Yarrow the I Ching Herb
Judi Singleton
Yarrow the I Ching Herb
Yarrow is an ancient herb steeped in mythology. A sacred herb in many cultures, Yarrow stalks are used for the I Ching instead of coin.
Legend has it that yarrow (Achillea millefolium) was named after Achilles, the Greek mythical figure who used it to stop the bleeding wounds of his soldiers. Popular in European folk medicine, yarrow has traditionally been used to treat wounds, menstrual ailments, and bleeding hemorrhoids. Its traditional uses also include the treatment of fevers and colds, and relief of stomach and intestinal upset. Yarrow has been valued since ancient times for its ability to stop bleeding, hence its folk name "nosebleed." Today, yarrow is valued for its ability to fight off colds and flu. It is also an ingredient in many herbal cosmetics. Dried and cut flowers are used in arrangements.
This plant is so hardy that you can chop it and mow it down and it will come back up while you are doing the chopping. The wild yarrow is white, the other yarrows were bred for color and smell. Found in Europe and the Americas, forty species belong in the yarrow genus.
Harvest in flower and gather the whole flowering heads. You will not hurt the plants you harvest, they will grow right back. You can also harvest the whole above ground parts including leaf, stems and flowers. This adds a bitter quality to the finished product. No special harvesting equipment needed.
Use flowers, leaves and stems.
A piece of the plant held against a wound will staunch bleeding.
An infusion can help to break a fever.
A tea made from yarrow with peppermint and elderflower can be used to fight colds and flu.
Yarrow can be of benefit in mild cystitis.
Promotes digestion.
Improves circulation by acting as a vasodilator.
Lowers blood pressure.
Do not use yarrow during pregnancy, for undiagnosed bleeding, or for more than two weeks. Infusion causes contractions; should NOT be given to PREGNANT women. Prolonged use may cause rash and sun-sensitivity in skin.
Infusion ( tea) Pour near-boiling water over the herb and let steep 5-10 minutes. Standard quantities are 75g fresh or 30g dried herb to 500ml water. The Infusion must be taken same day. It may be sweetened, but do not add milk. This is the best method for leaves and flowers. Used for treating Arthritis, Diarrhoea (especially when combined with Chamomile), Dyspepsia (especially when combined with Chamomile), Indigestion (especially when combined with Chamomile), Menopausal Complaints, Menstrual Complaints, Rheumatism, Thrombosis, Hypertension, Fever (especially when combined with Sage), as an Appetite Supressant, and Liver Tonic (especially when combined with Sage) Used as a Mouthwash (a Strong Infusion) for treating Canker Sores Poultice A Poultice consists of a pulp or paste made by heating chopped fresh, dried, or powdered herbs with a lttle water. Spread the paste between two layers of gauze and apply (as hot as possible) externally to the affected area. Replace as necessary. Used for treating Eye Inflammations, Stys, Nosebleeds, and Ulcers Wash The herb can be used as a Wash by diluting an unsweetened Infusion to a large quantity of water. Use Wash by applying externally to the affected area. Used for treating Haemorrhoids Insect Repellent Fresh or dried flowerss rubbed onto exposed skin can help repel insects. Used for repelling Mosquitoes, Gnats, and summer Flies
Gleaned From:
Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs. Boston, Mass: Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998:223-224.
Bradley P, ed. British Herbal Compendium. Vol. I. Dorset, Great Britain: British Herbal Medicine Association; 1992:227-229.
Chandler RF, Hooper SN, Harvey MJ. Ethnobotany and phytochemistry of yarrow, Achillea millefolium, Compositae. Econ Botany. 1982;36:203-223.
Goldberg AS, Mueller EC, Eigen E, Desalva S. Isolation of anti-inflammatory principles from Achillea millefolium (Compositae). J Pharm Sci. 1969;58:938-941.
Grieve M. A Modern Herbal. Vol. II. New York, NY: Dover; 1971:863-865.
Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company; 1998:604-606.
Kudrzycka-Bicloszabska FW, Glowniak K. Pharmacodynamic properties of oleum chamomillae and oleum millefolii. Diss Pharm Phamacol. 1966;18:449-454.
Moskalenko SA. Preliminary screening of far-Eastern ethnomedicinal plant for antibacterial activity. J Ethnopharmacol. 1986;15:231-259.
Newall C, Anderson L, Phillipson J. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press; 1996:271-273.
Schulz V, Hansel R, Tyler V. Rational Phytotherapy: A Physicians' Guide to Herbal Medicine. 3rd ed. Berlin, Germany: Springer; 1998:182-183, 239
About the author: About the author: Judi Singleton is the publisher of Jassmine's Journal and you can subscribe to her lists at http://www.motherearthpublishing.com
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