Yarrow
Achillea
millefolium
Yarrow
is a member of the Asteraceae or Compositae, the Aster family. It
blooms in July and continues until the frosts. We harvest the flowers
for medicinal preparations, although the leaves are excellent as
well. If given any type of cultivation or fertilization, Yarrow
really takes off, producing huge corymbs of flowers in white, light
and electric pink. I prefer the white for medicine.
Elemental associations: Water
Phytochemistry: Essential oil (azulene), flavonoids, tannins, bitter
principles (D. Hoffmann)
Actions: Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, vulnerary, diuretic, astringent,
diaphoretic
Specific systems: Skin, urinary tract, circulation
The name Achillea comes from the legend that Achilles, hero of the
Trojan war, used it to heal the wounds of his soldiers in battle.
Indeed, it is probably the best vulnerary we know, serving to instantly
stop bleeding and to disinfect even a horribly deep wound. It is
always a good idea to carry Yarrow if you are out hiking or far
from home.
It has a particular power to curb inflammation and pain in the urinary
system, and is used for infections of the prostate or the urinary
tract to this end (and also because of its antiseptic and diuretic
actions).
As a remedy for fever, it combines especially well with Elder flowers
in the form of a hot infusion, take often, until the fever subsides.
Traditionally, Yarrow has a famous history as a plant with the power
to unlock the psychic mind. It was eaten or placed under the pillow,
at first bloom, for prophetic dreams. The flower stalks are dried
and used to cast the I-Ching, the Chinese oracle called The Book
of Changes. Perhaps this power is related to its ability to loosen,
or unblock, internal stagnations (it is especially good for stagnant
blood from old wounds, often colored purple under the skin) in the
whole body/mind: as we know, our psychic powers are merely forgotten
or repressed.
Indications: Wounds, urinary infections, fevers, blood stagnation,
clairvoyance
Contraindications: Discontinue use 1 week before surgery; any herb
can be habit-forming if used to excess
Preparation/Dosage: The hot infusion, 3 TBS per quart of water,
is the traditional preparation. Alternatively, a tincture can be
made from the fresh flowers, 33% alcohol, 1:3. Take ½ to
1 tsp. per dose, every hour in hot water for fevers.
