Name
The name “Achillea” commemorates the greek hero Achilles who used yarrow to heal the wounds of his soldiers. The specific name “millefolium” means ‘thousand leaves’, a perfect name to describe the finely divided leaves.
Also Known as
- yarrow
- milfoil
- thousand-leaf
- bloodwort
- old man’s pepper
Identification Keys
- bushy perennial herb
- leaves finely divided into narrow segments
- thin, fern-like leaves resembling a pipe cleaner or small feathers
- leaves arranged spirally on stem
- dark green leaves
- height: 8 cm – 65 cm, width: 60 cm (2 ft)
- sap not milky
- flower-head in flat-topped clusters
- flower-head with flat outer florets, tubular inner florets
- white to pinkish-white daisy-like flowers
- flowers enclosed by bracts; no sepals; 5 petals form a tube; 5 stamens and 1 stigma
- flower-head without collar beneath
- fruits and floret base without a parachute
- 1.5-2 mm long, flattened, shiny, nut-like fruit; retains the seed
- strongly scented
Bloom Time
- June-November
Habitat
- fields, hedges, meadows, roadsides, gravelly areas, waste places
- dry or poor soils but also found in moist areas
- grows in low to high elevations
Look-alikes
You can confuse common yarrow with other plants with dissected leaves:
- Mayweed chamomile
- Pineapple-weed
- Wild carrot. It tends to grow in more of a rosette with leaves that are more pinnatafid than yarrow.
- Poison hemlock
- Fennel
Medicine Uses
Parts Used
Aerial parts
Actions
diaphoretic, diuretic, astringent, digestive, bitter tonic, hepatic, antimicrobial, decongestant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, analgesic, antihistaminic, emmenagogic, expectorant, anticatarrhal, hemostatic, styptic, vulnerary, alterative
Systems
Digestion
- stimulates appetite, aids digestion and absorption
- relieves wind, spasm and indigestion
- astringent tannins protect the gut from irritation and infection; helpful in diarrhea and inflammatory issues
Circulation
- taken in hot tea, it promotes sweating and reduces fevers
- lowers blood pressure, improves circulation
- relieves leg cramps and varicose veins
Respiratory system
- it relieves colds and congestion, taken in hot tea with mint and elderflower
- antihistamine effect is useful in treating allergies
Immune system
- volatile oils and luteolin have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects
- relieves arthritis, allergies and autoimmune problems
- stimulates blood flow to the skin and brings out the rash in eruptive infections such as measles and chickenpox
- clears toxins by aiding elimination through the skin and kidneys
Urinary system
- diuretic, relieves irritable bladder
- tightens muscles, helping incontinence
Reproductive system
- regulates menstrual cycle
- eases menopause change
- relieves premenstrual syndrome and heavy bleeding
- speeds up childbirth and aids in expelling the afterbirth
- stimulates lactose production
Externally
- tannins and silica speed healing of cuts, wounds, ulcers, burns, varicose veins,
- hemorrhoids and skin conditions
- infusions used as vaginal douche, skin lotion and mouthwash for gingivitis
- a little of yarrow tincture on a tissue, stuffed up the nostril, stops a bleeding nose
Caution
- avoid in pregnancy and if allergic to Asteraceae
- prolonged use can cause contact dermatitis and photosensitivity
- avoid with anticoagulants
Harvesting
- gather the leaves and flowers by cutting the entire stem half way down.
- harvest after the flowers opened and when they look vibrant.
- tie them by their stems in small bunches and hang them out of direct sunlight.
- when fully dry, garble them, and store in a mason jar.