Wound wort/Weed/Carpenter's Milfoil
This plant has been linked with wound healing and blood-flow control since ancient times, thus the general name; Achilles, for example, is said to have healed his soldiers using its leaves.
A. millefolium has a long history of medicinal usage.
Description - Aromatic perennial stoloniferous plant with an upright wrinkled stem 8-60 cm high, white or pinkish blooms from early summer to fall, and somewhat hairy bipinnate leaves 2-10 cm long, split into fine leaflets.
Widely distributed in temperate zones; native to Europe; grows on all but the poorest soils.
- Cultivation Increase the number of plants by dividing them in the spring or fall.
- In a sunny location, it will grow in any soil.
Constituents Azulene-containing volatile oil, as well as achilleine, a glycoalkaloid. makes use of (dried aerial parts, including flowers) Diaphoretic, antipyretic, hypotensive, diuretic, and antiseptic for the urinary tract.
- For colds and influenza, combine with Elderflowers and Peppermint.
- Hypertension, coronary thrombosis, dysentery, and diarrhoea are all treated with this drug.
- Toothache is relieved by chewing on a fresh leaf.
- Menstrual periods are regulated.
- Gastric secretion is stimulated.
- Salads with fresh herbs.
- In brewing, it may be used instead of hops.
- For oily skin, use a cosmetic cleanser.
- Snuff is a tobacco-free alternative.
- The 'I Ching' is remembered.
Contra-indications Headaches and vertigo are common side effects of high dosages.
