A medicinal herb of ancient pedigree, in has many qualities, as it contains a very complex set of ingredients, some of which buffer the effects of the others, making it an effective and relatively safe herb to use in small quantities, However large amounts should be avoided as it can cause nausea and it should not be taken in pregnancy. Also some caution should be exercised as it may give rise to increased photosensitivity of the skin in some instances. In consequence, it may not be advisable to use for self-treatment.
Not often prescribed on its own by medical herbalists, it is usually part of most herbal dispensaries and is used widely in combination with, for example, lime flowers (Tilia x europea), Hawthorn (Crateagus monogyna) for high blood pressure, due to its effects the smaller blood vessels of the body (it is a peripheral vasodilator) and on the blood itself - it is sometimes used for phlebitis of the lower limbs. It is also a traditional remedy for colds, 'flu and fevers as it promotes sweating and is used alongside peppermint and elderflowers for feverish conditions. It is an anti-spasmodic and is relaxing when used for stomach cramps. Julian Barker (2001) maintains that it is a mild nervous relaxant which can engender well-being to the extent that it may be a gentle mood enhancing aphrodisiac for women, perhaps this just shows that you don't necessarily need exotic herbs to feel more at one with your partner? Interestingly it is given in some older herbals as a herb of Venus,so maybe they did know a thing or two in days gone by.
Many herbs of traditional use have wound healing properties when used externally - wounds were much more of a common thing in latter days (lots of injuries and traumas) than they are now and the number of herbs mentioned in older herbals and used for this purpose reflects this. Usually these herbs are styptics, anti-haemorrhagics and astringents, which help to stop bleeding and heal wounds. Yarrow is one such. Mrs Grieve, in her 1931 Herbal, says that the other part of its Latin name, Achillea is possibly derived from the hero of the Trojan war, Achilles, who used it to staunch his wounds. Alternatively, it may have been another Achilles, who was a disciple of Chiron the Healer, for whom it was named. However, its wound healing abilities were obviously practically appreciated by soldiers, as it was referred to as the Herba Militaris - the soldier's, or military herb.
In common with a lot of herbs long used for healing, it also has many magical associations - a herb of St John, which often implies that it had standing in pre-Christian societies, it seems to have had both an evil and a protective reputation, for healing and prophesy and perhaps with a nod to its purported aphrodisiac qualities, is used in love spells and to conjure up visions of future husbands and wives .
Sources:
Barker, J. (2001), The medicinal flora of Britain and Northwestern Europe. Kent, Winter Press
Mrs Grieve (1931) .A Modern Herbal (available on line at www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/mgmh.htm ).
This information is meant for educational purposes only and not intended as a guide to self-treatment. You should always seek professional advice. Remember that herbs can interact with other drugs and may be contra-indicated if you have certain medical conditions, are pregnant or lactating. Take care when using wild plants or herbs, that you have the correct species from a reliable source.
Catherine Schofield MNIMH Herbalist Cheshire Herbs and Herbal Medicine