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Yarrow — Achillea millefolium

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Yarrow — Achillea millefolium

layout: base.njk title: Yarrow description: Growing Yarrow in West Virginia (Zone 6b/7a) category: medicinal

Type: Perennial
Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family)
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low (drought-tolerant once established)
Soil pH: 6.0-7.5
Hardiness: Zones 3-9

Quick Reference: See detailed growing information below

🌱 Expected Yield

  • Per plant: ½-1 lb dried flowers/leaves per season
  • Per patch (10'x10'): 8-12 lbs dried (40-50 plants)
  • Lifespan: 10-15+ years with division every 3-4 years

🏺 Heirloom Varieties & Species

Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

  • Source: Native plant nurseries, Seed Savers Exchange, Baker Creek
  • Notes: White flowers. Most common wild type. Native to Northern Hemisphere. Strongest medicinal reputation.

'Paprika' Yarrow

  • Source: Perennial nurseries, Johnny's Selected Seeds
  • Notes: Deep red flowers fading to pink. Horticultural selection. Vigorous. Good cut flower.

'Cerise Queen' Yarrow

  • Source: European perennial collections
  • Notes: Bright cherry-red flowers. Compact habit. Medicinal properties similar to white.

'Moonshine' Yarrow

  • Source: Specialty nurseries
  • Notes: Pale yellow flowers. Award-winning. Less bitter taste.

'Appleblossom' Yarrow

  • Source: Perennial specialists
  • Notes: Soft pink flowers. Gentle appearance, strong medicine.

Western Yarrow (Achillea lanulosa)

  • Source: Native plant specialists, wild harvest (ethical)
  • Notes: Native to western North America. Woolly leaves. Similar medicinal use. Adapted to high altitude.

Red Yarrow (Achillea clypeolata)

  • Source: Rock garden specialists
  • Notes: Golden-yellow flowers. Dwarf variety (6-8"). Rock gardens, edges.

'Strawberry Seduction' Yarrow

  • Source: Modern hybrid selections
  • Notes: Strawberry-pink flowers. Long bloom period. Sterile (no self-seeding).

Sneezewort (Achillea ptarmica)

  • Source: Herb specialists, European collections
  • Notes: White button flowers. Different leaf shape. Similar medicinal use.

'Little Lady' Yarrow

  • Source: Compact variety collections
  • Notes: Dwarf (8-10"). Pink flowers. Container-friendly.

📜 Cultural History

Domesticated: Not domesticated—wild-harvested, now cultivated

Historical Record: - Ancient Greece: Named after Achilles, who allegedly used yarrow to treat soldiers' wounds at Troy (1200 BCE) - Roman Empire: Called "herba militaris" (soldier's herb). Used to staunch battlefield wounds. - Medieval Europe: "Nosebleed plant" (Anglo-Saxon "millefolium" = thousand leaves). Used for wounds, fevers, digestive issues. - Native American use: Multiple tribes (Cherokee, Iroquois, Navajo, Paiute) used native yarrow species for headaches, wounds, colds, toothaches. - Civil War: Union and Confederate medics used yarrow powder to stop bleeding. - Victorian era: Popular garden herb, drying herb. - Name origin: Genus Achillea honors Achilles; species millefolium refers to thousand-leaf appearance

Cultural Significance: - Ancient warfare medicine: "Wort" (herb) of warriors - Traditional European use: Blood-stanching, fever reduction, digestive aid - Native American medicine: Sacred healing plant, ceremonial use - Chinese medicine: Used in I Ching divination (stalks) - Folk magic: Protection, psychic abilities, love divination - Modern herbalism: Top-selling wound herb, women's health support - Symbol of healing, courage, protection

🌾 Seed Saving / Propagation

  • Seed method: Tiny seeds produced in flat-topped flower clusters (umbels). Harvest when brown/dry.
  • Isolation: 2+ miles (insect-pollinated, crosses between varieties)
  • Viability: 3-5 years
  • Division: Every 3-4 years in spring or fall. Dig clump, divide into sections with roots + shoots.
  • Root cuttings: Possible—2-3" root sections planted horizontally.
  • Special notes: Seeds need light to germinate (surface sow). Germination 14-21 days. Self-seeds moderately. Can become aggressive if happy—deadhead to control spread.

💊 Medicinal Preparations

Yarrow Tea (Infusion)

Uses: Fever reduction, cold/flu support, digestive issues, menstrual cramps

Recipe: - 1-2 tsp dried yarrow flowers/leaves (or 2-3 tsp fresh) - 1 cup boiling water - Steep 10-15 minutes, covered - Strain, drink 1-3 cups daily while symptomatic

Notes: Bitter taste—add honey, lemon, or blend with peppermint. Take at onset of fever (promotes sweating).

Yarrow Tincture

Uses: Wound healing (internal support), menstrual regulation, long-term immune support

Recipe: - Fill jar ¾ with dried yarrow (flowers + leaves) - Cover with 80-100 proof vodka (1-2 inches above plant material) - Seal, label, store in dark place 4-6 weeks - Shake daily - Strain through cheesecloth, store in amber dropper bottles - Dosage: 30-60 drops (1-2 mL) 2-3x daily

Shelf life: 3-5 years

Yarrow Salve

Uses: Cuts, scrapes, bruises, hemorrhoids, chapped skin

Recipe (Oil Infusion Method): - Fill jar ½ with dried yarrow flowers/leaves - Cover with olive oil (2 inches above plant material) - Infuse 4-6 weeks in warm dark place, OR 2-3 hours in double boiler (low heat) - Strain through cheesecloth - Combine infused oil with beeswax (1 oz beeswax per 1 cup oil) - Melt beeswax into oil, stir well - Pour into tins/jars, cool completely

Shelf life: 1-2 years

Yarrow Poultice

Uses: Active wounds, nosebleeds, insect bites, sprains

Recipe (Fresh): - Crush fresh yarrow leaves/flowers - Apply directly to wound/skin - Cover with cloth, secure - Replace every 2-4 hours

Recipe (Dried): - Mix dried yarrow powder with small amount of water - Form paste, apply to affected area - Cover with cloth - Replace 2-3x daily

Notes: Classic battlefield止血 (blood-stopping) herb. Direct application stops bleeding quickly.

Yarrow Sitz Bath

Uses: Hemorrhoids, postpartum healing, pelvic inflammation

Recipe: - 1 cup dried yarrow (or 2 cups fresh) - 1 quart boiling water - Steep 30 minutes, strain - Add to shallow sitz bath (warm water) - Soak 15-20 minutes

Frequency: 1-2x daily as needed

Yarrow Hair Rinse

Uses: Dandruff, oily scalp, hair growth

Recipe: - ½ cup dried yarrow - 2 cups boiling water - Steep 30 minutes, strain - Use as final rinse after shampoo - Do not rinse out

Frequency: 1-2x weekly

⚠️ Safety Notes

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy: Avoid medicinal use (may stimulate uterus). Small culinary amounts considered safe.
  • Breastfeeding: Insufficient data—avoid medicinal doses.
  • Children: Safe in small doses. Use ½ adult dose for children 6-12. Not recommended under age 6 without practitioner guidance.

Drug Interactions

  • Blood thinners (Warfarin, aspirin): Yarrow may increase bleeding risk. Avoid concurrent use.
  • Blood pressure medications: Yarrow may lower blood pressure. Monitor if on antihypertensives.
  • Sedatives: May enhance sedative effects. Use caution with benzodiazepines, sleep aids.
  • Diabetes medications: May affect blood sugar. Monitor glucose closely.
  • Lithium: Yarrow may interfere with lithium excretion. Avoid combination.

Allergic Reactions

  • Asteraceae family allergy: Those allergic to ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums may react to yarrow.
  • Skin sensitivity: Fresh yarrow can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Patch test before topical use.
  • Photosensitivity: Rare—some individuals experience increased sun sensitivity.

Overuse Concerns

  • Long-term internal use: Not recommended beyond 2-3 weeks continuously. May cause drowsiness, increased urination.
  • High doses: May cause nausea, dizziness. Stick to recommended dosages.

Surgical Procedures

  • Pre-surgery: Discontinue yarrow 2 weeks before scheduled surgery (bleeding risk).

Species-Specific Notes

  • Common yarrow (A. millefolium): Most researched, generally regarded as safe when used appropriately.
  • Wild harvest caution: Ensure correct identification. Avoid polluted areas (roadsides, industrial sites).

🌱 Natural Soil Amendments (WV Zone 6b/7a)

Following The Loop Farmstead Natural Soil Amendments Standard—NO synthetic fertilizers, NO mined minerals.

At Planting (Year 1)

  • Compost: ½-1 inch incorporated into planting area
  • Local forest soil: 1-2 cups per planting hole (mycorrhizal inoculation)
  • Eggshells: 1 tablespoon crushed per plant (slow-release calcium)

Annual Maintenance (Year 2+)

  • Compost: ½ inch top-dress in spring OR fall
  • Leaf mold: 1-2 inches mulch (optional, yarrow tolerates poor soil)
  • Wood ash: Light sprinkle (1 tsp per plant) in early spring if soil pH is acidic

Cover Cropping (Optional for larger plantings)

  • Buckwheat: Summer cover crop between rows (phosphorus mobilizer)
  • Crimson clover: Living mulch (nitrogen fixation)

Notes for Yarrow Specifically

  • Yarrow thrives in low-fertility conditions. Over-amending reduces medicinal potency.
  • Excellent for "problem" areas—poor soil, erosion control, dry spots.
  • Deep roots mine nutrients from subsoil (dynamic accumulator—especially potassium, calcium, magnesium).

🐺 The Loop Farmstead Notes

Why We Grow Yarrow: - First-aid herb for cuts, wounds, nosebleeds - Fever remedy (promotes sweating) - Women's health support (menstrual regulation) - Beneficial insect magnet (attracts ladybugs, lacewings, predatory wasps) - Deer resistant, rabbit resistant - Drought tolerant once established - Excellent cut flower (dried arrangements)

Harvest Tips: - Harvest flowers on dry, sunny morning (after dew evaporates) - Cut flower heads with 2-3 inches of stem - Bundle, hang upside-down in dark, ventilated space - Leaves can be harvested anytime before flowering - Roots: Dig in fall after 2nd year dieback, wash, slice thin, dry

Where We Use It: - First-aid salve (with calendula, plantain, comfrey) - Fever tea (with elderflower, peppermint) - Women's tea (with red raspberry, nettle) - Insect-repellent spray (infused in vinegar)