Yarrow, bulk dried herb
Yarrow, bulk dried herb
Parts used: flower
per half oz
Botanical Name:
Achillea millefolium
Common Names:
- Yarrow
- Milfoil
- Soldier’s Woundwort
- Nosebleed Plant
- Thousand-leaf
Herbal Energetics:
- Temperature: Cooling
- Moisture: Drying
Flavor:
- Bitter, pungent
Herbal Actions:
- Diaphoretic (induces sweating)
- Astringent
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antimicrobial
- Hemostatic (stops bleeding)
- Vulnerary (wound healing)
- Bitter tonic
- Antispasmodic
- Carminative (relieves gas)
- Diuretic
- Emmenagogue (stimulates menstrual flow)
Organ Affinities:
- Skin
- Respiratory system
- Digestive system
- Reproductive system
- Circulatory system
Uses:
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Wound Healing: Yarrow has long been used for its ability to stop bleeding and promote wound healing. It can be applied topically as a poultice or salve to cuts, scrapes, and bruises to accelerate the healing process.
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Fever and Colds: As a diaphoretic, yarrow is effective in treating fevers by promoting sweating. It’s often used in teas during the early stages of colds and flu to help the body break a fever and move the illness out of the system.
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Digestive Health: Yarrow's bitter and carminative properties make it valuable for stimulating digestion, relieving gas, and easing bloating. It can be used in teas or tinctures to support overall digestive health.
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Menstrual Support: Yarrow acts as an emmenagogue, stimulating menstrual flow and relieving menstrual cramps. It is helpful for regulating menstruation and easing symptoms of PMS.
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Circulatory Health: Yarrow is known for its ability to regulate blood flow. It can be used to lower high blood pressure and improve circulation, making it a valuable ally for cardiovascular health.
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Respiratory Health: Yarrow’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties make it useful for treating respiratory infections and relieving congestion. It can be used in steam inhalations or teas to support respiratory health.
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Skin Conditions: Yarrow’s astringent and anti-inflammatory properties make it effective for treating various skin conditions, such as rashes, eczema, and acne. It can be applied as a wash or added to baths for skin support.
Preparation and Dosage:
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Infusion (Tea):
- Dosage: 1–2 teaspoons of dried yarrow flowers and leaves per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10–15 minutes. Drink 1–3 cups daily for fever, colds, digestive issues, or menstrual support.
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Tincture:
- Dosage: 2–4 ml (about 40–80 drops) of a 1:5 tincture in alcohol, taken 2–3 times daily. Use for digestive support, menstrual regulation, or circulatory health.
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Poultice:
- Fresh yarrow leaves can be mashed and applied directly to wounds, cuts, or bruises to stop bleeding and promote healing.
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Salve:
- Combine yarrow-infused oil with beeswax to create a salve for treating wounds, rashes, or dry skin.
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Steam Inhalation:
- Add a handful of dried yarrow to a bowl of hot water. Inhale the steam to relieve respiratory congestion and sinus infections.
Contraindications:
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Pregnancy: Yarrow is a known emmenagogue and should be avoided during pregnancy, especially in large amounts, as it may stimulate uterine contractions.
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Allergies: Individuals allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family (such as ragweed, chamomile, or daisies) may experience allergic reactions to yarrow.
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Photosensitivity: Yarrow may increase photosensitivity in some individuals, making them more susceptible to sunburn. Use caution when applying yarrow topically if you’ll be exposed to sunlight.
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Bleeding Disorders: Yarrow may interfere with blood clotting and should be used with caution by individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking anticoagulant medications.
Materia magica
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Planetary Correspondence: Venus and Mars (Venus for love and healing; Mars for protection and courage)
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Deities: Yarrow is associated with deities of war and healing, such as:
- Ares/Mars: The god of war, reflecting yarrow's protective and healing properties.
- Aphrodite/Venus: The goddess of love and beauty, connecting to yarrow's harmonizing and love-enhancing attributes.
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Magical Uses:
- Protection: Yarrow is often used in protection rituals and spells. It can be carried as an amulet, hung in the home, or used in protective sachets to ward off negative energies and harm.
- Love and Relationships: Yarrow is traditionally used in love spells and rituals to attract love, strengthen relationships, and promote harmony between partners.
- Divination and Psychic Work: Yarrow's connection to the element of Water makes it useful in enhancing intuition and psychic abilities. It can be used in divination rituals, dream work, or added to baths to increase intuitive insights.
- Courage and Strength: Due to its association with Mars, yarrow can be used in rituals to boost courage, strength, and resolve, especially in times of conflict or challenge.
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Rituals:
- Protection Ritual: Scatter dried yarrow around the perimeter of your home or create a protection charm by placing yarrow in a small pouch and carrying it with you.
- Love Spell: Add yarrow to a love charm, bath, or incense to attract love or strengthen an existing relationship. Pair it with rose petals and lavender for enhanced effect.
- Healing Bath: Add a handful of yarrow to your bathwater for physical and emotional healing. This can be especially powerful during the waning moon to release negativity.
- Courage Spell: Burn yarrow as incense or carry it as an amulet before facing a challenging situation to invoke courage and strength.