What is Moonshine Yarrow?
Achillea x ‘Moonshine’ (Yarrow) is an outstanding perennial plant with silver-gray foliage and lemon-yellow flat-topped flowers that cover the plant all summer long. The leaf segments of this hybrid are larger and somewhat wider that the leaves of the common yarrow. This gives the foliage a fuller, denser look. The Yarrow ‘Moonshine’ leaves are silky and more soft-feeling due to the fine hairs covering them.Yarrow’s power comes from the bitter elements and volatile oil it contains, which give the shoots their characteristic herb-like smell. The flowers smell repellent, which is typical of plants that attract flies and beetles.Researchers used a hydroalcoholic extract from the aerial parts of yarrow on animal subjects in open-field tests. They found that it had anti-anxiety effects after both short-term and long-term administration to subjects.Modern science has confirmed many of yarrow’s traditional medicinal properties. Its healing ability comes mostly from the alkaloid achilleine, which helps wounds heal over by encouraging blood clotting.
Is yarrow toxic to humans?
Toxicology. Yarrow is not generally considered toxic; however, an antispermatogenic effect has been reported, and safety data are insufficient to support use of the herb in cosmetic products. Numerous tribes in North America used yarrow for a variety of ailments. The crushed plant was applied to wounds and burns. The dried leaves were used as a tea to soothe colds, fever, and headache.Yarrow tea can have side effects on some individuals. These include allergic reactions, upset stomach, nausea and dizziness. It is important to note that yarrow tea should not be consumed by pregnant or breastfeeding women as it could cause uterine contractions which could lead to miscarriage.Yarrow may slow blood clotting, so in theory taking yarrow may increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders (WebMD, 2015). Allergies may occur in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family, this includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies (WebMD, 2015).Hormonal Effects Recent research has indicated that yarrow may contain phytoestrogens, which are plant-derived chemicals that act on estrogen receptors in the human body. This allows it to help balance female hormones by covering for a deficiency and blocking an excess of estrogen.
What is yarrow used for in witchcraft?
Protection and Warding: Yarrow is considered by many to be a protective herb. Witches might use it to create charms, sachets, or talismans to ward off negative energies, evil spirits, or hexes. Yarrow has most often been used by adults as a plant extract or tea. It’s also been applied as an ointment or cream and used in gargles. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.Those antiseptic properties aren’t just great for keeping wounds clean and free from infection. Yarrow also has potential to protect our kidneys and livers against infections and inflammation. One study found that supplementing with yarrow reduced the markers of kidney disease in patients with chronic kidney disease.Yarrow, revered for its magickal properties, plays a significant role in various rituals associated with love, protection, courage, dispelling negativity, and divination.There are alkaloids in Yarrow that in small amounts will aid in healing, but in large amounts can be toxic to humans and pets alike. Livestock also can be affected by the alkaloids in Yarrow when they graze.
Who should not drink yarrow tea?
Allergy to ragweed and related plants: Yarrow may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family. This includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others. If you have allergies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking yarrow. Do not use yarrow if you have an allergy to plants in the ragweed family, as you may also be allergic to yarrow. It also has possible interactions with lithium, some blood thinning and high blood pressure medications, medicines to reduce stomach acid, and drugs that cause sleepiness or have a sedative effect.Bleeding disorder: Yarrow might slow blood clotting. In theory, taking yarrow might increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders. Allergy to ragweed and related plants: Yarrow may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family.
Is yarrow good for anti-aging?
Yarrow’s antioxidant components serve to minimize oxidative stress on the skin, minimizing cellular damage and preserving skin health and vibrancy. Yarrow’s capacity to resist free radicals aids in its anti-aging properties. Yarrow is a beneficial ingredient for all hair types and regular use of yarrow in hair care has been shown to promote healthy hair growth, sooth scalp inflammation, remove build-up and reduce hair-loss.
Is yarrow hard on the liver?
Specifically, studies indicate that yarrow may reduce biomarkers of liver damage in people with cirrhosis and decrease relapse rates and cognitive decline in people with multiple sclerosis when it is used as an adjunct therapy. Yarrow might cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Medications that cause sleepiness are called sedatives. Taking yarrow along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness.Yarrow is overtly psychoactive in large doses 1 , but even at the smallest doses, it heightens sensory perception of all kinds and clears the neural pathways to increase visual and auditory acuity. Yarrow increases energetic awareness and tunes us into what’s going on in the surrounding space.