Moxie Gardener

Yarrow has been used medicinally for thousands of years.

Yarrow’s Latin binomial classification, Achillea millefolium, is named after Achilles of mythology, who reportedly used the leaves to stop the flow of blood of his soldiers’ wounds on the battlefield during the Trojan war.

It has been used in that context ever since.

Yarrow thrives even in poor soil but does best in full sun in sandy soil with good drainage. You can grow it from seed, root division or woody cuttings taken in spring. Space yarrow plants 1 to 2 feet apart to help guard against mildew, which is a problem when spaced too close together. Mildew is more prevalent in areas with high humidity. Destroy plants that are badly infected.

Yarrow is beneficial in the garden. It attracts Syrphid flies (also known as flower flies or hover flies). These are bright yellow or black and orange flies that resemble yellow-jackets. Harmless to humans, they consume large quantities of harmful insects, especially aphids. They feed early in the season when weather is too cool for other beneficial insects.

It also works as an activator to speed up the decomposition of compost. You only need about one finely chopped leaf of yarrow added to a wheelbarrow load of material for it to be effective.

Yarrow has a rich history in herbal medicine and folklore. It was used medicinally to treat colds, fevers, and even to lower blood pressure. It is also used topically to help bruises heal faster and to help varicose veins fade. A leaf applied to a wound will stop the flow of blood.

Its essential oil contains the anti-inflammatory azulene. Taken internally it reduces fevers, increases perspiration and relieves indigestion. It also soothes inflammed gums when used as a mouthwash.

Yarrow’s common name comes from the Anglo-Saxon word gearwe, which means to prepare or to be ready. One popular use of yarrow was to repel evil. Bundles were hung over doorways of homes or an infant’s crib on Midsummer’s Eve to bring good health to the occupants in the coming year.

The pollen of yarrow, along with other herbs, was found during excavation of a Neanderthal burial site, having been placed there 40,000 to 60,000 years ago.

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 9th, 2009 at 12:59 PM and is filed under Flowers, Herbs. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.