Post by Brandybuck on Jun 27, 2006 16:30:31 GMT -5
Excerpted from "Mother Nature's Herbal" by Judy Griffin
Yarrow may be the oldest known herb. It has been found in the caves of the Neanderthal men and women. Yarrow may have been the first medicinal herb used by humankind. This ancient herb has traveled to every land to heal the wounds from every known injury. Yarrow is named Achillea millefolium, after the Greek hero Achilles, who fought in the Trojan War. The fernlike leaves have followed many enemies into battle. Dried or fresh leaves can be crushed and applied to wounds to stop bleeding. The volatile oils in the leaves are also antiseptic to cleanse and heal even the deepest wounds.
Besides hemostatic properties, this amazing herb can also relieve inflamed varicose veins.
To prepare a yarrow compress, boil one cup of water for each tablespoon of yarrow. Remove from heat, cover and steep for 20 to 30 minutes. Strain the tea, cool, and apply locally to bruised, inflamed, or bleeding areas. Yarrow ice cubes can be kept in the freezer for emergencies. Washed and crushed fresh leaves can be used as a Band-Aid if needed.
Yarrow can be grown in any garden, as it adapts well. Grow it as a border in the sun or shade. Harvest as you need it, and thin the plants if they take over your garden.
Yarrow may be the oldest known herb. It has been found in the caves of the Neanderthal men and women. Yarrow may have been the first medicinal herb used by humankind. This ancient herb has traveled to every land to heal the wounds from every known injury. Yarrow is named Achillea millefolium, after the Greek hero Achilles, who fought in the Trojan War. The fernlike leaves have followed many enemies into battle. Dried or fresh leaves can be crushed and applied to wounds to stop bleeding. The volatile oils in the leaves are also antiseptic to cleanse and heal even the deepest wounds.
Besides hemostatic properties, this amazing herb can also relieve inflamed varicose veins.
To prepare a yarrow compress, boil one cup of water for each tablespoon of yarrow. Remove from heat, cover and steep for 20 to 30 minutes. Strain the tea, cool, and apply locally to bruised, inflamed, or bleeding areas. Yarrow ice cubes can be kept in the freezer for emergencies. Washed and crushed fresh leaves can be used as a Band-Aid if needed.
Yarrow can be grown in any garden, as it adapts well. Grow it as a border in the sun or shade. Harvest as you need it, and thin the plants if they take over your garden.
