July, 2023 - Yarrow
Herb of the Month for July is Yarrow. A talk and handout was given by Regina Leikam. Information below has been pulled from the handout she distributed at the meeting on July 15, 2023.
Common Name: Yarrow, Nosebleed Plant, Sanguinary, Milfoil, Soldier's
Woundwort, Thousand-leaf.
Botanical Name: Achillea Millefolium
Family: Asteraceae
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial. Herbaceous plants are easily
identified, because they have non-woody stems. Their
above ground growth largely or totally dies back in winter
temperature zones, but the undergroundplant parts (roots,
bulbs, etc.) will survive.
Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall and wide
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Type: Well-drained; otherwise, tolerant to soil conditions
Bloom Time: Summer and Fall
Flower Colors: White, Yellow, Pink, Red, Purple and Orange
Zones: 3-9
Native Area: Asia, Europe, and North America
Toxicity: Toxic to cats, dogs and horses
Light: Yarrow prefers full sun. Once established, yarrow is
drought-tolerant.
Pruning: Yarrow blooms need to be dead headed to prompt
continuous blooming.In late autumn, cut the plant back to
the basal leaves. Basal leaves of yarrow are the first leaves
to appear on the plant and they tend to be larger in size than
the other leaves on the plant. This will provide protection for
the above ground plant during the winter. By doing this will
help the plant to focus on the root system.
Medicinal
Purposes: Yarrow can be harvested throughout the growing season, but
has the richest concentration of medicinal oils when the
plant is flowering. Yarrow flowers in white or cream in color,
are best used for medicinal purposes.
Yarrow has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and astringent
properties and is highly regarded for healing wounds, bruises
and sprains.
Due to its styptic properties, yarrow has been used for
centuries on the battlefields helping to stop the bleeding of
the wounded. Can beused in oils, teas and poultices. A quick
fix in the garden if cut, mash up some of the leaves with a
little water and place directly on the cut to help stop the
bleeding. If you have time to get to the house, mash the
leaves up and add a little water, place in a cotton cloth and
leave on the wound for at least 30 minutes, or until the
bleeding stops.
Yarrow also helps promote sweating and can help reduce a
fever by'driving out' the heat and naturally cooling the body.
** If pregnant, DO NOT USE yarrow until you have consulted
your physician, as it may cause miscarriages.
Types of
Yarrow: In the wild, yarrow typically has white or cream blooms, but
cultivated yarrow comes in many colors, such as yellow,
purple, pink and red.
Recipes: Gentle Perspiration Tea
Use this tea to induce perspiration when you are experiencing
a fever. This will open the pores to let the heat out.