Achillea millefolium, otherwise known as yarrow, is a herbaceous perennial. The flowers are a dull white or pink in umbellate clusters. The leaves are a dark green, aromatic and feathery. Yarrow is a member of the Compositae family
The Genus name (Achillea) is after Achilles, who was reputed to have used yarrow to heal battlefield wounds during the siege of Troy. The species name, millefolium, means a thousand leaved.
Herbal Medicine: The aerial parts (leaves and flowers just before the flowers begin to open) are used in herbal medicine. According to Weiss, Yarrow can be used to stop bleeding - chew or crush the leaves then apply to wounds
Yarrow is an excellent diaphoretic and therefore is used in the treatment of colds and flu; mix equal parts of yarrow, peppermint and elderflower. Add 1 tsp of the dried mix per cup of boiling water. Infuse for 10 minutes. Drink one cup 3 times a day.
Yarrow may be used by medical herbalists to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding and regulate menstrual periods
Yarrow is also a cardiovascular tonic, thereby toning the blood vessels and reducing fragility. See disclaimer