a.k.a. western yarrow, bloodwort

Yarrow has long been revered as one of the oldest medicinal plants in the world.  This wonderfully fragrant plant was recorded in ancient Chinese traditional medicine. In fact, its varied medicinal effects were recorded all over the world and in the oral histories of most of the Native American tribes.

It was collected before battles to stuff into open wounds to slow bleeding, relieve inflammation and pain and to disinfect.  The flowers and leaves were also drunk as tea for headache, menstrual problems, digestive distress, fever, hemorrhoids; the root for toothache and sore bleeding gums.  What more can you ask of what is otherwise a safe, pleasant tasting tea!                

Side notes:  the stems of yarrow in six inch lengths are used by the Chinese for I Ching an ancient form of divination.

Caution – although safe for most folks, some people are allergic to members of this family.  Always rub suspicious plants on wrist or sample in small quantities to test for reactions. Also the flat topped flower head (corymb) of yarrow superficially resembles the (umbel) flower head of two poisonous plants, Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) and water hemlock (Cicuta sp.)  Be sure of your identification.

The Latin name Achillea refers to the Greek warrior Achilles who treated battle wounds of his soldiers with this plant hence the old obscure name “soldiers woundwort”.

In this next video, John Mionczynski & Melanie Smokey (Western Shoshone/Washoe) describe how yarrow is used as an ingredient in a Shoshone natural cough and cold remedy. The origins of its Achillea label is also revealed.