The Complete Guide to Yarrow

Achilles, the legendary Greek warrior, knelt beside his wounded comrade, surveying the damage amidst the chaos of the Battle of Troy. As the clash of steel and cries of the fallen filled the air, Achilles' focus narrowed to a singular purpose: saving his friend's life. With the outcome of the battle hanging in the balance, he reached for a handful of yarrow, its familiar fern-like leaves and white flowers a beacon of hope on the blood-soaked terrain.

With a swift motion, Achilles applied the herb to the wound, its styptic properties swiftly stemming the flow of blood. The ancient wisdom of yarrow, passed down through generations of Greek warriors, had proven itself once again. As the bleeding slowed, Achilles' comrade's life hung in the balance, suspended between the realms of the living and the dead. Yet, thanks to the prompt application of yarrow, the tide of fate shifted, and the wounded warrior's life was spared.

The History of Yarrow

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), a versatile and aromatic herb, has been used for millennia in various cultures for its medicinal properties. Its history dates back to ancient Greece, where it was said to have been used by warriors like Achilles to treat wounds during the Trojan Wars. The Greek physician Hippocrates (460-370 BCE) wrote about yarrow’s use in treating a variety of ailments, from fever to indigestion. The Romans also valued yarrow, using it to treat battle wounds and calling it “herba militaris” or “soldier’s herb.”

During the Middle Ages, yarrow continued to be used in European herbal medicine, particularly to treat digestive issues and skin conditions. In traditional Chinese medicine, yarrow was used to balance the body’s energy, or “qi”, and to treat a range of ailments, from colds to menstrual cramps. The herb was also used in Ayurvedic medicine in India, where it was valued for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.

In North America, Native American tribes such as the Cherokee and Navajo used yarrow in traditional medicine, treating everything from snake bites to toothaches. European colonizers brought their own knowledge of yarrow’s medicinal properties to the New World, where they adapted it to the local flora. In the American colonies, yarrow was used to treat fever, rheumatism, and other ailments, and was often combined with other herbs to create teas and tinctures.

The Research on Yarrow

In recent years, modern research has validated the traditional uses of yarrow, confirming its potential as a natural remedy for various health issues. Studies have investigated yarrow’s antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, shedding light on its mechanisms of action. For example, research has shown that yarrow extracts exhibit significant antibacterial activity against certain pathogens, while its flavonoids and phenolic acids have been found to possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Yarrow’s unique combination of flavonoids, volatile oils, alkaloids, and tannins makes it a versatile herb for promoting overall health. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties protect against cell damage and reduce swelling, while its antimicrobial agents combat infection and promote healing. Additionally, yarrow’s alkaloids stimulate digestion, relieve pain, and reduce fever, making it an effective remedy for various health concerns.While yarrow shows promise as a natural remedy, ongoing research is needed to fully understand its effects and potential interactions. Individuals taking blood thinners or other medications should exercise caution when using yarrow, as it may increase the risk of bleeding or interact with medications. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult with a healthcare professional before using yarrow, as its effects on fetal development and infant health are not yet fully understood. As with any herbal remedy, it is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using yarrow, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take medications.

Common Uses for Yarrow

Yarrow, a herb once prized by ancient cultures, has experienced a rediscovery by the modern generation. As people seek natural remedies and holistic approaches to health, yarrow’s versatility and efficacy have made it a popular choice. Its medicinal properties, from antiseptic and anti-inflammatory to antimicrobial and antiviral, have captivated the attention of herbalists, natural health practitioners, and individuals alike.

Yarrow’s uses have expanded beyond traditional teas and infusions. Modern applications include extracts, tinctures, and drops taken sublingually (under the tongue) for rapid absorption. Topical applications range from sprays and salves to creams and ointments, harnessing yarrow’s potency for skin and wound care. This adaptability has made yarrow a staple in many natural medicine cabinets.

Some of the most common uses for yarrow include:

Wound care: Cuts, scrapes, burns, and surgical wounds
Digestive issues: IBS, bloating, cramps, and gut health
Menstrual relief: Cramps, bloating, and PMS symptoms
Respiratory health: Colds, flu, bronchitis, and asthma
Skin conditions: Acne, eczema, dermatitis, and insect bites
Hair and scalp health: Soothing irritations and promoting healthy growth
Anxiety and stress relief: Exhibiting anxiolytic effects and promoting relaxation

Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before using yarrow, especially if you have allergies or underlying medical conditions.

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August 8, 2024

By Tim KinnardArticles0 Comments

The Complete Guide to Black Drawing Salve

In the rolling hills of a traditional Amish community, where horse-drawn buggies clip-clop along winding roads and handmade quilts adorn cozy homes, a timeless approach to health and wellness has been passed down through generations. Amidst the rustic charm and simplicity, the Amish have long relied on old-fashioned methods to tend to their bodies and souls.

In their medicine chests, alongside jars of homemade remedies and tinctures, lies a small, unassuming tin of black salve. Its contents: a trusted first aid solution for drawing out impurities and promoting healing.

The History of Black Drawing Salve

Black Drawing Salve, a highly revered and traditional remedy, has been a staple in Amish medicine chests for centuries. Its origins date back to the early European settlers, who brought their knowledge of herbal medicine to the New World. The Amish, known for their self-sufficiency and traditional ways, adopted and refined the recipe, passing it down through generations. The salve's unique blend of ingredients, including activated charcoal, plantain, and other herbal extracts, has remained largely unchanged.

The ancient Greeks and Romans used activated charcoal, a primary component of Black Drawing Salve, to treat a variety of ailments, from poisoning to skin conditions. In the Middle Ages, European herbalists incorporated plantain into their remedies, valuing its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. As European settlers arrived in America, they brought these herbal traditions with them, adapting them to the New World's unique botanical landscape. The Amish, with their strong emphasis on community and traditional knowledge, played a significant role in preserving and refining these remedies, including Black Drawing Salve.

The Research on Black Drawing Salve

Black Drawing Salve's remarkable healing properties can be attributed to its unique composition. Activated charcoal, a key ingredient, plays a crucial role in the salve's efficacy. Scientifically, activated charcoal works through adsorption, a process where its vast surface area attracts and binds to toxic substances, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, drawing them out of the body. This helps to reduce inflammation and promote a conducive environment for wound healing. Additionally, activated charcoal's porous structure enables it to absorb excess moisture, reducing the risk of infection and fostering a dry, clean wound bed.

Plantain, a humble yet potent herb, plays a vital role in the Black Drawing Salve's healing prowess. The leaves of the plantain plant contain a wealth of bioactive compounds, including allantoin, apigenin, and baicalein, which work in concert to soothe skin irritations, reduce swelling, and promote tissue repair. These anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make plantain an ideal remedy for calming redness, itching, and discomfort associated with minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. Moreover, the herbal extracts in the salve, rich in iridoid glycosides and flavonoids, enhance its antimicrobial and antifungal properties, effectively combating bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.

To enhance the salve's healing capabilities, complementary ingredients can be added that offer synergistic benefits. For example, Comfrey leaf and Calendula can enhance tissue repair and wound healing. Pine Resin can offer antimicrobial properties to combat infection. Bentonite Clay can be added to amplify the drawing properties of activated charcoal, and Tea Tree Essential Oil can be included for its antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which help to soothe and calm skin irritations. These are among the additions we incorporate in our own Black Drawing Salve available on our online store.

Common Uses for Black Drawing Salve

While the Amish have long valued Black Drawing Salve, its benefits extend beyond traditional uses. Today, it is recognized as a natural remedy for various skin conditions, including eczema, acne, and boils. Its wound-healing properties make it an effective treatment for cuts, scrapes, and surgical wounds. Additionally, Black Drawing Salve has been used to draw out splinters, glass, and other foreign objects, reducing the risk of infection. Its anti-inflammatory properties also make it an effective remedy for insect bites, reducing swelling and itching.

Black Drawing Salve remains a popular remedy among those seeking natural solutions for various health concerns. Its most celebrated benefits revolve around its ability to heal skin conditions, wounds, and infections. Some of the most common uses for Black Drawing Salve include:

Splinters: Drawing out splinters, glass, and other foreign objects, reducing the risk of infection.
Infections: Treating bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, such as abscesses, boils, and cellulitis.
Bug Bites: Reducing swelling and itching from insect bites, including mosquito bites, bee stings, and ant bites.
Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac: Relieving the itching, redness, and blistering caused by exposure to these poisonous plants.
Snake Bites: Some users claim that Black Drawing Salve can help draw out the venom from snake bites, although this use has not been extensively scientifically studied.
Cuts and Scrapes: Promoting wound healing, reducing inflammation, and preventing infection in minor cuts and scrapes.
Eczema and Acne: Soothing and calming skin irritations, reducing inflammation, and promoting healing.
Boils and Abscesses: Drawing out the infection, reducing swelling, and promoting drainage.

It's essential to note that while Black Drawing Salve has been used for these purposes, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before using it, especially for severe or life-threatening conditions like snake bites. Additionally, patch testing before application and using proper wound care techniques are recommended to ensure safe and effective use.

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August 8, 2024

By Tim KinnardArticles0 Comments

From the Office to the Homestead

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March 27, 2023

By Tim KinnardFoundational Thinking0 Comments

The Parable of the Chinese Farmer

There’s an old Chinese parable dating as far back as the 2^nd century B.C. about an old Taoist farmer who lost his horse. The name the parable is traditionally known by is “The Parable of the Chinese Farmer,” or, alternatively, “The man who lost his horse.” The story originates from a collection of old Chinese philosophical essays known as the Huainanzi. The parable itself speaks toward the old Taoist view of “fate” and the importance of maintaining a humble view of the ever-unfolding details of our experiences, recognizing that what we perceive at first to be, say, a streak of “good fortune” (or, to speak in a biblical category, we can say what we perceive to be a “blessing”) may turn out not to be, and what we initially perceive to be “misfortune,” or a curse, may, in fact, prove, in the end, to be a blessing. The story goes like this:

“Once upon a time there was a Chinese farmer whose horse ran away. That evening, all of his neighbors visited him to commiserate, saying, “We’re so sorry to hear your horse has run away. This is most unfortunate.” To which the farmer simply replied, “Maybe.” The next day the horse came back bringing seven wild horses with it, and in the evening, everybody came back and said, “Oh, what luck! What a great turn of events. You now have eight horses!” The farmer again simply said, “Maybe.” The following day the man’s son tried to break one of the wild horses, and while riding it, he was thrown and broke his leg. The neighbors came again and said, “Oh dear, we’re so sorry to hear about your son’s leg. That’s truly unfortunate.” The farmer simply responded, “Maybe.” The next day an enlistment officer came to the farm looking to draft young men into the army, and upon seeing the boy’s broken leg, he left the farm allowing the boy to stay with his father. Again all the neighbors came around and said, “How lucky you are that you can keep your son! Isn’t that great!” Again, the farmer simply said, “Maybe.”"

The story ends with that leaving the reader wondering how it will all turn out from there. Though things seem to end on a positive note, the point is who’s to say there won’t be some other twist in the unfolding plot-line of the farmer’s life that may reveal the boy’s ability to stay at home with his father instead of being recruited into military service wasn’t the best thing that could have happened. We just don’t know. Until the final sentence of the great novel that is our life has been written, we don’t ultimately know the full impact of all our decisions and our experiences. It reminds me of how Aristotle once said that young people, because of their youth, cannot truly know happiness because, as he says, what is needed to be happy is, “not only complete virtue but also a complete life, since many changes occur in life, and all manner of changes, and the most prosperous may fall into great misfortunes in old age.” The reverse could also be true. A young person should not assume his life or a particular season of his life is necessarily as bad as it seems. Give it a little time and you may discover it’s all leading to a much greater benefit. Be patient. Be humble. I would even say, have faith in the great plan of providence to unfold the way it is intended to unfold. Of course, I would argue, the best way of thinking about providence isn’t to be found in the old writings of Taoist or Aristotelian philosophers but in the inspired counsel of God’s Word, the Bible. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” There are so many verses we could point to—so many examples of biblical figures we could talk about. There are men like Job who lost everything through a series of incredibly tragic events but later, by the end of the story in Job 42:12, the Lord, quote, “blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning." Or, there's men like Joseph whose brothers conspired to throw him in a pit in the wilderness to be left for dead, only to decide instead to sell him into slavery to make a profit, resulting in him relocating to Egypt, leading to his advancing in favor in Pharoah’s kingdom, earning a high rank, and saving the entire region, including his own brothers, from starvation during a famine. Later reflecting on his whole experience, Jospeh would say, speaking to his brothers, “What you meant for evil against me, God has meant for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” There’s the story of Esther, the story of Ruth, the story of David, and on and on—all modeling God’s work through apparent misfortunate to bring about abundant blessing for his people. And I do want to emphasize, the promise of God’s providence working out for good is reserved specifically for God’s people. Again, Romans 8:28 says, …all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Those are believers, chosen and redeemed to glorify the Lord. That’s not to say God isn’t providentially working out an end story for unbelievers too, because he is. However, we can’t describe the end story for those folks as “good.” However well they may seem to have it now, we’re told, things for them eventually take a nasty turn, as things culminate at a great White Throne of Judgement, Revelation 20. In the end, we have to trust God’s plan of providence to run its course, and in the process, I would say, we need to trust in God’s plan of redemption too, understanding, it all turns out for good for those who are called, and, practically, for those who answer the call, of his saving purpose, which relates to the great Gospel message. So, as you go about your own life story, like the old Chinese farmer, encountering gains and losses, progress and setbacks, all I can say to those spectators out there who want to judge your circumstances as either great fortune or terrible misfortune, all I’ll simply say to them is, “Maybe.” We need to see where the Lord takes it from here. So, be humble. Be patient. Trust God.

December 13, 2022

By Tim KinnardFoundational Thinking0 Comments

The Flywheel and the Secret to Success

There’s a popular business-book that was written in the early 2000’s that is still considered to be one of the best books of its genre related to leadership and management in the workplace. The book is called “Good to Great” by Jim Collins and focuses on many of the key factors, according to the author and his research team’s analysis, that influence the rise of successful companies. Though a lot of its data is a bit outdated at this point, the principles it points to are still very much relevant today and, perhaps, even timeless. I know I’ve personally benefited from the principles discussed in the book, not only on a self-management and family-management level, but also in my years at the office, pastoring at the church, in my time as the president of a local non-profit, and now as a small business owner out here on the homestead. By the way, if there are any fellow farm owners out there (whether your operation is large or small), you have an arena to manage and can benefit from business books like the one I’m referencing here. The same factors that make big corporations and board room executives successful can apply to farmers and home business owners as well.

There’s a lot of good information from the book I can give you, but one chapter that’s been on my mind recently is called “The Flywheel and the Doomloop.” The main idea having to do with the importance of “momentum” to any successful business and the need to apply consistent, dedicated effort in order to build that momentum and ultimately be successful. You’ve got to have momentum in order to take off. Collins writes, quote:

“Picture a huge, heavy flywheel—a massive metal disk mounted horizontally on an axle, about 30 feet in diameter, 2 feet thick, and weighing about 5,000 pounds. Now imagine that your task is to get the flywheel rotating on the axle as fast and long as possible. Pushing with great effort, you get the flywheel to inch forward, moving almost imperceptibly at first. You keep pushing and, after two or three hours of persistent effort, you get the flywheel to complete one entire turn. You keep pushing, and the flywheel begins to move a bit faster, and with continued great effort, you move it around a second rotation. You keep pushing in a consistent direction. Three turns ... four ... five ... six ... the flywheel builds up speed ... seven ... eight ... you keep pushing ... nine ... ten ... it builds momentum ... eleven ... twelve ... moving faster with each turn … twenty … thirty … fifty … a hundred. Then, at some point—breakthrough! The momentum of the thing kicks in your favor, hurling the flywheel forward, turn after turn ... whoosh! ... its own heavy weight working for you. You're pushing no harder than during the first rotation, but the flywheel goes faster and faster. Each turn of the flywheel builds upon work done earlier, compounding your investment of effort. A thousand times faster, then ten thousand, then a hundred thousand. The huge heavy disk flies forward, with almost unstoppable momentum. Now suppose someone came along and asked, "What was the one big push that caused this thing to go so fast?" You wouldn't be able to answer; it’s just a nonsensical question. Was it the first push? The second? The fifth? The hundredth? No! It was all of them added together in an overall accumulation of effort applied matter how large—reflects a small fraction of the entire cumulative effect upon the flywheel.” “Good-to-great transformations never happened in one fell swoop. There was no single defining action, no grand program, no one killer innovation, no solitary lucky break, no wrenching revolution. Good to great comes about by a cumulative process—step by step, action by action, decision by decision, turn by turn of the flywheel—that adds up to sustained and spectacular results.”

In other words, if you’re hoping to be successful at whatever it is you’re undertaking—whether that’s running a Fortune 500 company or running a little produce stand at your local farmer’s market—you’ve got to push forward persistently, progressively, and patiently. You’ve got to keep at it. You’ve got to keep pushing the flywheel. It’s not that one push is more important than another, but it is the consistency and accumulative effect and inertia of your efforts that will ultimately pay off. It’s the discipline and perseverance of doing what you do—and doing it well, by the way—that will make the difference. Don’t expect success after only two or three spins. If you really want the kind of momentum that begins to practically spin itself, you’ve got to do what it takes on the front end and you’ve got to keep doing that until you’ve built up the speed you need. I know there are so many people out there who fail at what they attempt simply because they get discouraged and burned out because they don’t see the results they’re looking for in a couple few weeks, or in a few short months. So, they let off the steam and lose the momentum they’ve built and come to a screeching halt. I’ve seen it happen so many times. Jim Collins observes that for most successful companies, “the buildup-to-breakthrough” process usually takes several years. It may take two years, five years, ten years of dedicated, consistent effort. At the time I’m writing this, my wife have been faithfully working at our homestead now for a little over 10 years. I can tell you, it’s taken that amount of time for us to really feel the momentum. Collins quotes several successful executives who all say practically the same thing: One man explained, “There was no one magical event, no one turning point. It was a combination of things. More of an evolution, though the end results were dramatic.” Another stated, “It’s impossible to think of one big thing that would exemplify [our] shift from good to great because our success was evolutionary as opposed to revolutionary, building success upon success. I don’t know that there was any single event.” Still another said, “There was no seminal meeting or epiphany moment, no one big bright light that came on like a lightbulb. It was sort o f an evolution thing.” End quote.So, it’s the principle of the flywheel. Yes, it can takes a lot of energy to get things spinning. But, friends, the good news is, once things have started to really spin, it usually doesn’t take as much energy to keep it spinning. For all of those who feel you’re still in the momentum building stage on whatever goal it is you’re working towards, I just want to encourage you. Don’t stop pushing the flywheel. Don’t reduce the steam to your engine. It’s only a matter of time before things will take off. Or as Jim Collins puts it, “If you continue to push in a consistent direction…accumulating momentum step by step and turn by turn, you will eventually reach breakthrough. It might not happen today, or tomorrow, or next week. It might not even happen next year. But it will happen.”

September 8, 2022

By Tim KinnardFoundational Thinking0 Comments