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Yarrow is the herb of a million flowers, thanks to its prolific foliage.
This wild edible has been used in food and medicine since ancient times, and it is still a commonly used herb today.
Scientific Name
Family
Asteraceae.
Botanical Description
It has a rough, angular stem with long, dark-green, feathery leaves. The flowers are white or pale lilac that resembles an umbellifer.
Status
Perennial. Native.
Habitat and Distribution
Found in grasslands, meadows, pastures, and along roadsides.
Parts Used for Food
Leaves and flowers.
Harvest Time
Spring to Autumn.
Food Uses of Yarrow
Its peppery foliage and bitter leaves and flowers bring an aromatic flavour to salads.
The leaves can be used in almost any dish as a vegetable, added to soups and sauces, or simply boiled and simmered in butter as a side dish.
The flowering tops can be sprinkled on salads and dishes as a condiment or decoration.
Yarrow Recipes
Yarrow Purée
Pick, wash and dry some handfuls of young leaves. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the leaves and simmer for 20 minutes. Then drain the leaves and chop them up, melt a knob of butter in a small saucepan, add the chopped leaves along with salt and pepper, Stir for 5 minutes, then serve.
Herbal Medicine Uses of Yarrow
Known as Herba militaris by the ancient Romans who used the wild herb to stop bleeding from cuts and wounds.
Yarrow was also called soldiers’ woundwort and staunch grass due to its ability to staunch bleeding.
In herbal medicine, it was valued as an astringent herb for scratches, cuts, wounds and sores.
Other Uses of Yarrow
Dried leaves were once used as a substitute for tobacco. As well as divining sticks when consulting the I-Ching.
Safety Note
Yarrow may cause skin irritation in some people. It is best avoided during pregnancy and when breastfeeding.
References
Grieve, M. A Modern Herbal. Tiger Books International. London, 1996.
Facciola, S. Cornucopia II. A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications. Vista, California, 1998.
Jackson, PW. Ireland’s Generous Nature. The Past and Present Uses of Wild Plants in Ireland. Missouri Botanical Garden Press. St Louis, Missouri, 2014.
Couplan, F. The Encyclopedia of Edible Plants of North America. Nature’s Green Feast. Keats Publishing. Connecticut, 1998.
Watts, D. Dictionary of Plant Lore. Elsevier. Bath, 2007.
Baker, M. Discovering The Folklore of Plants. Shire Publications Ltd. London, 2008.
Mabey, R. Food For Free. A Guide to the Edible Wild Plants of Britain. The Collins Press. London, 1978.
Thank you for posting this.
Do you perhaps have any further information on how the Roman soldiers actually treated wounds with it? What part of the plant is used to stop bleeding, and in what form? I have heard both crushed root and bruised leaves are useful, but have no actual reference for either.
Hi Jane – I use the leaves, but don’t have any specific details on how the Romans used it as a wound herb.
Dry the leaves, then grind to a powder and put in a jar. Sprinkle it on a bleeding wound to stop bleeding. If you need a protective layer, put the powder between two pieces of gauze pad bandage (as with a deep wound – you likely wouldn’t want the powder in the wound). Cheers.
Thank you Robin,
for this work and the beautiful way of transmitting it. I have been gathering and drying yarrow every year for quite some while, using it as tea or in herbal teas for strengthening the urinal – and abdominal system. And in a book by the author ‘Maria Treben’ it’s said that the plant was known for its blood cleaning effect.
Do you have any knowledge about the different colors and their effects yarrow has.
I am especally glad for the rosepink ones that found a way to grow in my garden, but nowaday one can buy them in reds and yellows as well.
Hi Christiane – Glad you like my work. I don’t know of any difference between the white and redish flowers. I suppose at the end of the day, you would need to experiment or ask a more folk-based herbalist. Interesting question though. Hmmmm…
Thank you Robin I have enjoyed connecting with this special plant.
I made yarrow panna cotta, steeping young leaves and flowers in the cream overnight. It is very pleasant. Also yarrow is, apparently, an antispasmodic and regular use can help dysmenorrhea – a half cup per day in the 10 days leading up to menstruation. I’m experimenting on my daughter…
Mixed with dried or fresh elder flowers and peppermint, yarrow makes a fantastic decongestant tea when you have a really rotten cold. I was amazed at how well it worked on my six year old daughter when she was really stuffy and miserable with a cold. Within half an hour, her watery eyes and congested nose were much clearer and she had perked up immeasurably.