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Yarrow: Characteristics and Uses

Yarrow is a perennial flowering plant native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It grows up to 60cm tall and has white or mauve flower heads. Historically it was used for stopping bleeding and as an herbal medicine to treat fever, colds, and pains. Folk traditions involved yarrow in love divination rituals.

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13 views2 pages

Yarrow: Characteristics and Uses

Yarrow is a perennial flowering plant native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It grows up to 60cm tall and has white or mauve flower heads. Historically it was used for stopping bleeding and as an herbal medicine to treat fever, colds, and pains. Folk traditions involved yarrow in love divination rituals.

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gerardwilmot
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© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Achillea

millefolium –
Yarrow or
Common
Yarrow

Characteristics and Features:

• Perennial flowering plant of the Asteraceae (Daisy) family


• Growing up to 60cm tall at a fast rate, it is native to temperate regions of the Northern
Hemisphere in Asia, Europe, and North America
• The leaves are twice pinnate; Flower heads are numerous, white or mauve in colour
with about 6 ray-florets
• In Ireland, it is usually in flower from July to September and abundantly found in
pastures, roadsides and waste-places
• Is monoecious and pollinated by insects and is known to attract wildlife

Uses:
• The growing plant repels beetles, ants and flies
• A liquid plant feed can be made from the leaves. They are also used as a hop-
substitute in beer (for flavouring and as a preservative) and can be eaten raw or
cooked (very good addition to salad)
• An essential oil is made from the flowering heads
• In herbal medicine, the whole plant is used to stop bleeding (since ancient times). It
was called the military herb by the Roman, on the battle-fields. As an infusion, it is
used to cure fever, colds and coughs, as well as relieving pains of rheumatism and
menstruation
• Folk beliefs and customs: It was widely used in love divination. In the north of
Ireland, 9 sprigs should be gathered at sunset on May Eve by a girl, repeating precise
verse. Than brought home, put into the right-foot stocking and placed under the
pillow. She than would dream of her future husband that night, if she had not spoken
between gathering the yarrow and going to bed, otherwise the charm was Brocken. In
Dublin, 10 sprigs should be gathered, the last one thrown over the shoulder.

Sources:
Irish Wild Plants, Myths. Legends & Folklore; Niall Mac Coitir; 2008
Plants for a Future: [Link]

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