The Latin name for Yarrow, Achillea millefolium is derived from Achilles, who taught his soldiers to use it in the treatment of wounds (Smith). It is still a plant with many applications in herbal medicine. The whole of the plant above ground is gathered while it is flowering. As I write, in mid-October, it is flowering still.

Yarrow is a bitter herb with a long tradition of use in fevers. It has a diaphoretic effect (meaning it promotes sweating) and contains some salicylate (aspirin). According to Bartram it was called the Englishman’s quinine. It may be combined with elderflower and peppermint to make a tea for the treatment of colds and ‘flu. Another popular use is in the treatment of circulatory disorders. Yarrow has a dilating effect on blood capillaries. It is said to lower blood pressure and help prevent clotting. For these conditions it is used in combination with other herbs. Yarrow is a urinary antiseptic and therefore useful in the treatment of cystitis. However, for this purpose it has been somewhat eclipsed by cranberry and by exotic plants such as Buchu and Uva-ursi.

Finally the plant, because of its astringent properties, may be of value in cases of diarrhoea and dysentery.

References

Bartram T (1995) Bartram’s Encyclopaedia of Herbal Medicine. Robinsons, London. Smith W (1977) ‘Wonders in Weeds’ Health Science Press, Holsworthy, Devon.