YARROW Achillea millefolium, L.( N. O.: Compositae)
Features: A perennial plant of the composite family( Compositae), Yarrow inhabits Europe and North America. It is found in pastures, meadows and along roadsides, flowering from May to October. Yarrow has a rough angular stem and grows to heights of 3 ft.; the alternate leaves are 1 – 6 in. long, pinnatified, clasp the stem at the base, are slightly woolly and are cut into very fine segments. The flowers are white( if you are lucky you may find pin Yarrow) borne in flat-top daisy-like clusters up to 1 ft. across. The plant possesses a faint, pleasant, peculiar fragrance, and an ether sharp, rough astringent taste, which properties are due to tannic and achilleic acid, essential oil and bitter extractive achilleic. The genus to which Yarrow belongs was named after Achilles, who supposedly discovered the medicinal virtues of the plant. Medicinal Part: The herb. Solvents: Water, alcohol. Bodily Influence: Astringent, Alterative, Diuretic, Tonic. Uses: The awareness of Yarrow as a useful agent was known to our Indians as a tonic for run-down conditions and indigestion. Achilles informs us the juice put in the eye will take away redness. Herbalists know that Yarrow, together with Plantain( Plantago lanceolate) and Comfrey( Symphytum), will stop haemorrhages of the lungs, bowels, haemorrhoids and other internal bleeding. Yarrow is most useful in colds, influenza, measles, smallpox, chickenpox, fevers and acute catarrhs of the respiratory tract. The properties have the ability to keep up the strength and act as a blood cleanser, at the same time opening the pores to permit free perspiration, taking along with it unwanted waste and relieving the kidneys; more effective than quinine for the above mentioned when combined with Elder flowers( Sambucus canadensis) and Peppermint( Menth piperita).
Yarrow exercises influence over many ailments, including incontinence of urine and where there are mucus discharges from the bladder, dyspepsia, amenorrhoea, suppressed or restrained menses and in menorrhagia or profuse continued menstruation; as a feminine solution for administration for leucorrhoea( whites) and internal decoction of Yarrow boiled with white wine is used to stop the running of the reins in men and discharge of women. Chewing the leaves when troubled by toothache will frequently ease the pain. Dose: Infusion of 1 teaspoonful to 1 cupful of boiling water is given in wineglassful to cupful amounts, three or four times a day. The essential oil, from 5 – 20 drops three or four times a day. Externally: The Indians used the leaves as a poultice for skin rash. We, too, have found merit for treatment of skin wounds, ulcers and fistulas in an ointment or poultice application; both are soothing for haemorrhoids. The oil or decoction will prevent the hair from falling out, if taken internally and applied to the scalp. Russian Experience: Tisiachelistnik or Krovavnik means one thousand leaves, or Blood plant. Achillea millefolium, also translated as one thousand leaves in Russia, along with A. asiatica and A. setacea are only three of the species of Yarrow to be found there. The leaves, flowers and unseparated tops are usually called Yarrow, as known in North America.