I began making muscle and joint salves sometime in 2022. Not knowing what I was getting into or whether I would give myself some kind of crazy flesh eating rash I made my first salve. I picked up a book at Tractor Supply and made ( as close as I was able) a recipe I found inside. I wanted to know if this stuff worked and if it was worth the time, effort and money I just dumped into a jar of what looked rather unappealing. Since that first salve and the brave people who trusted me enough to try it out, I have made several batches. Each one ending up a little different from the one before. I began giving out samples to friends at church and jiu jitsu. I simply could not believe how much it seemed to be helping people. I simply could not believe that I made it and it worked. I am constantly trying to fine tune the formula and am currently working on a new batch as I write this. This will be the first batch in which I have included Chasteberry. I have heard that the leaves and bark are useful for chronic inflammation, somatic pain and inflammation from trauma/injury but am unsure whether the constituents responsible are also present in the berry.

Yarrow is a plant the grows abundantly in my area (Ohio) and is widespread across the entire United States. Due to its unquestionable usefulness and natural abundance I believe this herb fits well within the intention of this group. Yarrow is considered Aquaretic (loss of water without loss of electrolytes), Diaphoretic (promotes sweating), Anti-Infective, Stimulates Circulation and Antispasmodic (smooth muscle relief). Much the same way as Arnica montana is used for bruises, Yarrow can help to break up blood clots and speed the healing process in soft tissue damage. This herb is a staple in my muscle salve and lymph support formulas. Have you seen this herb growing in your yard? Have you had experience working with Yarrow? What are your favorite ways to use Yarrow?