Achillea millefolium, or more commonly known as Yarrow, the plant that grows wild in the fields.
During the Trojan war yarrow was used to treat wounds. It has been said that chewing the leaves can be a remedy for toothaches.
It has a character of: Cool, dry, sweet, astringent and slightly bitter in taste.
The flower is rich in chemicals that can be converted by steam and used as an anti allergic remedy, such as hay fever. Best if harvested in summer and autumn.
Essential Oil:
This is dark blue oil extracted by steam distillation of the flower. Is used as an anti-inflammatory or in chest rubs if you have a cold or flu.
Leaves:
The leaves are used for clotting, so they are great for nosebleeds.
Aerial Parts:
This is used for phlegm conditions, as a digestive aid to encourage bile flow. Good to bring down fevers, high blood pressure, and menstrual disorders.
Applications:
Flowers: Infusion: Drink for respiratory phlegm conditions. Flowers: Inhalation: Great for hay fever and mild asthma. Use fresh in boiling water.
Essential Oil:
Massage on for inflamed joints. One way is to dilute 5 drops of yarrow oil in 25ml infused St. John’s wort oil Chest Rub, for colds, flus. Great combined with eucalyptus, peppermint, and thyme oils.
Leaves:
Fresh leaves to stop nosebleeds. Actually put a leaf up the nose. Poultice: Wash the fresh leaves and put on wounds and cuts.
Aerial Parts:
Infusion: Use this to bring down fevers and also to aid in digestion. Tincture: use for urinary disorders or menstrual problems. Also can be used for cardiovascular complaints.
Compress Soak:
Soak cloth and lay over veins to reduce varicose veins.
Infusion: This is much the same as a tea. Use water that is just pre-boiling temperature and fresh herbs. Drink hot or cold.
Decoction:
This involves a more rigorous method of getting out the goodness from the herbs. Mostly used for roots, barks and twigs. Put the herbs in cold water, and then simmer for about 1 hour. Drink hot or cold.
Tincture:
This is made by soaking and steeping the herbs in 25% alcohol and the rest water. The alcohol will withdraw the herbs ingredients and it will also preserve the tincture. This can be kept up to 2 years.
Syrup:
Use honey to preserve infusions, these are great for cough syrups. Honey can be especially soothing if you have a cold or flu.
You can check on the internet to see exactly how you can make these remedies from scratch. This will give you an overview of herbal remedies.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is designed for educational purposes only and should not be used in any other manner. This information is not intended to substitute for informed medical advice.
The Author:
Ruth Bird – I’ve been fortunate to accomplish many things in my life. Including my childhood dream…Owning Dogs, and Horseback Riding 🙂 But my biggest accomplishment: I achieved my own personal highest accomplishment by being at my husbands side, 24/7, throughout his ordeal of MS, the disease that is relentless, and takes everything, little by little.. It was an accomplishment for both of us to not just survive but to thrive in our lifestyle. I’m having the time of my life right now by living my dream of owning my own business. Having my own business meant that I did not have to give up being a productive member of our household even though I had to quit my Administrative job of 25 years to become a full time care giver.
