Yarrow
Description
A perennial herb 20-80 cm tall. It has a creeping, branched rhizome. The leaves are bipinnate, feathery, finely dissected, aromatic, and bitter. It produces white or pink flowers in small heads grouped in flat umbels. It has a pleasant, aromatic scent.
Key Properties & Benefits
Anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, antispasmodic, healing, analgesic, fever reducer, hypotensive, and sedative. Contains essential oil (including azulene and borneol) and tannins.
Basic Uses
Internal Use: For leukorrhea (vaginal discharge), menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea), diarrhea, and fever.
Cultural Significance
Yarrow is associated with courage and protection. Its name, Achillea, pays homage to the hero Achilles, who, according to mythology, used this plant to treat wounds in the Trojan War, hence its nickname "soldier's herb" or "Achilles' herb." In various cultures, it represents resilience and care in adversity. Furthermore, in traditional Chinese oracles such as the I Ching, yarrow stalks were used for divination and spiritual consultation.
Spiritual & Ceremonial Use
In various cultures, yarrow has been used in rituals for protection, purification, and to ward off negative energies or evil spirits. For example, in some North American indigenous traditions, yarrow flowers were burned for protection during comatose states or to keep negative spirits away.b
Preparation Methods
Internal Use: Decoction of 3 sprigs per cup of water. Decoction of one leaf for drinking.
Dosage Guidelines
General Internal Use: 3 to 5 cups, divided throughout the day. For fever: three glasses a day.
Precautions & Warnings
No precautions are needed at the recommended dosage. Internal use is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women when used in mixtures with other strong herbs (although yarrow alone does not have a specific warning on that list).
Ethical Harvesting
The plant is obtained by harvesting from wild-growing fields. Part used: The buds