5. Say ‘hello’ To Yarrow
Another herb worth cultivating or taking in supplement form is yarrow, although it is less well-known than witch hazel. It is a flowering herb found in Europe and Asia and as such, is well-known in the ayurvedic remedies of China and India. Most of these remedies have been found to be spectacularly potent – after all, they have been treating populations many times the size of western nations throughout the ages.
Yarrow contains property-rich active oils including linalool, camphor, sabinene and also chamazulene. These oils and the active ingredients in yarrow are known to be anti-allergenic and anti-spasmodic in action, so in powder form, is often rubbed on the chest to relieve asthma or wheezing. Yarrow is, as a result, also widely used to lower blood pressure, tone varicose veins and enhance circulation, amongst other health benefits. The flowers and leaves of Yarrow are used in both fresh and dried or powdered forms. You’ll find them in tinctures and essential oil extract format. Yarrow abounds with astringent, antispasmodic, antiseptic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.