Common Yarrow
Merry meet! This post was inspired by one of my favorite books: North American Wildlife by Reader’s Digest (1982). This blog will include information from the book and information I’ve gathered on my own. Enjoy!~
~COMMON Yarrow~
Achillea millefolium
This plant is part of the Asteraceae family, which is a large family of flowering plants.
Other Names:
• Yarrow
• Plumajillo
• Herbal militaris
• Milfoil
• Nosebleed plant
• Soldier’s woundwort
Plumajillo came from its leaf shape and structure. Herbal militaris and several of the other nicknames come from it’s ability and usage to stop the blood flow from wounds to prevent blood loss.
Identification:
• Branches only near top
• Green spear-head shaped leaves
(Lanceolate)
• Leaves are 2in - 8 in (5cm - 20cm)
• Pinnate leaves (like most ferns)
• Compact cluster of flowers
• 1/2ft - 4 feet (15cm - 122cm)
• White or Pink blooms
• Commonly flowers from May - September
• April - July (South)
• July - September (North)
This plant is extremely widespread and is native to most of temperate North America. It can also be found throughout most of Canada and parts of Europe and China.
Medicinal Properties & Fragrance
Yarrow has been used “to break a fever by increasing perspiration, to treat hemorrhaging and as a poultice for rashes.” Yarrow is used for fever, common cold, and hay fever, menstruation issues, diarrhea, loss of appetite, gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort or cramping, to induce sweating, and to stop bleeding. Some people chew on the leaves to help with toothache.
Yarrow is also used as a cosmetic/facial cleanser, which I assume is because it has salicylic acid, which helps with acne.
“Yarrow contains many chemicals that might affect blood pressure and possibly have anti-inflammatory effects.”
The plant is known to have a pleasant smell, especially when the foliage is crushed. Thus, it can also be used in an ornamental manner.
Caution
Yarrow is possibly safe when taken by mouth in medicinal amounts. It may cause drowsiness. It can cause skin irritation, so I recommend a patch test if using a product you bought/made with Yarrow. You may be more sensitive to Yarrow if you have an allergy to ragweed or other related plants. Do not take Yarrow if you have a bleeding disorder, pregnant, breast-feeding, or have a surgery within 2 weeks due to the affect on blood.
Please read more Safety concerns and interactions with medicines on https://www.rxlist.com/yarrow/supplements.htm
Spiritual History
Common Yarrow is a herb that was used in traditional medicine for many different things. The genus it is in, Achilles, is based from the Greek Achilles who was said to carry it to treat battle wounds. Achilles was supposedly taught this by Chiron.
Yarrow is considered lucky in Chinese culture and was used during divination. They dried the stalks and used it to randomize in I Ching divination, a type of Chinese cleromancy.
Native American tribes across North America used Yarrow in a variety of ways. They used Yarrow for toothaches, earaches, head cold, pain relief, fever, burns, rashes, and sleep. Several groups also used it for ceremonial uses.
Modern Uses
Other than possible medicinal uses, Yarrow can be used in your craft in a number of ways! You can carry or wear it to protect against negativity, you can use it to heighten your psychic abilities (especially with divination), and promote intelligence (in Chinese culture).
Energy:
Feminine
Planet:
Venus
Element:
Water
Attributes:
Courage; Love; Psychic Powers; Exorcism
Read more about the magickal ways to use Yarrow and more information on it at https://eluneblue.com/yarrow-magical-properties/
