Properties and uses of herba-rotta Achillea

Properties and uses of herba-rotta Achillea

The rota grass, or grass-broken yarrow (Achillea herba-rota All., 1773), is a perennial and aromatic herbaceous species belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is a typical species of the western alpine arc and is found both in Italy and in France. It grows between 2000 and 3000 m s.l.m. in stony areas and alpine pastures in a typical habitat of cliffs, stony, consolidated gravel, preferably on silica but not exclusively.
This species is polymorphic because its physical characteristics vary according to the variety.
The rota grass is characterized by having a creeping rhizome, erect stem, simple or ramified at the top and bright green leaves, lanceolate, narrow, bipinnatosette with numerous and linear lancinie.

It has small flower heads and is collected in more or less large corymbs, with petals that can be white or pink. The antesis is between May and September. The fruits are ovate-oblong and smooth achenes.
The herba-broken Achillea has important digestive functions. Contributes to giving: regular gastrointestinal motility and elimination of gas; fluidity of bronchial secretions; regularity of the sweating process.
For this reason it has pharmaceutical properties that can be defined: Aromatic, aperitif, digestive (Drug used: the aerial part of the plant).
The rota grass can still be used in the kitchen. It can be used for roasts, fried foods, etc. but mainly for infusions and decoctions. It enters, in general, with other herbs in the composition of numerous liqueurs and preparations aimed at improving the general conditions of blood circulation and reflex the digestive and hepatic function.