Yarrow the I Ching Herb by Judi Singleton

Yarrow the I Ching Herb

Yarrow is an ancient herb steeped in mythology. A sacred herb in many cultures, Yarrow stalks are used for the I Ching instead of coin.

Legend has it that yarrow (Achillea millefolium) was named after Achilles, the Greek mythical figure who used it to stop the bleeding wounds of his soldiers. Popular in European folk medicine, yarrow has traditionally been used to treat wounds, menstrual ailments, and bleeding hemorrhoids. Its traditional uses also include the treatment of fevers and colds, and relief of stomach and intestinal upset.

Yarrow has been valued since ancient times for its ability to stop bleeding, hence its folk name "nosebleed." Today, yarrow is valued for its ability to fight off colds and flu. It is also an ingredient in many herbal cosmetics. Dried and cut flowers are used in arrangements.

This plant is so hardy that you can chop it and mow it down and it

will come back up while you are doing the chopping.

The wild yarrow is white, the other yarrows were bred for

color and smell. Found in Europe and the Americas,

forty species belong in the yarrow genus.

Harvest in flower and gather the whole flowering heads. You will not hurt the plants you harvest, they will grow right back. You can also harvest the whole above ground parts including leaf, stems and flowers. This adds a bitter quality to the finished product. No special harvesting equipment needed.

Use flowers, leaves and stems.

A piece of the plant held against a wound will staunch bleeding.

An infusion can help to break a fever.

A tea made from yarrow with peppermint and elderflower

can be used to fight colds and flu.

Yarrow can be of benefit in mild cystitis.

Promotes digestion.

Improves circulation by acting as a vasodilator.

Lowers blood pressure.

Do not use yarrow during pregnancy, for undiagnosed bleeding, or for more than two weeks. Infusion causes contractions; should

NOT be given to PREGNANT women. Prolonged use may cause rash and sun-sensitivity in skin.

Infusion ( tea)

Pour near-boiling water over the herb and let steep 5-10 minutes. Standard quantities are 75g fresh or 30g dried herb to 500ml water. The Infusion must be taken same day. It may be sweetened, but do not add milk. This is the best method for leaves and flowers.

Go to Page 2

BIO:

About the author:
Judi Singleton is the publisher of Jassmine's Journal and you can subscribe to her lists at http://www.motherearthpublishing.com

Some Aditional Articles you may enjoy

Winter Weight Loss Magic by Stephanie Yeh

8 Steps to Get Your Fitness Resolution Back on Track by Stephen Holt

How to Make 3 Wonderfully Easy Winter Skin Toners by Danielle Sims

5 Tips to Reduce Holiday Depression by Wayne F. Perkins

Molocure, May Prevent Stomach Disorders by Dub Ratliff

Click a Number to go to an article index page
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39