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Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow, also known as soldier’s woundwort, nosebleed plant, milfoil, plumajillo (“little feather” in Spanish), and staunchweed, is a hardy, herbaceous perennial revered for its medicinal, culinary, and practical uses throughout history. Found in temperate regions worldwide, yarrow is a member of the Asteraceae/Daisy family and is recognized for its feathery leaves, aromatic flowering tops, and ability to thrive in diverse environments.
Plant Identification
- Botanical Name: Achillea millefolium
- Family: Asteraceae (Aster/Daisy family)
- Parts Used: Leaves, flowers, and roots
- Energetics: Drying, cooling
- Taste: Bitter, pungent
- Growth Habit: Yarrow is an erect perennial plant that spreads through rhizomes. It typically grows 1 to 3 feet (0.3 to 0.9 meters) tall in full sun to partial shade.
- Leaves: Feathery, bipinnate or tripinnate leaves, 2 to 8 inches (5 to 20 cm) long, arranged spirally on the stem. The leaves are finely divided, giving them a fern-like texture.
- Flowers:
- Blooms from May to July, with clusters of 15 to 40 tiny disk florets surrounded by 3 to 8 ray florets.
- Colors range from white to yellow, pink, and red, with a chrysanthemum-like scent.
- Flowers are long-lasting, attracting pollinators and repelling pests.
- Habitat: Coastal areas, disturbed areas, fields, forests, meadows, roadsides, and rocky slopes.
- Edible Parts: Leaves and flowers are edible but have a slightly bitter and medicinal flavor.
- Life Cycle: Herbaceous perennial.
- Reproduction: By seed and rhizome.
- Growth Habit: Clumping, with upright stems 1–3 feet tall.
Chemical Constituents
Yarrow contains a variety of compounds that contribute to its medicinal properties:
- Volatile Oils: Linalool, sabinene, camphor, eucalyptol, chamazulene, and achillin.
- Flavonoids: Apigenin, luteolin-7-glycosides, isoquercitrin, and rutin.
- Alkaloids: Betonicine, stachydrine, and trigonelline.
- Acids: Salicylic acid, ascorbic acid, linoleic acid, and succinic acid.
Historical and Cultural Significance
- Archaeological Evidence: Yarrow was found in the dental tartar of a Neanderthal who lived 50,000 years ago, suggesting early medicinal use.
- Greek Mythology: The genus name “Achillea” derives from Achilles, who is said to have used yarrow to treat the wounds of his soldiers.
- Historical Uses: Used in the I Ching for divination and revered as a battlefield herb with names like staunchweed and herba militaris.
- Folklore: Associated with protection, courage, and love spells. Yarrow was hung over honeymoon beds to ensure lasting vows and is used in Chinese I Ching divination.
Medicinal Properties and Uses
- Properties: Antiseptic, anodyne, antimicrobial, aromatic, astringent, carminative, diuretic, inflammatory modulator, relaxing diaphoretic, styptic, vulnerary.
- Uses: Dysmenorrhea, fevers, urinary tract and other infections, varicose veins, wounds.
Harmonizing the Blood and Healing Wounds
- Stops external bleeding and promotes blood clotting with its styptic and astringent properties.
- Antimicrobial action prevents infection in wounds, bites, and scratches.
- Promotes blood flow in cases of varicose veins, hemorrhoids, uterine fibroids, and delayed menses.
- Studies confirm its effectiveness in reducing skin inflammation and healing episiotomy incisions.
Soothing Cold and Flu Symptoms
- As a hot tea, yarrow promotes sweating and supports fever reduction.
- Soothes sore throats, dispels coughs, and alleviates respiratory congestion.
Supporting the Urinary System
- Promotes urination as a diuretic.
- Antimicrobial properties make it effective against urinary tract infections.
Supporting Digestion
- Aromatic and bitter, yarrow supports digestion and can be used in bitters blends or teas.
Repelling Insects
- Fresh yarrow leaves and flowers can be rubbed on the skin or made into a bug spray to deter mosquitoes and other insects.
Ecological Connections
- Wildlife: Yarrow serves as a host plant for butterflies like the painted lady (Vanessa cardui) and provides nectar for moths, bees, hoverflies, and beetles.
- Soil Stabilization: Its rhizomes stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
- Companion Planting: Attracts beneficial insects like predatory wasps and ladybugs.
Harvesting and Storage
- Harvesting Tips:
- Gather leaves throughout the growing season as needed.
- Harvest flowers just after they bloom for peak potency.
- Reproduction: Yarrow spreads via rhizomes and seeds. Leave enough flowers to allow for seed dispersal.
- Storage: Dry leaves and flowers and store them in a cool, dark, and dry location.
Harvesting Cautions
- Yarrow resembles some Apiaceae family plants like wild carrot and poison hemlock. Careful identification is essential to avoid confusion.
Gardening Tips
- Propagation: Easily propagated by root divisions or direct seeding.
- Growth Conditions: Drought-tolerant; prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
- Management: Slowly spreads via rhizomes and may require restraint to prevent invasiveness.
- Medicinal Cultivars: Wild white yarrow is most effective for medicinal use; colorful cultivars may have reduced potency.
Warnings and Precautions
- Pregnancy and Lactation: Not safe during pregnancy; consult a healthcare provider if nursing.
- Allergic Reactions: Avoid if allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family (e.g., ragweed, chamomile, dandelion).
- Photosensitivity: Can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight.
- Deep Wounds: Avoid applying yarrow directly to deep wounds to prevent superficial healing that may trap infection.
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