77 1/2 Magical Healing Herbs EBOOK

Achillea millefolium
Common yarrow

Description: The yarrow plant grows up to 3 feet (90 cm) high and produces one to several grayish-green hairy stems. The leaflets have a delicate, fernlike appearance and spiral around the stem. Groups of twenty to twenty-five yellowish-white ray flower heads cluster at the top of the stem in the shape of a shield. The flowers produce a white, oblong fruit. At its base, the plant has a creeping root system.
History and Traditions: The genus name comes from the Greek hero Achilles, while the specific name refers to the plant’s foliage and means “thousands of leaves,” due to the fact that numerous leaflets make up the leaves. The herb gained its current Latin name in 1753. Prior to that it was called herbe militaris, the military herb, attesting to the fact soldiers applied it to wounds to staunch bleeding. Legends claim the herb could cure more than a thousand diseases. In the Middle Ages, yarrow flavored beer. According to the Chinese, the herb is the perfect balance between yin and yang.
Habitat and Distribution: Native to temperate areas in Europe (with large deposits in the Balkan Peninsula), Asia, and North America. It also grows in Australia and New Zealand. It’s a hardy plant commonly found in meadows, by the roadside, and in mountainous and forested areas.
Growth: Perennial. The plant thrives in full sun or partial shade, and in dry, well-drained soil, being tolerant to droughts. If grown as a garden plant, it’s best to keep the herb in a container. Blossoms occur late-April through early-July in southern climates, and mid-July through mid-September in northern climates.
Harvesting: Flowers and leaves are used. Collect flowers (without the stems) at mid-day (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) in dry weather shortly before they reach full bloom. To harvest leaves, gather the stems at the beginning of flowering or during flowering. Cut them 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) from the top and discard the hardened parts. Dry flowers and leaves in the sun for four to five hours, then in the shade or in a dehydrator at 104°F (40°C). Store in a shady, dry, well-ventilated location.
Medical Use: Essential oil is yarrow’s most valuable extracted product, and it is commonly used as an anti-inflammatory. The plant has a dual purpose regarding nosebleeds. It can stop them or start them. In the case of the latter, the rolled-up leaf is inserted into the nostrils, producing bleeding, with the intent of relieving headaches. Because of its effect on blood, women often take it if they suffer from irregular or painful menstruation or excessive menstrual bleeding. In folk medicine, yarrow is a contraceptive or way to induce abortions. The herb has many other purposes, including treating kidney disorders, easing stomach inflammation, lowering blood pressure, stimulating appetites, breaking fevers, treating rashes, improving sleep quality, preventing baldness, and more.
Rituals and Magical Use: Yarrow is a symbol of eternal love due to its long growth and its ability to withstand harsh climates. Its cycle of life teaches people to cultivate love and trust that their partner will support them in everything. It is believed to facilitate love and lead to a happy marriage. A young person will pick the herb and cast a love spell with it by putting an ounce into a small bag and placing it under the pillow at bedtime, then chanting a charm while envisioning their future spouse. The plant’s serrated leaf is a divination tool. People tickle the inside of their noses while asking if someone they love loves them in return. If their nose bleeds, the answer is yes. In magical rituals, yarrow wards off the devil. Or it can be put by one’s pillow to protect against the early stages of spells and bad intentions. Its healing ability appears in legends. A story tells how St. Joseph was once injured, and the infant Jesus staunched the bleeding with a stalk of a dried yarrow herb.
Other Use: Yarrow is planted to combat soil erosion. It’s grown as an ornamental plant and added to floral arrangements, and it’s a popular plant for butterfly gardens. Its leaves are added to salads and soups and steeped in hot water for tea. If cooking with the soft herb, be aware that high heat will destroy its taste. The essential oil is an ingredient in cosmetics, and a weak infusion of the flowering plant in distilled water can cleanse skin. Yarrow produces a green or yellow dye, and the dried herb has been added to snuff.
Other Names: Western yarrow, yarrow, milfoil, nosebleed plant, old man’s pepper, devil’s nettle, bloodwort, soldier’s woundwort, carpenter’s weed, sanguinary.
Aromatic: Yarrow has a strong, sweet fragrance, similar to chrysanthemums, and the leaves smell pleasant when crushed and have a delicate, grassy flavor, with a hint of aniseed. The taste of both leaves and flowers is described as bitter, astringent, and pungent, often compared to tarragon.

CAUTION: Large doses can cause headaches, allergic reactions, and rashes. Pregnant and lactating women should not use. Be careful when using with other medication; yarrow interacts with anticoagulants and food supplements containing lithium, sedatives, and antacids.

Legendary Greek Healer
Achillea millefolium gets its Latin name from Achilles, whom you may know as a hero from Greek mythology. He fought and died in the Trojan War when an arrow struck his heel (the famous Achilles heel, the only part of his body his mother failed to protect when she dunked him into the river Styx). But what you may not know was that he relied on the powerful blood-purifying of the yarrow plant on the battlefield to heal not only his own non-fatal wounds, but the injuries of others (Staneva).

Remedy for Eczema
This is Petar Dimkov’s recommendation.
50 g of yarrow stalks
30 g of marigold flowers
30 g of plantain leaves
Add 1 Tablespoon of the combined herbs to 500 ml of boiling water. Boil for 5 to 6 minutes. Filter the liquid through a thin cloth or gauze. Drink 100 ml four times a day before meals (Verdes.bg).