Yarrow

Achillea millefolium (Yarrow)

Asteraceae Family. Traditionally used to treat wounds, and as a styptic to stop bleeding. Now valued for its cold and flu fighting properties, and beneficial effects on the circulatory, digestive and urinary systems. Yarrow has a high concentration of volatile oils that stimulate blood flow to the skin’s surface and aid in elimination of toxins through the pores. Native to Europe and Asia.

Medicinal Properties & Uses
Actions: amphoretic, vulnerary, hemostatic, astringent, febrifuge, digestive stimulant, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic, anti-spasmodic.

Flowers: contain anti-allergenic and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Applications:

·      Essential Oil: massage oil for inflamed joints, chest rub for colds and flu

·      Infusion: upper respiratory phlegm

·      Inhalation: hay fever and mild asthma

·      Wash: eczema

Leaves: blood clotting, may relieve migraines

Applications:

·      Fresh: insert in nostril for nosebleeds, migraines

·      Poultice: fresh leaves applied to cuts to stop bleeding

Aerial parts: expectorant, digestive bitter tonic, diuretic, blood tonic, stimulate circulation, high blood pressure, induce sweating for fevers, menstrual disorders

Applications:

·      Infusion: fever reducer, digestive tonic

·      Tincture: uterine tension, menstrual cramps, delayed or absent menstrual cycles, cardiovascular discomfort

·      Compress: infusion soaked pad or diluted tincture for varicose veins

Cultivation

Description: Herbaceous perennial. Up to 3’ tall with fern-like feathery leaves and clusters of compound (ray and disk) white flowers on terminal heads. Flowers June through September. Found in various habitats; fields, roadsides and waste places. Good beneficial bug and pollinator attractant. Dynamic accumulator of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potash (K) and copper (Cu) and can be added to compost, compost tea and mulch.

Growing: In the southern United States it is a vigorous grower, forming dense mats and it can overtake other plants. Yarrow can have fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, rust and stem rot. Do not harvest leaves with signs of mold or mildew.

·      Full sun to light shade.

·      Prefers well-drained soils, but will grown in most soil types. pH 6.1.

·      Can be grown as a lawn alternative and mowed.

Propagation

Seed: easy germination from seed. Sow in flats or direct seed. Germination in approximately 8 days. Thin to or transplant 18” apart.

Division: divide rhizomes in spring or fall.

Harvesting & Processing

Harvest flowers during summer and fall. If leaves remain evergreen, they can be collected year round. Collect flowers, leaves and stems on a dry sunny morning after the dew has evaporated. If all aerial parts are desired, bundle 8-10 stems and hang upside down in a dry, ventilated, warm room out of direct light until stems snap and leaves are brittle. If drying parts individually, separate flowers and leaves and dry in paper bags set in a greenhouse or car dashboard, or use a solar dryer. Break into smaller pieces and store in clean, dry jars in a dark place until needed. Label jar with plant name, date and any other desired information (organic, where harvested, etc.).