Achillea millefolium
Also known as noble yarrow,
nosebleed, sanguinary, soldier's woundwort, thousandleaf and yarrow. Milfoil
is a perennial plant found world-wide in waste areas, fields, pastures and
along railway embankments and roadsides. It has light brown, creeping roots
and a round, smooth stem. The branches near the top of the stem produce
alternate leaves which are divided into many small segments. The leaflets
are sharply cleft. The plant flowers from June to November with white and
yellow flowers.
Milfoil has antispasmodic, astringent, carminative,
cholagogue, diaphoretic, hemostatic and tonic properties. The tea has long
been used to stimulate the appetite and to treat stomach cramps, flatulence,
gastritis, enteritis, gallbladder and liver problems. It is effective in
stimulating the flow of bile, and can help with internal hemorrhaging,
particularly in the lungs. Fresh milfoil juice is used for various forms of
internal bleeding such as nosebleed, coughing or spitting blood, rectal or
hemorrhoidal bleeding, bloody urine, and excessive menstrual flow. A
decoction of the herb makes an excellent wash for wounds and sores, and for
dry or chapped hands. Extended use of this herb may make the skin sensitive
to light.