 Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
folk names: milfoil, nosebleed, herb militaris, soldier's woundwort, thousand leaf, thousand seal, field hop
planet: Venus
element: Water
magickal powers: courage, love, psychic powers, exorcism
Description: hardy herbaceous, pungent perenial, 6-24 inches, fine feathered, bright gray-green leaves and flat heads of a small white, pink, or red flowers, mid sumer to autumn. grows in grassy places, including lawns
Magickal Properties:
* when worn: protects the wearer
* used in love spells
* carrying yarrow, also attracts friends
* flowers made into an infusion and drunk to improve psychic powers
* also used to exorcise person, place, or thing
Healing Properites:
* astringent, sudorific, tonic
* cleansing of the skin
* opening of the pore and remaining obstructions
* excellent treatment of wounds, both internal and external
* treats colds and sore throats
* used to break fevers
* mild digestive aid
* relieves menstral cramps
* moderate sedative
* can be taken in cases of hypertension
Uses: folk remedy for rheumatism, toothaches, hemorrage and fever; fresh young leaves used sparingly in salads, herbal tobacco and substitute for hobs in brewing
Parts Used:
flowers:
infusion: drink for upper respiratory phlegm or use externally as a wash for eczema
inhalation: for hay fever and mild asthma, use fresh in boiling water
Essential Oils:
massage oils: for inflamed joints, dilute 5-10 drops yarrow oil in 25 ml infused St. John's Wort oil
chest rub: for chest colds and influenza, combine with eucalpytus, peppermint, hyssop, or thyme oils diluting a total of 20 drops in 25 ml almond or sunflower oil
Leaves:
fresh: to stop a nose bleed, insert a leaf to the nostril, however this same process will also start a nosebleed
poultice: wrap washed, fresh leaves on cuts or grazes
Aeriel Parts:
infusion: use to reduce fevers and as a digestive tonic
tincture: use for urinary disorders or menstrual problems, also prescribed by herbologists for cardiovascular complaints
compress: soak a pad in an infusion or dilute tincture to soothe varicose veins
Cautions:
** a normal side of effect of taking yarrow is darkened urine--this is normal, however large amounts of yarrow are posionous
** in rare cases, yarow can cause severe allergic skin rashes
** prolonged use can increase the skins photosensitivity
** avoid large doses in pregnancy because the herb is an uterine stimulant
Harvesting:
flowers: during summer and autumn
leaves: throughout growing season
aeriel parts: harvest during flowering
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