Yarrow Achillea millefolium

Achillea millefolium

Native to Europe and western Asia, yarrow was traditionally used to treat wounds, although it was
also once used in Germany and the Nordic countries as an alternative to hops in beer-making.
Today it is valued for its astringent and anti-catarrhal properties, and is used in remedies for colds
and urinary disorders. It is widely naturalized in North America, New Zealand, and Australia.

FLOWERS
White, occasionally tinged pink, musk-scented flowers are produced from early
summer to late autumn.

LEAVES
The feathery leaves were once used in poultices to encourage blood clots to develop
when treating battlefield wounds and severe bleeding.

STEM

The tough stem and leaves can be harvested together in summer.
The whole plant is highly aromatic


PARTS USED Leaves, flowers, essential oil MAIN CONSTITUENTS Volatile oil,
isovalerianic acid, asparagine, salicylic acid, sterols, flavonoids

ACTIONS Astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic,
peripheral vasodilator, digestive stimulant,restorative for menstrual system, febrifuge
Essential oil: anti-inflammatory,anti-allergenic




How to use:

INFUSION Drink 1 cup (1-2 tsp herb per cup of boiling water) 3 times a day to
encourage sweating and reduce fevers;combines well with peppermint for common
colds. One cup stimulates the appetite.

TINCTURE Take 20–40 drops (1–2 ml)
3 times daily, usually with herbs such ascouchgrass or buchu, for urinary disorders.

FRESH LEAVES A single leaf inserted inthe nostril will rapidly stop a nosebleed.
OINTMENT Apply to minor cuts and grazes.MASSAGE OIL Add 10 drops of yarrow oil
to 5 tsp (25ml) of infused St. John’s wort oil to make a rub for hot, inflamed joints.

STEAM INHALATION Use 1 tbsp fresh flowers in boiling water to ease hay fever
symptoms. Inhale the steam for at least 2–3 minutes.


HOW TO SOURCE

GROW Prefers a well-drained position in full sun, but is tolerant of a wide range
of conditions. Sow seeds in spring.
Propagation by root division is best in spring or autumn. It can easily become invasive.
FORAGE Generally found in pasture,hedges, or among grass in meadows
throughout Europe.

HARVEST Gather leaves and aerial partsin summer, and flowers when they appear.

CAUTION In rare cases yarrow can cause skin rashes, and prolonged use
can increase skin photosensitivity.Avoid during pregnancy. Essential oils
should not be taken internally without professional advice.