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| Latin Name |
English Names |
Hindi Names |
Achillea millefolium
Linn. (Asteraceae)
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Yarrow, Milfoil |
Biranjasipha,
Gandana |
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| History |
 Different
species of Achillea have been used medicinally from an
early date. Dioscorides mentions it as a plant which was used
as an astringent and emmenagogue. According to Phing, the origin
for the generic name for these plants go back to the mythical
figure, Achilles, who made use of them as for healing. A species
of Achillea is the Kaisum of the Arabians. The same plant
is the Biranjasib or Biranjasif of the Persians. Another Persian
name for the plant is Bu-I-maderan; it is in common use as a
tonic in Persia and Sind. In Egypt a species of Achillea
is used medicinally under the name of Barbara. In Europe and
in the East, plants belonging to this genus have long been considered
to have stimulant, tonic, emmanogogue and antihemorroidal properties.
At Engadine, in Switzerland, a volatile oil is extracted from
it called Esprit d'Iva.
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| Habitat |
Commonly distributed
in the Himalayas from Kashmir to Kumaun, at altitudes of 1,050-3,600
m; it has also been seen growing in the Bombay and Belgaum areas.
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| Morphology
Description (Habit) |
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An erect, slightly aromatic, pubescent, perennial herb with stoloniferous
roots. The leaves are oblong- lanceolate, 3-pinnatisect and minutely
divided; flower heads are in corymbose clusters with white or pale
pink flowers; the achenes are oblong, flattened and shining. The
pappus is absent.
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| Principal
Constituents |
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The herb contains the alkaloid achilline and also yields an essential
oil.
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| Indications |
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The herb is considered astringent, tonic, diaphoretic, vulnerary
and styphic. It has shown excellent results in the treatment of
influenza and heavy chest colds and is much used in blood-purifying
compounds.
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| Product
Range |
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Bonnisan, Geriforte (GeriCare / StressCare), Liv.52 drops, Liv.52
(LiverCare), Digyton, Geriforte Aqua, Geriforte Vet, Liv.52 Vet (Companion), Liv.52
Vet (Commercial).
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