Yarrow is a flowering plant and popular for its reputation as a wound healer. People love the herb because it is a gentle, but still very effective plant. It is a members of the family Asteracea. The plant can grow pretty much everywhere and therefore is known to be a cheap but still powerful herb. There are many species and subspecies of yarrow. The herb also has many other common names like Soldier‘s Woundwort, Devil’s nettle, Bloodwort And Knight’s Milfoil. These names refer to its use throughout the history. Yarrow was the most popular natural remedy used by soldiers to heal wounds in ancient battles. Most bitter drinks included yarrow as an ingredient because of its sweet with a slightly bitter tang flavor and it’s strengthening bitter tonic properties. Not only is the herb a magical wound healer, but it can also treat colds, flus and hay fevers. Even dealing with menstrual problems can be treated with the herb.
History & Folklore
Yarrow has been known to be a healing herb since ancient times. It’s said that the Greek soldiers Achilles was one of the first people who discovered the herbs abilities. During wars and battles, Achilles used yarrow to staunch war wounds. Even it’s Latin name achillea millefolium was derived after the Greek soldier. The plant has a long history of use in many different cultures around the world. The earliest appearance of yarrow in history was in fact in a Neanderthal burial ground. So basically the herb has already been use from around 60.000 BC. It was also used in many traditions and is a symbol for different things. Yarrow represents both war and healing. The herb has also been used for love spells and rituals. Not only was it used as a medicine but in the 17th century yarrow was also used as food. The leaves were cooked and eaten like we eat spinach today. It was also a very popular ingredient for soups. It’s current use today is still for medicinal purposes.
Habitat & Cultivation
Yarrow originated from Europe, Western Asia and North America, but it is cultivated all over the world today. The plant grows in the wild and likes regions like forests, meadows and alone verges. The herb spreads fast via its roots and easily occupies new regions. The plant is mostly cultivated for medical or ornamental purposes. When the plant flowers in summer the aerial parts are harvested for these purposes.
Uses
Healing wounds The herb has been used to heal wounds for centuries, therefore having a long list of traditional uses. It was named after Achilles, one of the greatest Greek warriors who was one of the first people who used yarrow for healing wounds. In Scotland yarrow was one of the ingredients of a very traditional ointment.
Gynecological herb For complaints with the menstrual cycle or heavy bleeding and period pain, yarrow is the perfect natural remedy for it.
Other uses Yarrow has multiple other uses too. If mixed with different herbs, yarrow can treat colds and flus. It also helps people dealing with weak digestion and colic because of its bitter tonic actions. Hay fever, lower blood pressure can be treated as well with the herb.
Parts used
Aerial parts are used fresh and dried.
Fresh leaves
Key Actions
Antispasmodic
Astringent
Bitter tonic
Increases sweating
Lower blood pressure
Reduces fever
Mild diuretic and urinary antiseptic
Stops internal bleeding
Promotes menstruation
Anti-inflammatory
Constituents
Volatile oil with variable content (linalool, camphor, sabinene, azulene)
Sesquiterpene lactones
Flavonoids
Alkaloids (achilleine)
Triterpenes
Phytosterols
Tannins
References
- Chevallier, Andrew, FNIMH; Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine - 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments; 3. Edition 2016; ISBN: 978-0-2412-2944-6; Page 56.
No Remedies found containing Yarrow
Products with Yarrow
No reviews found for Yarrow
Help others by leaving a review
Share your experience with this herb to help other people