Achillea
Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium )
The yarrow (Achillea ) are a genus of flowering plants in the sunflower family ( Asteraceae). Its botanical name Achillea is derived from the Greek hero Achilles, is claimed by the that he has dealt with this plant his wounds. Members of this genus are used as medicinal plants use.
Description
The Achillea species are perennial herbaceous plants, rarely subshrubs, reach stature heights from 6 to 80 centimeters. In most cases the whole plant smells aromatic. In the spring, the rhizome drives from a rosette of leaves. Later, a stalk on which form the flowers grow. The smooth to hairy stalk is tough and pithy inside. The narrow, change-constant and feathery leaves are petiolate to sessile.
The simple or compound scheindoldige inflorescence consists of many small basket- shaped partial inflorescences. 10 to 30 bracts are in (one or ) two to three ( or four ) rows. The flower heads usually have a diameter of 2 to 3 ( often 5) millimeters and containing (5 bis) 15 to more than 75 tubes and rarely any, but generally from three to five (up to twelve or more rarely ) florets. The flower color of most species is white to pale yellow, or pink in color prior to coming. The achenes usually have two ribs.
Dissemination
The Achillea species are native to the subtropical to temperate zone of Eurasia. In Europe they are native to the Arctic Circle and in the Alps.
Use
Use to find the blooming yarrow as a bitter tonic for dyspepsia and colic. In addition, the flowers are used for the care of facial skin in steam baths. The fresh shoots and leaves can also be used as an addition to salads and essential oils have expectorant.
From the stems rods were made for the traditional Chinese yarrow oracle, see also the I Ching.
Ingredients
Ingredients are of yarrow Proazulen, essential oils, tannins, flavonoids, chamazulene ( in its precursor matricin ), camphor, Achillein and other bitter substances, and various minerals (especially potassium).
System
A distinction in the genus Achillea about 115 to 200 species ( selection):
- Achillea aegyptiaca L.
- Silver sheaf (Achillea ageratifolia (Sm. ) Boiss. ): Achillea ageratifolia subsp. Serbica ( Nyman ) Heimerl ( Syn: Achillea Serbica ( Nyman ) Petrović )
- Achillea barrelieri subsp. mucronulata ( Bertol. ) Heimerl
- Musk Yarrow ( Achillea erba - rotta subsp moschata ( Wulfen ) Vacc; Syn: .. Achillea moschata Wulfen )
- Achillea oxyloba subsp. oxyloba
- Achillea oxyloba subsp. schurii ( Schultz Bip. ) Heimerl
- Achillea santolinoides subsp. wilhelmsii ( K.Koch ) Greuter ( Syn: Achillea wilhelmsii K.Koch )
Pictures
Dolomite Yarrow ( Achillea oxyloba )
Marsh Yarrow ( Achillea ptarmica )
Yellow yarrow (Achillea tomentosa)
Farnblättrige real - yarrow (Achillea aspleniifolia )