Yarrow – a natural remedy for fevers in children

There’s nothing worse than seeing our children ill and a high fever can be one of the most terrifying things.

It tests even the most ‘natural parents’ to trust in natural healing because there can be worrying side effects from a high fever.

Thankfully Mother Nature is on hand, providing all we need for great health and wellness.

Crystal, over on Happy Mothering reminded me of a very powerful remedy for fevers when her daughter was taken ill the other week.

Yarrow

One of my ‘must have’ natural remedies is yarrow. Yarrow actually grows as a ‘weed’ in our garden, along the side of the hedge! Once you’ve got it on your land it’s hard to get rid of, and who would want to!?

Yarrow has feathery leaves and tiny clusters of white / pink flowers.  It’s easy to grow from seed, so it’s worth growing in your medicinal herb garden.[amazon-product align=”right” small=”1″]0764551272[/amazon-product]

Yarrow and fevers

Yarrow is extremely effective for breaking a fever, but it’s safe enough for children and even babies. You can bathe a small baby in yarrow, use cloths soaked in yarrow infusion for children if they are too weak to get into the bath and older children can sip the infusion. Yarrow works by opening up the pores to encourage sweating, so is great if your child just gets hotter and hotter without sweating.

Harvesting yarrow

Harvest the herb by cutting the stems, complete with flowers in the summer – cut them about half way down the stem. Tie them upside down in your home and allow them to dry. Once dry, you can crumble the yarrow into containers, label, date and store.

Yarrow infusion

To make an infusion, steep 1/2 tsp dried yarrow in a cup of boiling water. Cover and let the herb infuse for ten minutes. Strain and drink when cool enough to sip. Within an hour your child should start to sweat and feel much more comfortable.

What about you – do you have a ‘must have’ in your home for treating child fevers?