Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Herbaceous plant whose life cycle involves more than one year, because of its root-rhizome-start converted several stems that rise upright on the ground, sometimes reaching a height of two feet of where the conditions of development of this plant are the best for their perfect growth. The stems are presented covered by a series of tiny hairs that coat almost entirely, giving them a somewhat reddish white shade. In the early stages of growth are rather fleshy stems and subsequently acquire a stronger consistency. The leaves are laminar and have a very deep dentitions.

FLOWERING

Flowering occurs in summer months, resulting in a very small flowers are arranged in the form of flower heads, ready to turn in the terminal portion of the stem, so that all are at the same height, but none of they excel. The flower heads are composed of two types of flowers: the external, which have some tabs that make them similar to conventional flower petals, but not to be confused with them, and flowers indoors, without ligules and have five teeth at its outer edge. Its color is white but rarely present a certain color pink. At the time of collection must choose the sumidad florida, just when flowering occurs, drying the harvested crop as quickly as possible, the process is more favorable if carried out in conditions where the sun does not shine directly on the part to dry out. Reproduction is through seed sowing, although it is possible to make using lots of rhizome.

APPLICATIONS

The florida sumidad contains little tannin, but enough to provide healing properties to this plant, very useful in the case of wounds, burns, ulcers and sores. Contains aquicilina, azulene and lactose, by which possesses anti-inflammatory activity, which greatly enhances the healing activity, which makes it very interesting in the treatment of hemorrhoids. It is very rich in flavonoids, which are responsible for the main use of this plant as an antispasmodic, using processes that occur with digestive spasms. It also has diuretic, choleretic, hemostatic and antipyretic, as is used in cases of dysmenorrhea and liver failure. Should never be abusing this plant, because high doses produce dizziness and headaches.

ADMINISTRATION

Infusion. 20 grams of florida sumidad infused in a liter of water for a quarter of an hour. This preparation can be taken in an amount of three hundred milliliters per day.
Fresh plant juice. It is used externally to effectively combat ulcers and hemorrhoids. Plant powder: two grams of the dried plant, which can be taken three times daily.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Composite Tubulifloras
HABITAT: Mountains
FLOWERING: Summer
PART USED: Sumidad florida
CASTILIAN: Aquilea
CATALAN: Millfulles
BASQUE: Millorri
GALICIAN: Milefólio

USES

Strong Healing, Moderate inflammatory, Mild diuretic.