Achillea millefolium
Description
A species containing many forms, Achillea millefolium occurs naturally in Europe and western Asia, but is grown throughout the world for its ornamental and medicinal properties. It was traditionally used as a remedy to stop bleeding and promote the healing of wounds (it is reputed to have been used by Achilles to staunch the bleeding of soldiers injured in battle, hence the plant’s Latin name), and to treat hypertension, arthritis, fever and colds (the last by both Native Americans and in the British Isles). According to one source, yarrow ‘has the reputation of being a preventative of baldness, if the head be washed with it’. There’s no evidence to support the last claim, but yarrow has nevertheless clearly been regarded as an important herb since ancient times, as it is recorded as having been found in a Neanderthal grave.
Parts used
Yarrow flowers, stems and leaves.
Constituents
Yarrow flowers and leaves are said to contain more than 80 biologically active compounds, but the most commonly recognised useful ingredients are alkaloids, flavonoids (plant-based chemicals that help to improve digestion), azulenes and sesquiterpene lactones, which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Medicinal uses
The German Commission E has approved the use of yarrow for mild stomach ailments and loss of appetite. Yarrow’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties are well documented and the herb is recommended for patients with kidney complaints to ward off pain and fight infection. It is also thought to act as an antispasmodic.
Yarrow is prescribed to:
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- Improve poor circulation, reduce high blood pressure and ease varicose veins.
- Help promote sweating during fever.
- Provide natural pain relief in chronic kidney disease patients.
- Ease infections and inflammations of the urinary tract and protect it after kidney stones have passed into the urine.
- Yarrow’s bitter constituents and fatty acids are credited with promoting bile flow from the gallbladder, enhancing digestion and helping to prevent the formation of gallstones.
- May relax the smooth muscles in the intestine and uterus, thereby relieving abdominal and menstrual cramps.
CAUTION
Yarrow may cause reactions in people who are allergic to members of the daisy family. Avoid if pregnant. Consult your medical practitioner before embarking on a regime of natural remedies.
Flora Force Products containing Yarrow
Domestic & culinary uses
Fresh young yarrow leaves have a slightly bitter taste that is perfect in salads (try it in potato salad), on sandwiches or in a dip.
Cultivation
Yarrow is a member of the aster family and is closely related to chrysanthemums and chamomile. An upright evergreen perennial with a hairy stem and feathery leaves, it grows well in a sunny and warm habitat in rich, well-drained soil. White, pink or purple flower clusters appear in summer, attracting bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects. The plant spreads rapidly, so will need cutting back to prevent it becoming invasive.
Photo credits
- By Enrico Blasutto (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-2.5], via Wikimedia Commons
