YARROW COMPRESS
A new therapeutic offering at Elysia Therapy Centre
Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium) is a temperate, northern plant, commonly found in fields and besides roads in the UK. It is not a showy plant, but once you begin to look, it seems that it is everywhere.
It’s finely formed, filagree leaves give it an airy quality. Unusually these delicate leaves are found right from the bottom of the stem, instead of the lower leaves having a rounder more etheric shape as is common with most plants. This indicates that yarrow is a specialist in form and structure.
It flowers rather late in the year, from late summer, all the way through to the beginning of winter; the flowers are modest, white or pale pink and also delicate and structured.
As is common with other members of the daisy family, each flower head is an inflorescence – a group of tiny flowers. Although it has a dainty appearance, the stems of yarrow are strong and woody, and the plant is generally sturdy, it stays upright and recovers quickly if mown or grazed.
The leaves are faintly bitter and aromatic, the flowers have a sweeter, slightly spicy scent.
Over forty different constituents have been identified in yarrow, including Azulene, which gives the essential oil it’s blue tone. It has relatively high levels of silica and potassium, but also sulphur, and these contradictory structuring and warming processes work together in a harmonious way.
In Anthroposophic Medicine a hot yarrow compress is applied to the liver or abdominal area.
Thinking of yarrow’s relationship to structure and the forming processes, and it’s airy, aromatic, warming qualities may help us understand why applying it to the largest internal organ of the body can be beneficial. The liver relates to the fluid processes in the body and can become over-taxed during times of illness and exhaustion. Bringing the structuring warmth of yarrow can help restore the liver to harmonious rhythm and may be indicted in:
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Depression
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Anxiety and restlessness
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Exhaustion
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Convalescence after illness
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Liver diseases like cirrhosis, hepatitis and gallstones
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During cancer treatment to support liver function
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Digestive problems
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Disturbed sleep
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Skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and rosacea
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Supporting general wellbeing
A yarrow compress can be given as one-off treatment, but will be more effective as a course of regular treatments given over time.
This is one of a wider range of compresses, oil cloths, foot baths and arm baths which Fiona will now be offering in addition to Rhythmical Einreibung and ‘M’ Technique treatments at Elysia. Sessions can include a combination of different treatments, for example a footbath or foot Einreibung can be a lovely way to warm and prepare the body to receive a compress.
Prices start at £40
If you are interested in finding out how these treatments can support your health and wellbeing, please get in touch with Fiona Sim