Yarrow

     Also known as: Achillea Millefolium, Devil’s Nettle, Old Man’s Pepper, Herbe Militaire

     Used in earlier days for divination in spells, Yarrow plant induces sweat (diaphoretic properties), is astringent and tonic. In severe colds, Yarrow is used for fever and in cases of obstructed perspiration, reducing the sensibility to infections.

     Internal treatments with Yarrow prove beneficial to hepatitis, the fresh juice of the above ground parts of the herb protecting the liver, while diminishing the cirrhosis tendency. Favoring bile evacuation, the Yarrow infusion has positive effects in biliary dyskinesia, proving to be three times more powerful than Artichoke, considered until recently the leader in this disease. One teaspoon of equal proportions of Yarrow tincture and Artichoke tincture, diluted in water, administered a few minutes before a meal are wonderful for indigestion and dyspepsia.

     Female-friendly herb, Yarrow is utilized in cases of absence of menstruation (amenorrhea), improves the organism response to the hormones triggering the menstrual cycle, while antiseptic substances contained in this plant stop the proliferation of Candida Albicans, reducing the inflammation and helping the restoration of infected epitheliums. In Vaginal Candida cases, vaginal lavage once a day with Yarrow infusion is a mild treatment which does not alter the vaginal flora.

     Alkaloids contained in this herb stop hemorrhoids bleedings and can be beneficial as adjuvant in internal hemorrhages.

     External uses of Yarrow are enhanced by the rapid cicatrizing effect, thus being a great help in open wounds, bruises, skin burns and chemical burns.

     Having edible leaves and flowers, Yarrow can be included in salads, while in manufacturing, we can encounter it in snuff or in cosmetic products like cleansers and shampoos. (*Yarrow has the reputation of being a baldness preventative.)

     Research conducted on animals show that Yarrow can interact with anticoagulants, countering their effects and enhances the effects of sedatives and hypotension medication.