Colds yarrow

For many herbalists, a favorite method of treating a cold, flu or fever is to give a strong tea of elder blossoms, peppermint (Menthapiperita) leaves and either yarrow (Achillea millefolium) or ginger root (zingiber officinale). The tea is often consumed while sitting in a hot bath to further open the pores. The... 

At the first sign of a cold, it can be mixed with hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis), peppermint (Mentha piperita) and yarrow (.Achillea millefolium). 

Adams. A., D.E. Gotlschling. C. Kaiset, and T. Steams Methods in Yeast Gene tics, 1997. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Piess, Cold Spring Harbor. NY, 1999. Barnett, JA., D. Yarrow, and R.W. Payne. Yeasts Characteristics and Identification, Cambridge University Press, New York, NY, 2000. 

Yarrow possesses diaphoretic, antipyretic, hypotensive, astringent, diuretic, and urinary antiseptic properties. Traditionally, it has been used for fevers, common colds, essential hypertension, amenorrhea, dysentery, diarrhea, and specifically for thrombotic conditions with hypertension, including cerebral and coronary thromboses. 

These properties of the flowers are obtained from infusions of 1 ounce to 1 pint of water in wineglass doses. It is used, often in conjunction with Peppermint and Yarrow, chiefly for the reduction of feverish colds, but inflamed conditions of the eyes are also found to yield to bathing with the warm Elder flower infusion. Although the medicinal qualities are weaker in the berries than in the flowers, the popular Elder berry wine is widely used as part of the treatment for colds and influenza. 

The herb is extremely useful in colds and acute catarrhs of the respiratory tract generally. As it has the effect of opening the pores, thus permitting free perspiration, Yarrow is taken at the commencement of influenza and in other feverish conditions. An infusion of 1 ounce to 1 pint of foiling water is drunk warm in wineglass doses. As a very popular remedy for influenza colds it is usually combined with Elder flowers and Peppermint in equal quantities. It was sometimes prescribed by the old herbalists as a tonic in nervous debility, but there are many better herbal medicines for this condition. 

Cold infusions are preferable for some herbs. The bitter components of herbs tend to be less water soluble. Yarrow, for instance, is much less bitter when prepared in cold water. Cold infusions usually need to steep for much longer periods of time. Each herb is different. 

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