English French German Italian Portuguese Russian Spanish

Untitled Document


Yarrow (Achillea Milefolium)

Common yarrow is an erect herbaceous perennial plant.

Mythology and History

The genus name Achillea is derived from mythical Greek character, Achilles. Homer tells us that the centaur Chiron, who conveyed herbal secrets to his human pupils, taught Achilles to use yarrow on the battle grounds of Troy. Achilles is said to have used it to stop the bleeding wounds of his soldiers. For centuries it has been carried in battle because of its magical as well as medicinal properties.

 

In antiquity, it was known as herbal militaris, for its use in staunching the flow of blood from wounds.
The plant has a long history as a powerful 'healing herb' used topically for wounds, cuts and abrasions.

Decoctions have been used to treat inflammations and in promoting blood flow, as well as staunching blood flow, when properly used.


Health Benefits & Modern Medicinal uses

Today, yarrow is valued mainly for its action in colds and influenza, and also for its effect on the circulatory, digestive, excretory, and urinary systems. Modern herbal doctors employ it to treat fevers, amenorrhea, and diarrhea.
It is powerful astringent, wound healer, it strengthens blood vessels and veins, ceases bleeding, stimulates perspiration and brings down fever.

Achillea millefolium tea may be so beneficial for colds and fevers, because it helps promote sweating in the body, as it causes capillaries on the skin's surface to become dilated, increasing blood circulation. Other benefits attributed to this tea include stimulating appetite, fighting gastritis and stomach cramps, and cleansing out the liver.

Yarrow makes an excellent skin wash, its astringency making it particularly beneficial to oily complexions.
The usage for external wounds is still frequently seen today.

The plant has a long history as a powerful 'healing herb' used topically to speed wound healing, and improve other skin conditions such as rashes and abrasions, calm inflamed skin.

Yarrow has strong moisturizing action on the skin, as it is rich in tannins and flavonoids and has skin soothing benefits. For oily skin and acne, yarrow tonic for skin and scalp is very beneficial and its extract balances skin functions making it a great natural ingredient to use in preparation formulated for acne, and oily skin. At the time it soothes itchy, dry skin, relieving minor skin irritations, healing damaged skin and stimulating regeneration of new skin cells.

Links:

The Healthier Life
Plants for a Future

Althaea::Althaea officinalis
Althaea
Avocado::Persea americana
Avocado
Basil::Ocimum bacilicum
Basil
Beeswax::Cera Alba
Beeswax
Calendula::Calendula officinalis
Calendula
Chamomile::Chamomilla recutita
Chamomile
Chaste Tree::Vitex agnus - castus
Chaste Tree
Dittany::Origanum dictamnus
Dittany
Honey::
Honey
Laurel::Laurus nobilis
Laurel
Lavender::Lavandula angustifolia
Lavender
Lemon::Citrus limon
Lemon
Marjoram::Origanum majorana
Marjoram
Mallow musk::Malva moschata
Mallow musk
Mandarin::Mandarin
Mandarin
Mastic::Pistacia Lentiscus var
Mastic
Myrtle::Myrtus communis
Myrtle
Olive oil::Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Olive Leaves Extracts
Olive oil
Orange::Citrus sinensis
Orange
Melissa::Melissa officinalis
Melissa
Peach::Prunus persica
Peach
Peppermint::Mentha spicata
Peppermint
Red Wine::
Red Wine
Rock Rose::Cistus creticus
Rock Rose
Rosemary::Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosemary
Sage::Salvia fruticosa & Salvia officinalis
Sage
Thyme::Thymus vulgaris
Thyme
Yarrow::Achillea millefolium
Yarrow