Achillea Millefolium Tea
The History and Uses of Yarrow Tea
More commonly known as yarrow tea, achillea millefolium tea is a well known remedy amongst herbalists during cold and flu season, and has a long and storied history. The name achillea comes from Greek mythology, with Achilles. He was said in legends to have saved the lives of his warriors by using yarrow leaves to treat their war wounds. This is actually not far off from the real life medicinal benefits that yarrow leaf exhibits, as it can be crushed and rolled in the hands to stop excess blood flow in emergencies. These properties are reflected in the herb's other nicknames, including "staunchweed" and "soldier's woundwort."
Today, although achillea millefolium may be used for an emergency way to stop excessive bleeding when trekking, it is more common to see the leaves used in a tea form. To prepare achillea millefolium tea, most experts recommend adding two or three dried leaves to a cup of boiling water, and letting it steep for five to ten minutes. It's also commonly sweetened with honey and topped off with a squeeze of fresh lemon or a lemon slice for a cleaner finish. Achillea millefolium is also frequently mixed with peppermint leaves or elderflower in cold and flu remedies.
One of the reasons why achillea millefolium tea may be so beneficial for colds and fevers is that it helps promote sweating in the body, as it causes capillaries on the skin's surface to become dilated, increasing blood circulation. Other benefits attributed to this tea include stimulating appetite, fighting gastritis and stomach cramps, and cleansing out the liver. The usage for external wounds is still frequently seen today, especially in Chinese medicine. Other health claims that are slightly more dubious include the use of yarrow leaves as a balding treatment when rubbed into the scalp.
It's important when drinking achillea millefolium tea to take care that you are drinking it in some moderation, as overuse could lead to increased light sensitivity. Some report a shift in the intensity of light after drinking only a few cups of this tea, which is why it used to be drunk by artists who wanted to play around with their visual perceptions. For these reasons, this tea also used to be called the "Devil's Plaything" by some. Women who are pregnant or nursing should consult with their healthcare professional before drinking achillea millefolium, to be sure that these effects are safe.