The Latin name for Yarrow (Latin names commonly being used in the practice of herbology) is Achillea millefolium. Yarrow is anything but a weed found in ditches: it has a myriad of physiological applications as well as being a part of most flower essence repertoires, including the one that I work with both personally and professionally. One of Yarrow's most important applications is as a styptic, meaning that it stops bleeding, even bleeding from severe, deep cuts and internal hemorrhaging. Yarrow certainly has an affinity for the blood. Matthew Wood says that "Yarrow is suited to deep cuts which penetrate to the arteries, resulting in profuse hemorrhage of bright red blood. The idea also applies to fevers. The Yarrow fever cuts deeply, past the superficial level of defense, penetrating to the deep vasculature." This is invaluable in the application of herbal medicine.As an wilderness herb, think of Yarrow when you're camping and you or any of your companions manage to cut themselves deeply, either with an axe or utensil - not that I want this to happen to you, but in the instance that it does, Yarrow may be your saving grace! Chew the leaves and/or roots of Yarrow and apply it to the wound, changing the dressing every few minutes. According to Matthew Wood's accounts, this will effectively staunch the bleeding and result in a very slight mark the following day. Further, Yarrow has been called the "nosebleed plant". Those who suffer from persistent nosebleeds can chew the root of Yarrow or take dosages of tincture every few minutes to stop the bleeding.
Studying Yarrow has made me think of a client I worked with at Prana who initially came in having had a less than pleasant experience at the hospital where she lost a great deal of blood from her colon. Medical practitioners were stumped. At this rate, I really wish I had been so versed on Yarrow and near to her in the acute stages of her experience! Surely, consistent dosages of Yarrow tincture would have done the job. Having said that, and like all herbs, Yarrow seems to have a "type" that it most effectively applies to. Matthew Wood describes this Yarrow "type" as having "a ruddy, robust, sanguine complexion even in health." Further, Yarrow is best applied when the pulse is "full, rapid and nonresistant, the tongue is red, drier towards the center, wetter towards the outside, seldom coated [and] the face is often flushed."
Finally, Yarrow is also helpful as a digestive tonic, meaning that it tones the whole of the digestive tract. Yarrow has been successfully applied in cases of dysentry, diarrhea, diverticulitis and colitis. It has been found useful in cases of adult onset diabetes, angina, absent menstrual periods, heavy periods, uterine fibroids, prolapsed uterus, menopausal transition and blood blisters.
Energetically, Yarrow is applied as a flower essence to impart healthy boundaries. It it excellent for those that have a tendency of being overly-absorbent of other's energies. For example, in the past, I had somewhat of an incapacity to go home from an intensely emotional session with a client and feel "normal" - like myself. I would typically take on the client's feelings as described to me in session and then be really confused as to why I felt that way - I had absorbed the client's energy.
If you are interested in pursuing the application of herbs and/or flower essences to what ails you or if you have further questions about how either or both of these modalities work, please contact me. I would be happy to offer more information and especially to facilitate an experience for you towards better health and wellness through the use of herbs and/or flower essences.
Roberta Shepherd for Prana Holistic
roberta@pranaholistic.ca
780.454.5299
