Featured Herb - Yarrow Yarrow Achillea millefolium Also Called: Achillia, Bloodwort, Cammock, Millefolium, Death Flower, Devils Nettle, Dog Daisy, Gordoloba, Ladys Mantle, Soldiers Woundwort, Thousand leaf, Millefoil, Carpenters Weed, Carpenter’s Grass, Knights Milfoil, Sanguinary, Arrow Root, Thousand Seal, Thousand- leaf Clover, Old-Man’s Pepper, Green Arrow, Nosebleed, Planet: Venus Element: Water Powers: Psychic Awareness, Courage, Love, Breaks Curses, Increases Psychic Power, Stimulates Courage in Dangerous Situations. History and Folklore: It is said that the Trojan War hero Achilles was taught by Charon the centaur to use Yarrow to treat the wounds of his soldiers. For centuries soldiers carried yarrow in war for this reason. One story says that the plant originally grew from rust that he scraped from his spear. The botanical name translates as Achilles thousand leaved herb. Yarrow also has a reputation in Asia. It is said to grow around the grave of Confucius and it is said in China that yarrow brightens the eyes and promotes intelligence. In other Asian tradition, it is said that where yarrow grows, one need not fear wild beasts or poisonous plants. During the middle ages, yarrow was purported to be able to assist in both summoning the devil and driving him away. It was used in complicated Christian exorcism rituals. Pollen from yarrow was found in a 60,000 (or more) year old Neanderthal burial. In the Victorian language of flowers, Yarrow can mean both war and healing. Some Traditional Practices: Eastern European- Tickle the inside of your nose with the leaves saying- Yarroway, Yarroway, bear a white blow, If my love love me, my nose will bleed now. European- Stuff a pouch of red flannel with Yarrow repeating the following words to get a vision of your future spouse in your dreams. If you dream of cabbages, however, it means death or misfortune. Thou pretty herb of Venus tree, Thy true name it is Yarrow; Now who my bosom friend must be, Pray tell thou me to-morrow. OR (In this case, the yarrow must be picked from the grave of a man who had died young) Yarrow, sweet Yarrow, the first I have found, In the name of Jesus Christ, I pluck it from the ground. As Jesus loved sweet Mary and took her for his dear, So in a dream this night, I hope my true love will appear.” Magical Uses: Uses include healing, handfasting, weddings, and divination. Yarrow is associated with Aphrodite, Hermes, the Horned God and the hero Achilles. It is ruled by Venus, the element water and is associated with the seventh chakra. Yarrow is used for divination and love spells and in spells for contacting or seeking out a specific person. The stalks are traditionally used for casting the I Ching and the flowers can be added to dream pillows to encourage prophetic dreams. Rubbing your eyelids with yarrow is said to enhance psychic abilities. It can be used in incense or oil to cleanse the aura, and for divination. Yarrow tea can also be drunk prior to divination, and to help the mind focus on a specific issue, or avoid distractions. Especially useful for psychic communication with a loved one and, when in times of strife, can help you and your loved one see things from each other’s point of view. Frequently used in marriage charms and love sachets. Said to keep a newly married couple happy for seven years by keeping their love alive and preventing upsetting influences from entering the relationship. Hanging a bunch of yarrow over the bed on the wedding night is supposed to ensure lasting love for seven years. Adding it to the bouquet or garlands worn by the bride or groom serves the same affect. Hanging a bunch of yarrow over a cradle was said to protect a baby from witches trying to steal its soul. It is used also as a charm for pregnant woman; keep it on the right side to have an easy labor. Yarrow strewn across a threshold will prevent unhelpful spirits from entering. Yarrow can be used in sachets for love, courage, communication and psychic abilities. In Europe, ancient astrologers assigned the entire Yarrow Plant to the war-god Mars and its golden flowers thereby gained a reputation for imparting to the bearer Exceptional Bravery and protection from wounds and curses. People versed in these matters tell us that if you write your fears on a piece of paper, cross the fears with your name written 9 times, and carry the paper in a yellow Conjure Bag with Yarrow Flowers, you will overcome your fears through courage, personal mastery, and luck. Carry as a sachet or amulet to banish negativity, ward off fear, and promote courage, confidence, and psychic opening. Principal Medicinal Uses: Yarrow intensifies the work of other herbs, and helps the body rid itself of toxins. Yarrow tea should be given at the first sign of a cold or flu, especially if there is a fever present. It is also good for measles and similar diseases (anything involving fevers & spots), one ounce dried leaves to one pint boiling water. Externally, anointment made with yarrow can be applied or used in a steam bath for both headaches and fever. Ointments and oils made with yarrow, or the essential oil of yarrow are also useful for mild abrasions and bruises, chest rubs to relieve congestion and for muscle aches and arthritis. Combine with other herbs for enhanced affect; thyme, eucalyptus, peppermint and hyssop are good. It causes sweating, and helps break fevers. Its also used as a general blood purifier, as it increases urination as well as causing sweating, both of which help the body get rid of toxins. Fresh bruised leaves or powdered dried leaves may be used as a styptic (tending to check bleeding by contracting the tissues or blood vessels). Taken internally, it helps hemorrhage and reduces excessive menstrual bleeding, as well as easing painful menstruation. For menstrual issues, make a decoction in white wine. As with all herbs used for menstrual issues, yarrow should not be used by pregnant women. For hemorrhage, combine with comfrey and/or plantago. A decoction of Yarrow is useful for hemorrhoids, especially when they bleed. Yarrow is also useful for those with allergies, both topical and internal and for those with asthma. Inhale the steam for asthma. Use an infusion of fresh flowers to relieve symptoms or as a wash for topical symptoms and eczema. Also good for acne. Use 1 cup dried flower heads to two cups boiling water. Let steep 10 minutes covered. Pat onto the skin with a clean cloth. Fresh leaves can be chewed to relieve toothaches. Rinsing the hair with yarrow water is said to prevent hair loss, but does not help once it starts. Prolonged use of yarrow can cause photo-sensitivity. People who are allergic to ragweed may find themselves allergic to yarrow. Use appropriate caution. Pregnant women should not use yarrow internally. Sources: Magical Aromatherapy by Scott Cunningham The Lucky Mojo Curio themagickalcat Witchipedia Herbalriot.tumblr
Posted on: Wed, 29 Oct 2014 16:00:32 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015