Yarrow

Yarrow, Achellia millefolium, is a herb that has been used for millennia as a medicinal powerhouse. It is another very special 'weed' that I purposefully grow in my garden. Yes it can be invasive and try to take over, but the benefits of having it growing there outweigh any downsides for me. It grows easily from root division or seed.

Yarrow grows up to 1m tall with runners under the soil. The flowers are usually white with some cultivars having yellow, salmon or crimson flowers. They are made up of clusters of individual flowers and the pollinators like them too, so it is a wonderful companion plant. The flowers have a distinctive smell. I like it, it can be strong for some people though.

The leaves are green and 'feathery' with the Doctrine of Signatures likening them to stitches. Another common name for this plant is soldier's woundwort and this was one use for the leaves in a battle, stauching bleeding (Roman soldiers even used it) and I even use it in this way for myself. I dry the leaves and grind them, keeping it in a jar for when I have a cut or wound. I find the bleeding stops immediately and that it promotes healing. It has been shown in studies to have antiinflammatory and antimibrobial actions and most people would associate these with healing.

Another aspect of these properties is when I have any ills and chills, it is delicious as part of YEP tea. I dry yarrow, elderflower and peppermint in season so I can mix 1 part of each (by volume) to make this tea. I steep 1tsp in boiling water and drink 3 cups/day as needed.

It is edible and very nutritious, but due to the strong taste I would say for my palate the fresh plant is nicer to nibble on or add to scrambled eggs or a salad rather than having a plate full or it.

It may help with cramping and menses. Yarrow is an interesting herb as on one hand it may promote bleeding (menses) but on the other hand it may staunch blood (heavy menses and wounds). It is best to consult your medical herbalist if using this herb orally in this case.

There are studies to show it has beneficial effects on the kidneys as a diuretic, blood sugar regulation, may protect against ulcers and have other benefits for the gut, provides liver and cholesterol support, and neurological effects for some people having cancer treatment.

If using, especially orally, consult your naturopath or medical herbalist as it may interact with medications or it may be unsafe during pregnancy.