Yarrow (Duisendblad)

Yarrow (Duisendblad) #

Achillea millefolium

Placehoder

Quick Info #

  • Distribution & habitat: indigenous to Europe and western Asia, thriving in sunny weather (tolerating light shade) and preferring moderately rich and moist soil
  • Family: Compositae
  • Florescence: spring and summer
  • Name origin: the Latin name is thought to come from Achilles, the Greek figure, and his reported use of the herb to heal or bind up the wounds of soldiers during the Trojan War.
  • Other names: carpenter’s herb, carpenter’s weed, herba militaris, knight milfoil, nose bleed, soldier’s wound wort, venus tree, woundwort
  • Plant: perennial

Description #

Yarrow is thought to have been used by the Chinese as far back as 4000 years and ranges in size between 30 cm and 1 m. It has clumps of feathery, finely-divided leaves that vary from dusty grey to bright green. The small, closely-packed flowers grow in flat white umbels. However, different kinds of yarrow exist, and cultivars of various flower colours have been developed.

The seeds are small, grey-brown, flat and tear-shaped. The green stem is hollow, ridged and branching near the top.

Uses & Ecology #

Warning: Avoid using Yarrow during pregnancy. Yarrow should also not be used for long periods, so as to prevent skin irritation.

Yarrow is consumed to help reduce blood pressure and stimulate the circulatory system. It is used for the relief of dyspepsia, flatulence and indigestion. It is also used to treat fevers and coronary trombosis, staunch bleeding and reduce diarrhoea and dysentery.

Yarrow is applied as a poultice for wound treatment, or drunk in the form of a tea. The latter is thought to regulate menstrual flow. Yarrow is applied to cleanse and tone the skin, and it is useful as a face pack for oily skins that have a tendency to break out. A decoction is used as a gargle for a sore throat or as a mouthwash for inflamed gums.

The fresh, young leaves of Yarrow are a good salad ingredient. Yarrow has a sharp flavour reminiscent of spinach. Some believe that, if Yarrow is used in bridal bouquets, or eaten by the marrying couple at the wedding ceremony, it would ensure seven years of love. Some also believe it staves off evil forces. European Druids reportedly used it to forecast the weather, while the Chinese reportedly used it along with the I Ching (the Book of Changes or Yarrow Stalk Oracle) to predict the future.

Snuff has been made from Yarrow. Some sources suggest that Yarrow can decrease blood pressure. It grows well next to vegetables and can attract bees to a garden. It can give withering plants a shot in the arm if grown next to them. It activates the disease resistance of plants growing nearby, and it may intensify the medicinal actions of other herbs.

The leaves and flowers dry well and can be used in potpourri. Yarrow promotes compost decomposition.

Fresh leaves are chewed to aid toothache. Dried flowerheads can be used for display purposes. In the past, leaves were pressed into precious books to keep them insect-free.

References #

  • Bremness, L. (1998) The Complete Book of Herbs: A practical guide to growing & using herbs. South Africa: Southern Book Publishers (Pty) Ltd
  • Christoffels, G. & Pauwels, I. (2006) Gekruid: Lewe Gesond en Lekker met Kruie Uit Jou Eie Tuin. Cape Town: Struik Publishers.
  • Craze, R. & Webb, M.A (2004) The Herb & Spice Companion. New York: Barnes & Noble Inc.
  • Hey, B. (1992) A Celebration of Herbs for the South African Garden & Home. Cape Town: Struik Publishers (Pty) Ltd.
  • Roberts, M. (1993) Alles oor Kruie. Cape Town: Struik Publishers.
  • Roberts, M. (2012) My 100 Favourite Herbs. Cape Town: Struik Nature.

Caution: Consult a qualified health practitioner before considering medically using or ingesting any plant parts. Any mentioned traditional uses are based on cultural practices and anecdotal evidence. They are not necessarily clinically proven or supported by modern scientific studies.