The
ancient Chinese method of foretelling the future, based on the
I Ching, a classical book of the Confucian era (551-479 BC),
uses 50 sticks of dried, stripped yarrow stems. These are tossed
into the air and meaning is attributed to the pattern they form
upon falling.
The herb's common name is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word,
"gearwe", which would have been pronounced something
like "Yawraway".
The genus "Achillea" comprises of over 80 species.
If you've resisted adding this weedy and invasive plant to your
herb garden, with its dull white and pink flowers, you'll be
delighted to learn that breeders have recently augmented the
herb's color range to include lilacs, crimsons and clear whites.
These improved cultivars are generally less invasive than the
species, but may revert to the latter if allowed to go to seed.
Wild and cultivated yarrows hybridize freely. The
Richter's catalogue lists the following varieties: Standard,
the preferred type for medicinal use; Mace, with its spicy aroma
of the oriental spice; Moonshine, the best variety for drying;
Red; Sneezewort; traditionally used as a snuff for clearing
nasal congestion; Woolly, a low mat-forming variety with golden
flowers (this particular yarrow will rot if not given good drainage),
and Yellow, a tall variety - up to 5 feet - with large yellow
flowers.
Yarrow grows easily from seed and will thrive in the most marginal
of soils with the exception of soggy ground. Indeed, manure
or fertilizer, or too much shade, will cause the development
of weak stems. The herb prefers full sun in slightly acid soil,
although a few species prefer a higher pH. Yarrow is a winter
hardy perennial in zones 3 to 9 and thrives better with cool
nights. It will attract many species of butterflies to your
garden, along with lady beetles and tiny parasitic wasps that
prey on aphids. Also, yarrow discarded in your compost pile
will speed decomposition.
Standard yarrow can be cultivated as a lawn. It will withstand
light foot traffic and will eventually choke out weeds. It should
be mowed about three times a year to prevent flowering. Sow
the seed in late summer or spring, using half pound of seed
per 100 square yards. Spread evenly and press lightly into a
prepared bed with a roller. Do not use fertilizer.
The
wisdom of yarrow's traditional use as a wound healer has been
verified by current research. More than 82 medicinal compounds
have been found in the herb. Achilleine works as a hemostatic
(blood clotting agent) and an astringent. A German study published
in Planta
Medica in 1994 found that the chamazulene in yarrow
inhibits the formation of leukotriene, which triggers inflammation.
Another German study, published in Arzneimittelforschung
in June 1995, found that yarrow's flavonoids (which provide
the plant's pigment) help the body produce prostaglandin, a
chemical that controls smooth muscle contraction. When taken
internally, this makes yarrow a useful herb for relieving gastrointestinal
ailments including diarrhea, bloating and cramps. According
to the German
Commission E, yarrow's antispasmodic qualities make it particularly
useful for treating menstrual cramps. Yarrow is also antibacterial
and contains salicylic acid, the active ingredient in aspirin.
To reduce fevers, yarrow combines well with elder flower, peppermint,
boneset, cayenne and ginger. For reducing blood pressure it
may be combined with hawthorn, linden flowers and European mistletoe.
These herbs may be taken internally as teas or tinctures. To
make yarrow tea, steep one tablespoon of the dried herb in one
cup of boiled water for 10-15 minutes. Strain and drink three
cups in one day for gastrointestinal problems, fever, hemorrhoids
or bruises, or drink all three cups at once to slow heavy menstrual
bleeding. For toothaches and minor cuts and burns, apply the
tea topically.
To combat a cold, make a tea of yarrow along with elderflower
and peppermint. Combine equal amounts of all three herbs. Infuse
one teaspoon of the dried herb mixture - twice as much if you're
using fresh herbs - and allow it to steep in one cup of water
for 10 minutes. Drink three cups a day. If you can catch the
cold early enough, you'll find this a very effective remedy.
Yarrow is not toxic, but allergies to the herb are common and
sensitivity appears to increase with use. Even simple teas that
contain yarrow can cause a mild skin rash and increase photosensitivity.
If these symptoms develop, use should be discontinued.
Because of its potential as an allergen, yarrow should be used
in moderation in the kitchen. Its leaves and buds have a mellow,
sage-like flavor and may be added to wild salads and soups.
Mace yarrow (Achillea decolorans) is the one species with culinary
appeal. Its narrow, sharply toothed green leaves have a distinctive
nutmeg or mace aroma. A small amount of the leaves, finely minced,
add a pleasing piquancy to soups, stews, salads (especially
potato salads) and cheese dishes.
Yarrow is enduringly popular for dried flower arrangements and
wreaths. The yellow-flowered yarrows in particular last for
years with minimal fading. The new pastel cultivars do fade
upon drying, but the resultant muted colors are still beautiful
and popular among crafts aficionados.
