Yarrow
(Achillea millefolium)
Plant Doctor of the Garden
Yarrow is found all over the world in pastures, fields and meadows.
It is common throughout North America, Europe and Asia.
Its specific name, millefolium, meaning "a thousand leaf," aptly
describes the masses of feathery, green leaves. This is a very
ancient herb. It was used by the Greeks to control hemorrhages, for
which it is still prescribed in herbal medicine and homeopathy
today. The legend of Achilles, refers to this property. It was said
that during the battle of Troy, Achilles healed many of his warriors
with yarrow leaves. Hence the name "Achillea."
It has long been considered a sacred herb. The ancient Chinese text
of prophecy, I Ching, "The Book of Changes," states that 52 straight
stalks of dried yarrow were spilled to foretell the future.
It was also associated with magic. In Anglo-Saxon times it was said
to have a potency against evil, and in France and Ireland, it is one
of the Herbs of St. John. On St. John's Eve, the Irish still hang it
up in their houses to avert illness.
Yarrow is a hardy perennial with small white flowers with a hint of
pink in flat clusters from summer to autumn. "Fire King" has flat
heads of red, small clusters all summer. Achillea 'Coronation Gold',
has large flat heads of small golden flowerheads in summer that dry
quite well.
Yarrow is a prolific grower, producing lots of creeping rootstock in
a growing season. To stop the invasion, divide a clump in spring or
fall and replant it where required. It is aromatic and basically
free from pests and disease.
Sow the seeds in autumn under cool protection. I do not advise
sowing directly into the garden. I do highly recommend that it has a
place in the herb garden however, for its many benefits. This
unassuming plant harbors great powers. One small leaf will speed
decomposition of a wheelbarrow full of raw compost. Because of the
abundance of leaves, I freely toss them into my compost piles
whenever I turn them, which result in a more rapid decay.
Yarrow is considered the plant doctor of the garden. Its root
secretions activate the disease resistance of nearby plants. It also
intensifies the medicinal actions of other herbs and deepens their
fragrance and flavor.
Yarrow is one of nature's survivors. Its creeping rootstock and
ability to self-seed ensure its survival in most soils. It is quite
drought-tolerant.
Yarrow should be taken in moderation and never for long periods. It
should not be taken by pregnant women.
Yarrow is one of the best known herbal remedies for fevers. Use a
hot tea of the leaves to induce sweats that cool fevers and expel
toxins. It can also be made into a simple salve for healing wounds,
chapped skin and rashes in a base of beeswax and cocoa butter. In
China, yarrow is used fresh as a poultice for healing wounds. It is
a great insect repellent; use it splashed over the body in a tea
form, or rub the flowers on the body to repel mosquitoes while
working or relaxing outdoors during hot summer days.
Use Blue Yarrow to balance, support, tone and strengthen the body, mind and
emotions, especially during times of testing or following any bout with
illness. An effective pain reliever Yarrow’s strength lies in its ability to
uplift and restore Body, Mind and Spirit! With its powerful natural
anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties Yarrow’s action is strongly
cleansing and fortifying to the organ, nervous and endocrine systems. Yarrow
helps you regain your balance and integrity with your values and needs when
feeling unsettled and at odds with yourself and life. A powerful ally when
you’re needing to allow the emergence of new vistas and fresh imaginations.
Blue Yarrow is excellent for treating various musculo-skeletal complaints
from sports injuries and accidents! Use Blue Yarrow for easing sore muscles
and joints, strains and sprains. Yarrow is fortifying to the immune system
and stimulates blood and lymph circulation.
brought to you by AromaThyme.com
Yarrow Type: Oil
Energy: N/A
Gender: N/A
Planet: Venus
Elements: Water
Powers/Uses: Psychic Awareness, Courage, Love
Positive Qualities: N/A
Imbalances: N/A
To hone in on your psychic awareness, sniff this full-bodied scent while you imagine your conscious mind quieting down. This allows psychic communication to take place without hesitation.
Inhale the scent while you imagine yourself filling up with courage. Then go face your daunting situation.
Yarrow magnifies love of self and others so it is great to use in love-attracting spells.
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