Herbs - Yarrow

 

Yarrow

Latin Name: Achillea millefolium

Family: Compositae

 
Description

This aromatic perennial is closely associated with Divination, giving rise to sayings and verses in many parts of the world. In China, yarrow stalks are used in consulting the I Chin (book of changes).

Over 40 different constituents have been isolated from yarrow, these include an essential oil, which contains anti-inflammatory azulene. Achillea was named after Achilles, who reputedly used it to heal his soldiers wounds after the siege of Troy.

Yarrow is native to Europe and Western Asia and also widely naturalized in North America, Australia, and New Zealand. It has tough stems, feathery leaves and white to pink flowres that appear from early summer to late autumn. It makes an attractive border plant with long-lived flowers.

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