Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a sturdy perennial plant featuring small white flowers, which can grow up to 40 inches in height. It is predominantly found across the Northern Hemisphere, including in Asia, Europe, and North America, where it has been used for centuries by many Native American nations. Traditionally, it has been used to treat ailments such as cuts, burns, and insect bites. But beyond that, what other benefits does yarrow offer?
Wound healing properties of yarrow
For centuries, yarrow has been used throughout the world for its anti-hemorrhagic, healing, and analgesic properties, to heal wounds and stop bleeding. Many Native American tribes have historically employed yarrow and its varieties found across North America for medicinal purposes. The Navajo, recognizing it as a vital healing herb, would chew it to alleviate toothaches and prepare infusions to remedy earaches. Similarly, the Miwok people of California found the plant effective as a pain reliever and a treatment for head colds.
There are several modern research articles as well that have studied and confirmed healing properties of yarrow. So if you ever need it, crush or chew clean fresh leaves and apply them to the wound to reduce bleeding and encourage healing. You can also make a poultice or a yarrow infused oil (see below).
To eat or not to eat
The entire yarrow plant is edible. Actually, it’s quite nutritious, containing vitamins A and C, potassium, zinc, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and niacin. It also contains flavonoids, which help digestion by increasing saliva and stomach acid production. The raw leaves and flowers, being bitter and astringent, can be a flavorful addition to salads. Dried yarrow serves as a spice for soups, meat dishes, and sauces, while its leaves are commonly used to brew tea. All that said, it is advisable not to eat too much of it.
Yarrow tea
Speaking of yarrow tea, it provides a host of health benefits. It has been used in folk medicine to help with:
- Flu, colds, sinus problems
- Fever
- Cough
- Chest congestion
- Upset stomach, gas, diarrhea, and other digestive issues
- Reducing stress and anxiety
- Maintaining a regular menstruation cycle
Varicose Veins
Essential oils extracted from the yarrow plant or yarrow poultice have been traditionally used for treating varicose veins, spider veins, and poor circulation.
Growing Yarrow
Yarrow is easy to grow due to its low-maintenance nature. It’s highly adaptable and can thrive in various places, including open fields, roadsides, and small gardens. Being a perennial flower, it doesn’t need to be replanted every year. Yarrow is a fantastic plant for attracting many types of pollinators and beneficial insects. One of the interesting features of yarrow is that neither deer nor rabbits seem to like it very much, making it not only safe by itself but also useful (although not very effectively) for “hiding” other plants.
One of the ways to obtain yarrow seeds as well as recipes for yarrow remedies is a Medicinal Garden Kit by Nicole Apelian, Ph.D.
The kit contains among other things high-quality non-GMO yarrow seeds, as well as recipes for:
- Infused Yarrow Oil for Swelling and Varicose Veins
- Stop Bleeding Poultice
- Yarrow Tincture for Burns, Cuts, Bruises, and Insect Bites
- Yarrow Salve for Old Scars; Yarrow Elixir for Menstrual Cramps and Heartburn
- Yarrow Tea for Digestive Upsets
Other seeds included in the kit:
- Chicory
- California Poppy
- Marshmallow
- Chamomile
- Evening Primrose
- Lavender
- Echinacea
- Calendula
- Feverfew
Cautions
Like any herb, yarrow should be treated with caution. Some people may be allergic to it, and consuming too much can cause a headache or dizziness. It is advisable to wear gloves when handling it because it may cause rash in people with sensitive skin. It can also induce menstruation, so it should be avoided during pregnancy. In addition, it can be toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. When foraging wild yarrow, one needs to be aware of its look-alikes, such as poison hemlock.
