Christine Best
MIIMH, MNIMH
Medical Herbalist
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Christine Best MIIMH, MNIMH Medical Herbalist |
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Herb of the Month Yarrow One of the flowers to look out for in the hedgerows is Yarrow (Achillea millefolium). It grows along the roadside up to 2ft high on strong almost woody stems with dark green feathery leaves. The umbels of flowers are usually a greyish white but can be quite a strong pink colour. Garden varieties - known as Achillea can be yellow as well but it is the wild one that I will talk about. This common plant is not as well known as nettles or dandelion but has so many uses it’s hard to know where to begin! Its Latin name comes from the Greek hero Achilles who is said to have used the herb to staunch the wounds of his warriors and it is very effective at stopping bleeding - both externally and also internally. It is used to help reduce the flow of heavy periods and also relieves menstrual pain especially if combined with Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris / mollis). It is also useful in treating varicose veins as it strengthens and astringes the veins. It is often included in topical creams, along with horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) and with witchhazel (Hamamelis virginiana), for this purpose. Taken as a tea it tones the digestive tract and can be used for a wide range of digestive disturbances and has a similar action on the respiratory tract and female reproductive tract and so finds a use in these areas also. It will also act as a diaphoretic, bringing the blood to the peripheries. This action helps to lower fevers in colds and chills, where it combines well with elderflower (Sambucus nigra) or chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) and peppermint (Mentha piperata); it will also lower blood pressure. The whole plant should be collected when flowering on a nice sunny day. It may be dried in bunches in a dark, airy place and stored for the winter. Take it as a tea internally or add to a warm bath. |