Golden Mustache

Tips:

Balm for external allergic symptoms

Pour 1.5 fl oz (40 ml) of olive oil and 1 fl oz (30 ml) of spirituous infusion made of at least 20 callisia fragrans nodes into a glass vial. Screw the cap firmly and shake sharply for 7 minutes before using to let the ingredients blend. The balm is for external use only.

Callisia fragrans decoction

Put one large leaf of the herb in a glass or enamel pot and fill it with 2 pints (1 l) of water. Simmer for at least 15 minutes, remove the leaf and let the decoction cool down and then store in the refrigerator. The decoction is intended for both internal and external use. It should be consumed within a few days.

Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

GREAT NATURAL REMEDY FOR HEALING WOUNDS

ommon yarrow, an aromatic member of the Asteraceae (Compositae) family is one of the oldest medicinal herbs. Chinese medicine has been using its healing powers for over 4000 years. It’s a shame we perceive it as little more than a weed today, rather than broad-spectrum medicine, because yarrow is most certainly an herb to keep at hand in any case of emergency. Its ability to stop bleeding is nothing short of miraculous. Yarrow is able to treat everything from nosebleeds to chainsaw mishaps. It can be used with equal success internally and externally and is absolutely an herb to know. Allegedly, the Greek hero Achilles is said to have treated his and his soldiers’ injuries with yarrow. In medieval times people used to hang yarrow over their doorway or windows to ward off the plague. C

OCCURRENCE AND HARVESTING Common yarrow is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere in North America, Asia and Europe, where it is most widely spread in both wet and dry areas, such as roadsides, meadows, fields and coastal places. You can find it in the lowlands as well as in the mountains. Common yarrow is an erect, herbaceous, perennial plant that produces one to several stems 0.66–3.28 ft (0.2–1 m) in height, and has a spreading rhizomatous growth form. Yarrow’s hardy rhizome, or underground stem, develops from underground runners as the extensive root system spreads. The lacy, finely-divided leaves are multi-pinnate, and grow alternately, clasping at the base along the simple, erect and angular stem. The feather-like leaves may reach 6 in (15.2 cm) in length. They mound near the ground in early growth; then the slightly hairy stems reach upwards to 3 ft (0.91 m) in height during flowering. The stem is straight, smooth and plump. The tiny blossoms may be white, pinkish or lilac

colored; they flower from June until October. Yarrow blossoms grow in flat-topped composite clusters at the top of the stems. The generally 3 to 8 ray flowers are ovate to round. Disk flowers range from 15 to 40. The inflorescences are visited by many insects, featuring a generalized pollination system The small achenelike fruits are called cypsela.

HEALTH BENEFITS Common yarrow is known mainly for its wound healing capabilities, particularly in staunching the flow of blood. The herb is commonly called nosebleed or soldier’s woundwort because the juice of its leaves and stem can stop bleeding. Many North American tribes chew the leaves as a remedy for toothache as well as a number of other ailments. The anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic, effects of yarrow can help with receding gums or abnormal menstruation. Yarrow also has diuretic properties, improves digestion and has a very positive effect on metabolism, which may result in the loss of excess weight. At the same time it boosts appetite, as well as the formation of bile, and acts favorably to those suffering from gastrointestinal tract discomfort. Flavonoids contained in yarrow extracts mild inflammation that may be the cause of many illnesses such as a sore throat, arthritis, respiratory issues and stomach-aches. As mentioned above, yarrow is used externally for wound disinfection, but also for hemorrhoids, and inflammation in the oral cavity.

Tip:

Yarrow tea for migraines Pour 1 pint (0.5 l) of hot water over 3 tablespoons of chopped yarrow stals. Let steep for 15 minutes, strain and drink cold once a day.