Good morning, good morning, good Yarrow / And thrice good morning to thee / Tell me, before this time tomorrow / Who my true love is to be.
History and Legends
The Latin name for yarrow is Achillea millefolium and is a tribute to one of the oldest legends surrounding this well-known plant. Achillea refers to the Greek hero Achilles who used the plant to heal his soldiers during the Trojan War. It is said that he learned the herb lore surrounding yarrow from his tutor Chiron the centaur.
Its use as a remedy for war wounds is reflected in many of its common names including soldier’s woundwort. Its use on the battlefield lasted until the Civil War where the crushed plant was often applied to bullet and shrapnel wounds since the plant was supposed to be particularly effective for healing wounds caused by iron weapons.
Millefoleum refers to the ‘millions’ of sections on the fern-like leaves.
The common name yarrow comes from the Anglo-Saxon word gearwe, which etymologists believe derives from gierwan meaning to prepare or to be ready. If so, it fits with a popular use of yarrow, which was as a ward against evil. Traditionally, yarrow was burned on the eve of St. John’s Day to protect against evil.
Another protective use for yarrow was to tie a bundle of it together and hang it over the doorway or over an infant’s cradle on Midsummer’s Eve to guarantee good health in the coming year.
Both Druids and the ancient Chinese used it for divination purposes.
Many a young girl has chanted the rhyme at the top of this article or a similar rhyme hoping that by using yarrow, she could find out who her spouse would be.
Common Names
Achillea millefolium is also known by the following common names: nosebleed, millefoil, thousand leaf, woundwort, carpenter’s weed, devil’s nettle, devil’s plaything, soldier’s woundwort, bloodwort, stanchgrass, sanguinary, herb militaris, carpenter’s weed, old man’s pepper, and noble yarrow.
Description
Yarrow has feathery soft green leaves that form a mat out of which a stalk rises (6-12 inches) bearing flat flower heads with flowers that range from white to pink to yellow.
Cultivation and Propagation
Yarrow is extremely hardy and does well in almost any soil in a sunny location. It is, however, invasive. Propagation is best done by division. In fact, one herbalist recommends digging it up every fall and replanting it in order to prevent a complete invasion.
Culinary Uses
The young leaves can be used for greens in salads and other dishes.
Medicinal Uses
Yarrow’s essential oil contains azulene, which is an anti-inflammatory. As a result, when taken internally it increases perspiration and works well for reducing fevers and easing colds. External application of the plant is beneficial for wounds, ulcers, and nosebleeds. There is some indication that it is beneficial for lowering blood pressure and relieving indigestion. It can also be used as a mouthwash for inflamed gums.
Sources
Houdret, Jessica. PracticalHerbGarden Hermes House, 2002
McVicar, Jekka. The Complete Herb Book. Kyle Cathie Limited, 1994.
Ward, Bobby J. A Contemplation Upon Flowers: Garden Plants in Myth and Literature. Timber Press, 2005.
Wells, Diana. 100 Flowers and How They Got Their Names. Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, 1997
This article reports the common medicinal uses of the herb known as yarrow. Any herbal remedies attempted by the reader are done so at his or her own risk.
Melissa Howard - I am a stay-at-home Mom. My college education was in English and History and my last job was as a Technical Writer. Now that I ...
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