Yarrow is multi-purpose, but best used sparingly
Common Yarrow, Achillea millefolium, is also known as Milfoil, Sneezewort and the Soldier’s Friend. It’s a very low growing perennial and is best grown in a container, as it’s invasive unless kept well controlled. The plant is gathered when in flower and dried for later use.
Yarrow has been used for many purposes over the centuries, including tea, as a flavoring, in salad (young shoots are best for this) and as a substitute for hops in beer making. However, extended use often results in allergic skin reactions and photo-sensitivity, so it’s best only used occasionally.
Medicinally, Yarrow has a strong reputation for efficacy in the treatment of kidney disorders, colds and flu, diarrhea, and to relieve menstrual pain. For these purposes, make a standard infusion from 2-3 teaspoonfuls of fresh or 1-2 teaspoonfuls of dried herb to a cup of boiling water. Allow to stand for at least 10 minutes, strain and use.
A fresh leaf applied to a sore tooth will relieve toothache, and it’s reputation as Soldier’s Friend doubtless came from its use to stop bleeding by applying the leaves directly.
Obviously, you don’t want the properties of this valuable herb to be diluted by foreign chemicals, so yarrow for medicinal use should be grown organically. For more information about growing organic yarrow, visit the Gardenzone.
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