Yarrow of a Thousand Leaves

“Thou pretty herb of Venus’ tree

Thy true name is yarrow,

Now who my bosom friend must be,

Pray tell thou me tomorrow”

Anonymous

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow is a perennial plant from the Old World, which grows to 3 feet, has finely divided, feathery leaves, and a white composite flower. It is flat-topped and fragrant, and is found along roadsides and meadows. It blooms from early spring to fall.

  Yarrow has been known as a healing herb since ancient times. Its Genus name, Achillea, refers to Achilles, the legendary warrior of ancient Greece. He is said to have carried yarrow to staunch the blood of his wounds. In fact, one of the plant’s earliest folk names was herba militaria, as it was so commonly associated with treating the wounds of battle. Its species name, millefolium, means, “thousand leaves”, which refers to the lacy effect of its doubly divided leaves.

  In the late 16^th century, John Gerarde wrote what was to become England’s most famous herbal. In it, he recommended yarrow as a styptic (to stop the bleeding of a wound) as a vulnerary (to heal the wound) as a bath to stop “the laske” (diarrhea) and also, as a drink to stop “bloody flixe”, (an excessive discharge of blood). In addition, he recommended that the leaves be chewed as a remedy for toothache.

  Another one of its common names was “nosebleed” because it was a folk remedy for this problem. The leaves were soaked in water, and then stuffed into the bleeding nostril to stop the flow of blood. In addition, women have used yarrow to relieve heavy menstrual flow, and to regulate their cycle.

  Looking through Daniel Moerman’s, Native American Plants, it becomes clear that most Native American tribes used yarrow. In addition to all of the above uses, it was also relied on for many other problems, as well. For instance, the Mendocina tribe used it as a wash for sprains, and as a remedy for tuberculosis; the Micmac tribe used the herb as an antirheumatic; and the Chippewas chewed the root and spit it onto the limbs as a stimulant.

  Throughout history, it continued to be relied upon to staunch the flow of blood, as a disinfectant, and as an anti-inflammatory, but it was also used as a diaphoretic (to induce sweating to help break a fever) and as eyewash for irritated eyes; as well as being used as a cure for earache.

  In modern times, when the plant was finally able to be analyzed, and its components identified, it was understood why this early folk wisdom was so well founded. Scientific analysis revealed the presence of volatile oil, which medical herbalist Andrew Chavalier calls the “most important medicinally active plant constituent”; phytosterols (which explains the plant’s ability to regulate the menstrual cycle) and tannins, (which are very bitter, and therefore explains its use as a digestive aid) as well as it being a substance which contributes to its use as a styptic. In addition, achillene was identified, the alkaloid, which further explains the plant’s ability to staunch the flow of blood. Flavonoids, (which have an anti-inflammatory and antiviral effect) were also isolated. Overall, 120 compounds have been identified.

In general, it has been found to be an astringent, an anti-inflammatory, an antispasmodic and a diuretic. In addition, it lowers blood pressure, improves circulation, reduces fever and stops internal bleeding. It is no wonder that naturalist, Steve Brill, has called yarrow a “green pharmacy”.

Susun Weed, author The New Menopausal Years, says that yarrow also promotes progesterone, which can help to lessen excessive menopausal bleeding; and that in addition, it is a powerful urinary disinfectant with “powerful antibacterial action”. In addition, she says that the herb can be used as an effective aid in preventing hair loss.

She says to take 10-20 drops of the essential oil and combine it with 4 oz. of carrier oil, such as olive oil, or jojoba oil, and rub into the scalp and leave on overnight.

Andrew Chevallier recommends it as a poultice for cuts and scrapes. Simmer the herb for 2 minutes, squeeze out the excess liquid, and then place warm, over the wound, securing it in place with a bandage.

Caution: Yarrow should not be taken in large doses, or for long periods of time, for one of its constituents, thujone, is considered toxic.