Yarrow
(Achillea millelolium L., Compositae)
Also Called: Milfoil, Nosebleed, Thousand-leaf.
Description:
Perennial plant, 20-45cm (8-18 in) high with creeping branched rhizome, basal
rosette of leaves and usually simple, flowering stems.
Leaves 2-pinnate, more or less hairy.
The aromatic foliage is green or grey.
Capitula arranged in flat umbels; rayflorets white, tubular florets yellowish-white.
(Flower heads) are flat and 2" to 6" across on 2' to 5' stems.
In mountainous regions the ray-florets are often reddish-pink in colour.
Other colours include white, yellow, gold, pink and red.
Flowering: June-September.
Parts Used: Dried flowering plant, rarely the capitula only or the leaves only.
Habitat and Collection: Yarrow is found on roadsides,
hedgerows, uncultivated places and in pastures up to 2,700m (8,800ft). Common
in Britain and in Europe generally.
The plants are collected when in flower and dried in the shade at less than
40'C (104 F).
Constituents and Action: Bitter principles, volatile oil.
Yarrow is anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic; it stimulates gastric secretion;
is reguiatory and antispasmodic for menstrual troubles.
It is also resolutive.
Yarrow has been valued since ancient times for its ability to stop bleeding,
hence its folk name "nosebleed". Today, yarrow is valued for its
ability to fight off colds and flu.
* A piece of the plant held against a wound will staunch bleeding.
* An infusion can help to break a fever.
* Can be of benefit in mild cystitis.
* Promotes digestion.
* Improves circulation by acting as a vasodilator.
* Lowers blood pressure.
* Make a tea from yarrow, peppermint and elderflower to fight colds and flu.
Usage: Generally as a tisane (infuse 2-3 tablespoonfuls
of drug with 1 litre (1.75pt) of cold water and allow to stand) internally
for lack of appetite, stomach disturbances, diarrhoea, flatulence, for delayed
or painful periods, for haemorrhoids and for coughs.
Externally it is used as an application to suppurating wounds.
Caution: In large doses it produces headaches and vertigo.
Do not use yarrow during pregnancy, for undiagnosed bleeding, or for more
than two weeks.
Other uses: It is also an ingredient in many herbal cosmetics.
Dried and cut flowers are used in arrangements.
Cultivation: Yarrow is an undemanding plant that thrives even in poor soil but does best in a sunny position with good drainage and light soil.
Yarrow grows well in zones 3-8 with some cultivars extending to zone 10.
Plants are susceptible to disease in humid areas.
Propagate from seeds, by root division or from woody cuttings taken in autumn or spring.
They can take a year or two to establish themselves from seed.
Place the plants 1-2 feet apart and divide the clumps when they become crowded.
Taller cultivars may need to be staked, especially if grown in very fertile soil.
Disease: Mildew
Mildew is a fungal disease which causes grayish downy spots on leaves.
Plants which do not have adequate sunshine or air circulation, or those grown in humid climates are most susceptible.
Spray with sulfuricon early in the morning while foliage is still slightly moist with dew.
Badly infected plants should be cut down and destroyed.
