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This month, our Herb Spotlight Series feature is Yarrow. Yarrow was another of the first plants I learned to work with when I started with herbalism. It grows wild throughout our property, and we also cultivate it in our garden. As one of the herbs nearest and dearest to my heart, I’m excited to share with you today all things yarrow!
What is Yarrow?
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a perennial flowering plant that's part of the aster family, which also includes asters, chrysanthemums, and sunflowers. It has fern-like leaves that can grow up to 6 inches long and 1 inch across and lacey, flat flower caps that come in many colors, though in wild varieties, they are usually white or yellow. Yarrow is also known as Soldiers Wort, Soldier's Woundwort, Devil's Nettle, Squirrel Tail, Thousand-leaf Clover, Nosebleed, Dog Fennel, and Dog Daisy.
Harvesting and Storing Yarrow
According to ancient traditions, Yarrow reaches its peak of power on the summer solstice and should be harvested then. However, it can be harvested at any time throughout the summer. Simply look for plants that are healthy and have mostly or completely open flower blossoms that look fresh. As always, harvest using sustainable practices and never take more than fifty percent of a patch so that it can come back for you year after year.
To store Yarrow, you will first need to dry it. You can tie the whole plant in bundles and hang them to dry or place them flat on screens. Discard any leaves that turn black during the drying process. Once thoroughly dried, you can store Yarrow in an airtight container for 9-12 months or until it begins to lose color.
History and Folklore of Yarrow
Yarrow has been used in folklore, mythology, and medicine since the dawn of man. Its Latin name, Achillea millefolium, comes from the Greek demigod Achilles.
In one version of the story, it is said that when he was a baby, Achilles' mother dipped him in the river Styx, which was laced with yarrow to make him immortal. However, she missed a spot behind his heel, which would later become the fated “Achilles' Heel”. It is also said that Achilles used the plant to treat his wounded soldiers during the Trojan Wars. In mythology, Yarrow is also associated with Aphrodite and Hermes. However, Yarrow's use as a medicinal herb dates back even further, as it has been shown that the Neanderthals used both Yarrow and Chamomile medicinally.
Yarrow was carried by soldiers on the battlefield of nearly every war throughout time to stop bleeding and treat wounds, gaining it the names Soilders Wort, Herba Militaris, Knight's Milfoil, Bloodwort, and Staunchgrass. London floral enthusiast and publisher R. Tyas went so far as to name yarrow as the plant most expressive of the “sentiment” of war. In the Victorian language of flowers, Yarrow represents both healing and war.
Constituents of Yarrow
Yarrow contains phenolic acids: Gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and vanillic acid. Flavonoids: Myricetin, hesperidin, quercetin, and luteolin. Other acids: Isovaleric acid, salicylic acid, and asparagine. Other compounds: Sesquiterpene lactones, polyacetylenes, achilleine, saponins, tannins, and bitters. Alkaline, Anacyclin, and Terpenoids.
Herbal Actions of Yarrow
Astringent, Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Antiviral, Antispasmodic, Bitter tonic, Diaphoretic, Hepatoprotective, and Styptic.
Herbal Energies of Yarrow
Bitter, Pungent, and Drying.
Precautions, Contra-indications, and Interactions of Yarrow
There are no known contraindications for Yarrow, though it should be avoided by nursing or pregnant women. Avoid if allergic to ragweed. Yarrow ingested in large amounts may cause nausea and vomiting.
Typical Usage of Yarrow
Yarrow is most commonly used as topically as a styptic, in wound care management, or to ease bruising. Internaly, it has also been used for bloating, diarrhea, gas and other stomach issues, colds, hay fever, and toothaches.
Parting Words
Yarrow is plentiful throughout the world, and in my opinion, it is one that everyone should keep in their herbal first aid kit to treat minor cuts and wounds. If you love foraging, Yarrow should be at the top of the list for plants to learn to identify. Do take caution as Yarrow has a couple of toxic look-alikes, so be certain of your identification before harvesting.
If you already use Yarrow, what is your favorite way to use it? Tell us in the comments below, and we would love to see your recipes as well! Until next time,
Disclaimer:
Content from thisunboundlife.com is meant to be informational in nature and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Remember that just because something is “natural” does not always mean it is safe for every person. When it comes to herbal medicine, many plants should be avoided when pregnant or nursing, and some can cause extreme interactions with prescription and over-the-counter medicine.
While we strive to be 100% accurate, utilizing information from scientific studies, trusted sources, and verified publications, we are not health professionals, medical doctors, or nutritionists. It is solely up to the reader to verify nutritional information and health benefits with qualified professionals for all edible plants listed on this website and to ensure proper plant identification.
The information provided by this site is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Before using herbal preparations, always research, speak to a professional regarding any significant concerns, and never fail to seek medical advice when needed.