YARROW
Yarrow is a highly versatile remedy, with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic volatile oils, and astringent tannins. The resins are also astringent and antiseptic, while silica promotes tissue repair. These properties promote healing of cuts and wounds, burns and ulcers, and inflammatory skin conditions. In the digestive system, yarrow stimulates the appetite, enhances digestion and absorption; its astringent properties curb diarrhea and dysentery, and stem bleeding from the lining of the gut. The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties treat infections and inflamed conditions such as gastritis and enteritis, the bitters stimulate liver function, while its antispasmodics relax tensioning cramp, wind, colic or nervous dyspepsia. Taken hot, yarrow is excellent for helping to throw off fevers and infections such as colds, flu, coughs, and sore throats. Yarrow clears heat and toxins from the system by causing sweating. As a tonic to the circulatory system, yarrow helps improve varicose veins, hemorrhoids, phlebitis and thrombosis, and reduces blood pressure. Yarrow's diuretic action aids the elimination of fluid and toxins from the system via the urine. Yarrow also relieves cystitis, irritable bladder, stones, and gravel. Yarrow helps relieve painful joints and clear the skin. Yarrow contains sterols which have a hormone-like action and help to regulate the menstrual cycle. Yarrow reduces heavy bleeding and uteric congestion, and relieve heavy periods. Yarrow is also a tonic to the nervous system. PARTS USED Aerial parts. USES Healing wounds - Achilles reputedly used yarrow to heal wounds, hence its botanical name. Yarrow has been used for this purpose for centuries, and in Scotland a traditional wound ointment was made from yarrow. Therapeutic properties - Chamazulene, present in some volatile oils, is markedly anti-inflammatory and antiallergenic. Sesquiterpene lactones are bitter and tonic, and achilleine helps arrest internal and external bleeding. The flavonoids are probably responsible for yarrow's antispasmodic effect. Gynecological herb - Yarrow helps regulate the menstrual cycle, reduces heavy bleeding, and eases menstrual pain. Other medical uses - Abscess. Combined with other herbs, yarrow helps colds and flu. Its bitter tonic properties make it useful for weak digestion and colic. Yarrow also helps hay fever, lowers high blood pressure, improves venous circulation, and tones varicose veins. Make good herbal cleansers for skin wrinkles.
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