Achillea millefolium

Astringent (stops bleeding); has been used as an anti-inflammatory to treat hemorrhoids or headaches.  When taken internally, has been known to speed up recovery from severe bruising. Can be used to repel mosquitoes. Contains anti-bacterial component azulene.  The bitter alkaloid, achilleine, has been said to stimulate the appetite and relieve stomach and gallbladder problems.  Its anti-spasmodic effect has been said to ease cramping and the astringent effect may slow bleeding.  Also contains: chamuzulene, choline, valeric acid, formic acid, methl alcohol, flavones and tannins.

Flowering tops are most useful.  Can be steamed into a vapor that helps hay fever.  Flowers can be infused into a liquid that helps upper respiratory congestion.  The essential oil can be used in a chest rub.  Tincture can be used to treat vericose veins.  Can be used as a wash to treat eczema.  Compress can be made from tea twice as strong as you would drink, to be applied to a painful wound.  Has been known to treat a cold within 24 hours.  Chewing purple portion of the root has been known as a natural numbing agent for open mouth sores.

Hanging yarrow flowers above the bed is supposed to create a lasting love for at least seven years.

Tea: 1 cup of boiling water poured over 2 tsp of dried yarrow, allow to steep for 15 minutes;  or 30 g dried or 60 g fresh leaves and flowers boiled in .5 liter for 10 minutes.  Any part of the plant above ground can be used for this, but most commonly it is the flowers that are used.  Some herbalists recommend adding 1 tsp of yarrow to other medicinal teas to make them more effective.

Tea can be used internally or externally to help stop bleeding.  3 cups daily has been recommended to relieve light nosebleeds, hemorrhoids or menstrual problems.

For chronic lower back pain, a yarrow compress may ease pain.  Apply a rag soaked in hot yarrow tea (don’t burn yourself), and place a water bottle over it.

Teas with other herbs:

Coughing

1.3 oz yarrow flowers
.75 oz narrow leaf plaintain leaves
.75 oz thyme leaves
.75 oz of calendula flower

Stomach cramps

1.3 oz yarrow flowers
.75 oz chamomile blossoms
.75 oz fennel seeds

Menstrual bleeding or sinus congestion

1 oz yarrow flowers
.3 oz dried licorice root

Improve circulation

.75 oz dried yarrow
.75 oz lemon balm
.75 oz hawthorn flowers or berries
1 cinnamon stick
1 qt red wine
Steep for 3 weeks; strain, drink 1 glass daily

Strengthen Weak Veins

1 oz yarrow
1 oz calendula
1 oz hawthorne flowers

In magic:

Protection when worn, grants courage, used in love spells, brings love and attracts friends whom you desire to contact, tea improves psychic powers, exorcises evil and negativity.

This is not medical advice.