My Old Friend Yarrow
By Matt Pinkham
1998 Published in the Community Newspaper Unity, Maine
The first time I was introduced to the yarrow plant a friend handed me a small leaf and told me to smell it. The crushed leaf has a musky kind of medicine odor that can never be forgotten. You can almost tell from it's scent that is has warming and healing properties.
Yarrow is a biannual wild flower meaning it grows in two stages over a period of two years. For the first year, known as the vegetative stage, it grows in a basal rosette of light green feathery leaves low to the ground. The flower appears in the second year, or flowering stage. Here you will find the basil rosette of leaves much like the first year but from the middle of the rosette the flower stalk erupts. Yarrow flowers range from one to three feet in height with the average being around two feet tall. The leaves along the stalk are much smaller and darker than the rosette leaves as they alternate up the stalk. It appears to have a single large flower on the top but closer inspection reveals itself as a cluster of many tiny flowers. The tiny flowers are white (sometimes with a hint of pink) and have a yellow center. Domesticated varieties of yarrow can be any number of different colors but these strains were bred and cross-bred for their appearance and as a result lack much of the medicinal quality. I realize this description is quite vague but there are two reasons for this. The first and most important can be summed up in four words: Poisonous look-a-likes. The second is that I would prefer you do some homework on your own. Nothing is ever learned when all the answers are simply given.
Yarrow is said to look similar to a few poisonous plants, including the deadly poisonous water and poison hemlocks. But once you become familiar with these plants the differences will be clear. The bottom line is positive identification is a must. Check and double-check this and all plants in several books before using for any purpose.
Yarrow is in the Chamomile tribe of the Aster family. Known scientifically as Asteracea or sometimes Compositae. But lets get a little more specific after all this family is the largest in the plant kingdom made up of over 19,000 members! Achillea millefollium is yarrow's Latin name. Millefollium, meaning thousand leaves, is a reference to their lacy, feather-like appearance.
Historically yarrow's power has been known for a very long time. The Greek warrior Achilles (hence the genus Achillea) was said to have used it regularly for it's ability to heal wounds. I've also heard it called soldiers wound wart a reference to the same. Native American people found it useful for healing wounds, reducing fever, and for treating flu, colds and internal bleeding. To some tribes it was known as one of seven sacred herbs and used in sweat lodge ceremonies to induce sweating. In medieval text yarrow was called the "eyebrow of Venus". Gifted to the Roman goddess for its ability to aid in women's menstrual problems.
Medicinally yarrow is a very powerful herb. Science has found that it contains over 120 biologically active compounds. The crushed leaf is antiseptic, styptic, and anti-inflammatory, so can be used externally for cuts, bruising, and other skin maladies. A tea taken internally can stop internal bleeding and aid in menstrual flow problems. That same tea also induces sweating and can be used to break fevers and to "sweat out" colds and the flu. Yarrow also plays an important role in the gastrointestinal system. It is known to expel gas and ease stomach cramps. The list goes on, too lengthy to mention here but with all these great uses comes a warning. Yarrow does contain a small amount of a chemical called thujone, which is considered toxic in large quantities. Prolonged use of this powerful herb could be harmful and should be avoided. Treat this and any other medicinal plant with care and respect.
Important Note: Please be sure to positively identify any plant, herb, or tree you are going to use in several reputable guide books. Also be sure to consult your physician before making changes in your diet and medication.
This article was written by me, Matt Pinkham, and is strictly my property. Use of it is available but only with my consent. Please contact me to ask permission. Thank You!
