  I have grown it for two years, and failed to harvest it.  I read it's good for IBS, ulcers, and other digestive issues, but wondered what your go-to is to make with it (if you grow it)?