Organic Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Herbs are Sold By the Ounce, Price is Per Ounce

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Family:

Asteraceae

Common Names:

Milfoil, Soldier's Woundwort, Thousand-Leaf, Nosebleed Plant, Carpenter's Weed

Origin:

Native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in Europe, Asia, and North America.

Parts Used:

Aerial parts (leaves, stems, flowers)

Habitat:

Yarrow thrives in a variety of habitats, including meadows, grasslands, roadsides, and open woodlands. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.

History and Folklore:

Yarrow has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine, particularly for its ability to stop bleeding and heal wounds. It was used by ancient Greeks, including Achilles, who supposedly used it to treat soldiers' wounds, which is how it got the botanical name Achillea. Native Americans also used yarrow for its medicinal properties. In folklore, yarrow was believed to offer protection and was often used in rituals to ward off evil spirits and promote love.

Metaphysical Properties:

Yarrow is associated with protection, healing, and love. It is often used in rituals to create protective barriers, promote healing, and attract love. Yarrow is also believed to enhance psychic abilities and is used in divination practices.

Botany:

Yarrow is a hardy, perennial herb that can grow up to 2-3 feet tall. It has feathery, fern-like leaves and produces clusters of small, white to pink flowers that bloom from late spring to early fall. The plant has a strong, slightly sweet, and musky aroma.

Growing and Harvesting:

Yarrow is easy to grow from seeds, cuttings, or divisions. It prefers a sunny location with well-drained soil and is drought-tolerant once established. The aerial parts are harvested during the flowering stage and can be used fresh or dried for various herbal preparations.

Constituents:

• Volatile Oils: Including chamazulene, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Flavonoids: Antioxidants that support overall health and reduce inflammation.
• Tannins: Provide astringent properties, helping to tighten tissues and stop bleeding.
• Sesquiterpene Lactones: Contribute to the plant’s bitter and medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory effects.
• Alkaloids: Plant compounds that have medicinal properties, such as pain relief and wound healing.

Energetics:

• Temperature: Cooling
• Taste: Bitter, Astringent, Aromatic

Medicinal Actions:

• Astringent: Tightens tissues and helps stop bleeding, making it useful for wounds, nosebleeds, and heavy menstrual bleeding.
• Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation in the body, particularly in the digestive and respiratory systems.
• Antimicrobial: Fights bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making it useful for treating infections.
• Diaphoretic: Promotes sweating, which can help reduce fevers and detoxify the body.
• Digestive Aid: Stimulates appetite and improves digestion, particularly in cases of indigestion and bloating.
• Vulnerary: Promotes wound healing and helps soothe irritated tissues.

System Affinities:

• Circulatory System: Supports healthy circulation and helps stop bleeding from wounds or nosebleeds.
• Digestive System: Eases digestive discomfort, reduces bloating, and stimulates appetite.
• Respiratory System: Used to treat colds, coughs, and respiratory infections by reducing inflammation and promoting mucus clearance.
• Skin: Applied topically to treat wounds, burns, rashes, and other skin conditions due to its astringent and antimicrobial properties.
• Immune System: Enhances immune function and helps fight infections.

Uses:

• Tea: Yarrow tea is commonly used to reduce fever, treat colds, and improve digestion. It can also be used to regulate menstrual flow.
• Tincture: Used for its astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects, particularly for treating digestive and respiratory issues.
• Infused Oil: Yarrow-infused oil can be applied to the skin to heal wounds, reduce inflammation, and treat skin conditions.
• Poultice: Fresh yarrow leaves and flowers can be applied as a poultice to wounds, burns, and insect bites to stop bleeding and promote healing.
• Salve: Yarrow is often included in healing salves for its wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Cautions:

• Allergies: Yarrow is a member of the Asteraceae family, so individuals allergic to plants like ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies should use it with caution.
• Pregnancy: Yarrow should be avoided during pregnancy as it can stimulate uterine contractions.
• Photosensitivity: Yarrow may increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, so it’s advisable to avoid excessive sun exposure after topical application.
• Medication Interactions: Yarrow may interact with blood-thinning medications due to its ability to affect blood clotting. Consult a healthcare provider before using yarrow if you are taking such medications.

Scientific Studies:

1. A study in Phytotherapy Research highlighted yarrow’s wound-healing properties, supporting its traditional use in treating cuts and bruises.
2. Research in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology demonstrated yarrow’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, particularly in treating skin and respiratory infections.
3. A study in Planta Medica explored yarrow’s diaphoretic properties, showing its effectiveness in reducing fevers and promoting detoxification.