Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a common wildflower that you probably would recognize, even if you don’t think you know it! The variety that grows wild (and that we carry the seeds for in store) flowers white. However, there are several different colors of yarrow such as pink and yellow. I have seen pink yarrow wild in the Hot Springs area! Yarrow is a perennial and can grow as high as two feet. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and in regular garden or woodland soil.
As far as its medicinal properties, yarrow is an excellent herb to have on hand for many issues. Generally, you use all the aerial portions of the plant for medicinal preparations. You can use the root, however this does mean that you will not have it come back the next year.
Yarrow is styptic, which means it stops blood flow. This property, along with the fact that it is antimicrobial, means it is wonderful to use as a poultice on a wound. If you are out in the wilderness and an accident occurs, look for yarrow! Additionally, it is a diaphoretic so it induces sweating.
The plant is also a anti-catarrhal, anti-spasmodic, and anti-viral. All these properties make it essential in the advent of a cold. Yet another use of yarrow to highlight is that it is an emmenagogic agent (stimulating blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus). This means it can be useful for stimulating delayed menstruation. Finally, yarrow can be used as a bug deterrent, such as in a bug spray.
Yarrow can be taken in tea, tincture, or capsule form. You can also infuse it into an oil to use for salves or topical applications.
Find organic achillea millefoium seeds from Strictly Medicinal Seeds at Harvey’s Homestead Supply in Hot Springs, South Dakota!
Photos by Yuri Antonenko and Hannah W. on Unsplash