YARROW

Achillea millefolium

Family: Asteraceae

Other names: Soldier’s Woundwort, Nosebleed,Fr. Achillée Millefeuille, Herbe à dindes

Parts used: Aerial (non-woody) especially flower tops

Characteristics: Bitter, pungent, cold, dry, sweet

Systems affected: Lungs, liver, circulatory

Actions: Diaphoretic, astringent, anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, carminative, hemostatic, antispasmodic, stomachic

This common perennial weed found throughout North America has been popular as a medicinal herb for centuries. It gets its name from the Greek myth of Achilles, who was invulnerable to arrows except on his heel, and it was traditionally used to stop the bleeding of soldier’s wounds on battlefields. It grows 20–90 cm. tall, with stems branching near the top and alternate, highly segmented, feathery leaves. At the top of the stalk are clusters of white or pink daisy-like flowers with 5 petals, which bloom throughout the summer and fall. The plant grows in fields and on roadsides but is more potent if found in stony, sandy soils, and should be harvested early in the summer. Avoid using the woody stalks and mature leaves, as there is less medicine in these parts.

MEDICINAL USES:

Wounds, fevers, poor digestion, urinary tract infections, menstrual cramps, hemorrhoids

• Has been used as a wound remedy since Roman times, being especially good for deep wounds that bleed profusely. It will stop hemorrhaging, while at the same time breaking up congealed blood or bruises. May be used internally as an infusion or tincture, or externally as a poultice. The Mi’kmaq use it in teas or pound the plant into a pulp to treat sprains, bruises, and wounds. A leaf placed in the nostril can stop a nosebleed.
• Relieves fever by causing sweating, so is therefore good for colds and flu, especially in children. May be used along with Peppermint and Elder flower.
• Used for chronic urinary tract infections, incontinence.
• Bitter, it stimulates stomach acids to aid digestion of fats and proteins, helps with symptoms of heartburn. Soothes mild diarrhea and dysentery.
• Helps ease menstrual cramps and regulates irregular periods.
• Tones the blood vessels; relieves bleeding hemorrhoids and varicose veins, as well as internal bleeding and ulcers. Also tones the mucus membranes of the digestive tract, and is therefore particularly useful for treating dysentery, colitis, and leaky gut.
• May be used in a sitz bath to help with uterine fibroids, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, leukorrhea, rashes, or eczema.
• Anti-inflammatory, it eases pain of osteoarthritis.
• Good for countering the side effects from radiation therapy and hot flashes.

infusion: Mix 1–2 tsp. dried herb in 1 cup boiling water; infuse 10–15 minutes. Drink hot 3 times a day. For fevers, drink hourly, and add Elder flower or Spearmint if desired.

tincture: Take 2–4 ml. 3 times a day.

sitz bath: Steep ½ cup whole cut herb in cold water overnight. Bring to boil, strain, and then add to bathwater.

important: Avoid using over a long period of time. When symptoms subside, stop using it. Not advised during pregnancy.

YELLOW DOCK

Rumex crispus

Family: Polygonaceae

Other names: Curly dock, Broad-leafed dock, Sour dock, Fr. Oseille crépue, Patience crépue

Parts used: Primarily the root, but also the stems, leaves, and seeds

Characteristics: Bitter, cold, dry

Systems affected: Liver, intestines, lymphatic, kidneys

Actions: Astringent, laxative, alterative, tonic, hepatic, cholagogue

This common perennial weed is native to Europe and Africa but is now found throughout most of North America. As its various names imply, it has broad, wavy, crinkled leaves, which are crisp around the edges. Its long taproot is usually not forked, and is yellow inside with a thick rusty brown bark. Its close relative, Rumex obtusifolius, or Bitter Dock, has similar properties, but is distinguished by its wider, flat leaves and tiny spikes on its seedpods. Both are tenacious weeds often despised by gardeners, as each root must be dug out in its entirety—even the smallest piece left in the ground will produce another plant. The stem grows up to 0.9 metres high, with green flower spikes branching off at intervals, producing an abundance of rust-coloured seed spikes in late summer and fall. The roots should be dug up in late summer or early fall; clean well and split lengthwise before drying.

MEDICINAL USES:

Liver sluggishness, constipation, skin irritations, anemia, throat and gum inflammation, eczema, arthritis

• Digestive tonic that acts specifically on the liver, gallbladder, and kidneys, promoting bile production, cleansing, and assisting in the digestion of fats and proteins. This in turn improves conditions related to a sluggish liver including acne, psoriasis, headaches, constipation, arthritis, and long-term chronic diseases of the intestinal tract. Good for chronic constipation as it gently stimulates peristalsis and increases mucous production in the colon. Add fennel or cumin seed for flavour if desired. Avoid long-term use (preferably no longer than 1 week).
• The plant contains many nutrients, but is particularly rich in iron. Cleanses and nourishes the blood, aids in increasing the absorption of minerals in the intestines, and is helpful in formulas as a remedy for anemia. Strengthens capillaries, helps reduce hemorrhoids and varicose veins, and stems internal bleeding.
• Decoction of the boiled stems or roots can be used in an ointment made with beeswax and olive oil to relieve itching, eczema, psoriasis, or other skin irritations. The decoction also works topically as an antiseptic and astringent to treat wounds, swellings, burns, hemorrhoids, and insect bites. Young shoots, when rubbed on the skin, will help soothe Nettle stings.
• Commonly used for inflammation of the nasal passage, throat, and gums, as well as to treat coughs and bronchitis.

decoction: Mix 1 tsp. dried root in 1 cup of water. Decoct 10–15 minutes, then steep another 30. Take ½ cup 2–3 times a day.

syrup: For anemia or blood deficiency, prepare a decoction of a pinch each of Yellow Dock root, Nettle, Peony root, and Red Clover with 1 tbsp. of molasses to 1 cup water. Take 1 cup 3 times a day for no more than 3 months.

tincture: Take 1–2 ml. 3 times a day.

important: Should not be taken in combination with other diuretics, Lasix, or other drugs treating congestive heart failure or edema, as it can cause potassium depletion. Contains oxalic acid, which can interfere with calcium absorption and increase risk of kidney stones. Do not consume in large quantities or over a long period of time.