YARROW

COMMON NAME: YARROW

LATIN NAME: Achillea millefolium

FAMILY: Compositae

HISTORY: Yarrow is closely associated with Divination, giving rise to sayings and verses in many parts of the world. In China, yarrow stalks are used in consulting the I Chin (book of changes). Over 40 different constituents have been isolated from yarrow, these include an essential oil, which contains anti-inflammatory azulene. Achillea was named after Achilles, who reputedly used it to heal his soldiers wounds after the siege of Troy.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION: Aromatic perennial with tough stems and feathery leaves. Corymbs of grayish white to pink flowers appear from early summer to late autumn.

TYPE: PERENNIAL HEIGHT: 5-30CM SPREAD: INDEFINITE HARDINESS ZONES: 3-10

HABITAT: Native to Europe and Western Asia and also widely naturalized in North America, Australia and New Zealand. Yarrow is an attractive border plant with long-lived flowers. Prefers well drained soil in full sun.

PROPAGATION: By seed sown in spring or by division in fall. Flowers attract many beneficial insects including ladybugs and parasitic wasps that prey on garden pests, particularly aphids. It can become invasive.

PARTS USED: aerial parts

HARVEST: Whole plants are cut when flowering and dried for infusions, liquid extracts, lotions and tinctures.

CONSTITUENTS: OVER 40 DIFFERENT CONSTITUENTS HAVE BEEN ISOLATED FROM YARROW

volatile oil- including azulene

flavonoids

tannins

bitter principal

salicylates

cyanogenic glycosides

resins

PROPERTIES: An aromatic, bitter, astringent herb that reduces inflammation, increases perspiration, relieves indigestion, and has diuretic effects. It is also effective in lowering blood pressure, relaxing spasms, and arresting hemorrhage.

INDICATIONS: INTERNALLY- feverish illnesses(colds and flu) , digestive problems, rheumatism, arthritis, hypertension, and to protect against thrombosis after stroke or heart attack.

EXTERNALLY- wound healing, nosebleeds, ulcers, inflamed eyes, and hemorrhoids.

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DOSAGE: INFUSION- 1-2 tsp./cup t.i.d. (take as hot as possible)

TINCTURE-1-4 ml t.i.d.

COMBINATIONS- for fever with elder flower(Sambucus nigra), peppermint(Mentha piperita), boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum), cayenne (Capsicum sp.) and ginger (Zingiber officinale)

for raised blood pressure- hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacanthoides) and mistletoe(Viscum album).

for digestive problems-chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)

CONTRAINDICATIONS/WARNINGS: Prolonged use of yarrow may cause allergic rashes and make the skin more sensitive to sunlight.

KETTLEBY HERB FARMS@1997 970731YA

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