|
Yarrow is a member of the composite family, like the sunflowers and daisies.
The small white flowered heads contain many flowers. The dark green leaves
of this plant are divided and feathery. The plant stands about 1-2 feet
tall. The pleasant aroma of the plant is similar to stinkweed, or charighik.
There is no known IÒupiaq name for this plant.
Traditionally, this plant has not been used by the
IÒupiaq of Golovin, but Pricilla Russell Kari, in her
book, "Tanaina Plantlore, Dena'ina K'et'una: An Ethnobotany
of the Dena'ina Indians of Southcentral Alaska," cites
medicinal uses of this plant and I thought it would be
useful to include it in my collection. Kari writes that her
people, "boil or soak in hot water the part that grows above
ground and use it as a wash for sore eyes and for the skin"
(Kari, p. 142) She also mentions the use of tea for new
mothers and infants and hot packs for sore muscles and other
aches and pains. Other ailments yarrow is said to cure
include kidney trouble, bed-wetting, sinus trouble, and
measles. Yarrow is often used as an insect repellent
according to Kari, similar to the use of stinkweed. (Kari,
p. 143)
|
