Yarrow

Disclaimer: This information is in no way intended to be a substitute for modern medical care. Do not self-treat any medical complaint without the guidance of a licensed health care provider.

      Yarrow, once a sacred plant in ancient China, was valued as the perfect unification of yin and yang energies, since the hard strong stem is filled with a soft substance. In fact, the 50 wooden sticks in the I-Ching ritual, which is used in China to make key decisions, were made from the yarrow stem.
      Yarrow's Latin name, Achillea millefolium, is derived from Achilles, who used this versatile herb to staunch wounds during the Trojan wars. Yarrow's folk name - nosebleed - also attests to its long standing use as a styptic to stop bleeding. Today, yarrow is one of the best-known herbal remedies for fevers, the flu, stomachaches, sore throats, menstrual problems, to improve circulation and strengthen weak veins.
      One small (finely chopped) fresh leaf will speed decomposition of a wheelbarrow full of raw compost; yarrow's root secretions will activate the disease resistance of nearby plants; and it intensifies the medicinal actions of other herbs.

Plant Facts
      Yarrow is a hardy perennial that usually grows in bushy clusters. The stalks can grow as high as 24 in. tall, with white or pink flowers appearing from summer to fall. The aromatic, white-flowered yarrow is most effective for medicinal use, with leaves rich in vitamins and minerals.

Origin
      Native to Europe and to western Asia, yarrow today is found throughout North America, thriving in temperate climates. The herb grows wild along roadsides, paths and in sunny meadows.

Parts Used
      The entire yarrow plant - except for its root - can be used for medicinal purposes. Fresh or dried, the herb can be taken internally or applied externally, depending on the need.

Components
      Yarrow is valued as a wound healer, due to the tannins and chamazulene in the plant. It also contains alkaloids, which help to lower blood pressure; the flavonoids present in yarrow oil dilate the peripheral arteries and induce sweating. One of yarrow's most important constituents is essential oil, which consists largely of azulene. Azulene possesses strong anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, strengthens the immune system and calms the nervous system. In addition, yarrow contains coumarins, lactones, triterpenes, eucalyptol and camphor. Its antispasmodic effect helps ease cramping, and its astringent action helps slow heavy bleeding. Yarrow's high potassium content stimulates kidney activity and positively affects the body's water balance.

CAUTION:

Indications
      Yarrow's medicinal benefits are plentiful! A hot infusion of yarrow is highly effective in reducing fevers and helping colds and flu. Its bitter tonic properties relieve stomachaches, diarrhea and cramping, as well as sore throats and gum irritation. Externally, the herb is often used to stop bleeding and prevent infection of topical cuts and wounds. A cool infusion used externally or yarrow ointment relieves varicose veins and hemorrhoids.

Methods of Administration

Tea Infusion
      For fever and flu, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of finely chopped, dried herb or 1 tbsp. of fresh leaves or flowers; cover and steep for 10-15 minutes. Strain. Drink 2-3 cups daily between meals.

Tincture
      For indigestion, chop 1 cup of fresh leaves and flowers or use ¼ cup of the dried leaves and flowers; add to 2 cups of vodka.
      Use 20-100 drops or 1 tsp. up to 6 times daily. This tincture may also be diluted in tea or in water.

Sitz Bath
      For hemorrhoids and menstrual complaints, pour 2 qt. of boiling water over 1 cup of dried yarrow or 2 cups of fresh yarrow. Cover and steep for 20 minutes. Strain and add the liquid to the sitz bath. For optimal healing, keep the bathwater as hot as can be tolerated.

Medicinal Uses

The tea

• internally( 1 cup 3 times daily)
  • digestion problems
    • gastritis
    • nausea
    • lack of appetite
    • flatulence
    • hemorrhoids
    • menstrual conditions
    • varicose veins
    • light nosebleeds

  externally (as a compress)

  • chronic lower back pain
  • stubborn or painful wounds

Healing Tea Mixtures

For coughing

• 1 1/3 oz yarrow flowers
• ¾ oz narrow-leaf plantain leaves
• ¾ oz. thyme leaves
• ¾ oz. calendula flowers

• 1 1/3 oz. yarrow flowers
• ¾ oz. chamomile blossoms
• ¾ oz. fennel seeds

• 1 oz. yarrow flowers
• 1/3 oz. dried licorice root

To improve circulation and fortify the heart muscle, an herbal wine can be beneficial. Place &frac; oz. each of dried yarrow, lemon balm leaves and hawthorn flowers or berries, plus 1 cinnamon stick, in 1 qt. of red wine. Let steep for 3 weeks; strain. Drink 1 glass daily.

To support meditation put 3-4 drops in a diffuser or on a lightbulb ring. Yarrow's balancing effect on the mind assists meditation and helps to deepen awareness.

• For fevers, head colds and sinus conditions, yarrow oil induces sweating to help break a fever, the vapors also rid the body of excess mucus from respiratory infections. Add 3 drops each of yarrow, eucalyptus and tea-tree oils to a pot of boiling water (don't use an aluminum pot). Place the pot on a safe surface and lean over it, with a towel draped over your head, and deeply inhale the vapors.
• A circulatory stimulant, the oil's analgesic properties provide pain relief. It eases swelling and expands blood vessels. As a massage for rheumatism and arthritis; add 3 drops each of yarrow, chamomile, lavender and eucalyptus oils to 8 oz. of sweet-almond oil, and massage into the shoulders, chest, hops, legs, feet, neck, hands and arms, paying attention to any stiff or inflamed areas.
• For stretch marks, rub several drops of yarrow oil on the affected areas every day
• For acne, add 3 drops each of yarrow and bergamont oils to a pot of boiling water. Simmer for two min., place the pot on a safe surface and lean over it, with a towel draped over your head. Let the vapors clean the pores for as long as possible. Or prepare a warm compress with 2 drops each of yarrow, bergamot and chamomile oils and apply it to the affected area.
• First Aid:
  • Yarrow essential oil is a good addition to any first-aid kit. It aids blood clotting and heals minor wounds.
  • It also helps soothe itching from insect bites.
  • Put 3 drops of yarrow oil on a warm compress and apply to cuts as soon as possible after an injury.
  • For bruises, put 5-7 drops of oil on the bruise several times a day. Follow with a cold compress with 10 drops of yarrow oil for 10 minutes.

Kitchen Hints

• It is hard to find fresh yarrow sold commercially; however, the plant thrives in open fields and is easily identified with a good field guide. It may also be transplanted and is very easy to grow. Dried yarrow is generally available for purchase.
• Yarrow has a strong aromatic fragrance. The leaves are most pungent in late spring. Finely chop fresh leaves; sprinkle over a salad or add to food before serving. The flowers may be used similarly.
• Yarrow's strong sage-like flavor makes it a good seasoning for Greek salads, poultry stuffings, meat stews, savory bean dishes and meat entrees. Add yarrow to oil and vinegar salad dressings for a delicate, slightly bitter taste. In soft cheeses or creamy dips it lends a spicy aroma. It is also flavorful with bay leaf in split-pea soup.
• Yarrow tea is generally considered too intense by itself and is often blended with herbs that are milder. Yarrow can add depth to chamomile tea and pungency to spearmint tea. For a spicy, full-bodied flavor, add a pinch of yarrow to 1 tsp. of green tea.

Yarrow-Flavored Beer

• 2 oz. dried yarrow leaves or flowers
• 2 oz. dried chamomile flowers
• 2 oz. dried raspberry leaf
• 1 oz. dried agrimony leaf
• ¼ oz. crushed fennel seed
• 1 tsp. yeast energizer
• ½ lb. malt extract
• 2 lb. sugar
• Juice of 2 lemons (about ¼ cup)
• 1 packet of liquid ale yeast
• 1 oz. cane sugar

1. Blend the herbs. Mix half the herb blend with the yeast energizer and the malt extract in 1 gal. of hot water and boil for 10 minutes. Add the rest of the herbs, sugar and lemon juice. Stir to dissolve; then remove from heat and let cool.
2. Add the liquid ale yeast and leave in a warm spot, stirring every few days until the foaming almost ceases. The process may take up to several weeks.
3. Stir well and transfer the beer (with the yeast deposit) to jars with airtight lids. Leave in a cool place until the yeast has settled and the beer has cleared.
4. Pour off the clear liquid and dissolve 1 oz. of can sugar in the beer. Transfer the mixture to beer bottles, stopper and leave standing upright. After 2-3 weeks at room temperature, the beer should be sparkling and the yeast deposit firm enough to pour the beer off easily.

Magickal Information

• Gender: Feminine
• Planet: Venus
• Element: Water
• Powers: Courage, Love, Psychic Powers, Exorcism
• Folk Names: Achillea, Arrowroot, Bad Man's Plaything, Carpenter's Weed, Death Flower, Devil's Nettle, Eerie, Field Hops, Gaerwe, Hundred Leaves Grass, Knight's Mifoil, Knyghten, Lady's Mantle, Milfoil, Militaris, Military Herb, Millefolium, Noble Yarrow, Nosebleed, Old Man's Mustard, Old Man's Pepper, Sanguinary, Seven Year's Love, Snake's Grass, Soldier's Woundwort, Stanch Grass, Stanch Weed, Tansy, Thousand Seal, Wound Wort, Yarroway, Yerw

Magickal Uses:

• When worn, yarrow protects the wearer, and when held in the hand, it stops all fear, granting courage.
• Dried yarrow, hung over the bed or used in wedding decorations ensures a love lasting at least seven years. Yarrow is also used in love spells.
• Carrying yarrow not only brings love, but it also attracts friends and distant relations you want to contact.It draws the attention of those you most want to see.
• The infusion made from flowers is said to improve psychic powers.
• Washing the head with the infusion is supposed to prevent baldness, but won't cure it if its already begun.
• Yarrow is also used to exorcise evil and negativity from a person, place or thing.

This article was previously published at Suite101.com

Sources:
      All information provided in this article is the result of research using (but not limited to) the following books and guides: Herbs for Health and Healing, Rodale; Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott Cunningham; Magical Herbalism, Scott Cunningham; The Complete Guide to Natural Healing, International Masters Publishers; Earthway, Mary Summer Rain; Teach Yourself Herbs, Susie White; Natural Beauty from the Garden, Janice Cox; Nature's Prescriptions, Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing, and The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies, Joe Graedon and Theresa Graedon, Ph.D