Achillea millefolium Linn.

Synonym:

A. lanulosa Nutt.

Family:

Compositae; Asteraceae.

Habitat:

The western Himalayas from Kashmir to Kumaon.

English:

Milfoil, Yarrow, Thousand Leaf.

Unani:

Biranjaasif. National Formulary of Unani Medicine also equates Leonurus cardica Linn. (Labiatae) with Biranjaasif.

Folk:

Gandana, Rojmari.

Action:

Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic (used in cold, flatulent colic, heartburn), emmenagogue, cicatrizant, antidysenteric, antihaemorrhagic, antipyretic, diaphoretic, diuretic, urinary antiseptic.

Key application:

In dyspeptic ailments, such as mild, spastic discomforts of the gastrointestinal tract. As astringent, antispasmodic, choleretic, antibacterial. (German Commission E.) As diaphoretic. (The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.) Internally for feverish conditions, common cold and digestive complaints; topically for slow-healing wounds and skin inflammations. (The British Herbal Compendium.)

The plant contains flavonoids, alkaloids (achilleine), polyacetylenes, triterpenes, coumarins,...