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Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a common herb found throughout North America and Europe. It has finely divided, almost feathery leaves, and tiny white or yellow flowers that form a flat-topped cluster. It grows in fields and urban waste places, flowering throughout the summer. Can be planted to combat soil erosion because it is resistant to drought.

The herb is purported to be a diaphoretic, astringent , tonic , stimulant and mild aromatic. The plant also has a long history as a powerful 'healing herb' used topically for wounds, cuts and abrasions. The genus name Achillea is derived from mythical Greek character, Achilles, who reportedly carries it with his army to treat battle wounds. This medicinal action is also reflected in some of the common names mentioned below, such as Staunchweed and Soldier's Woundwort.

The stalks of yarrow are dried and used as a randomising agent in I ChingAlternative meaning: I Ching (monk The I Ching ( pinyin yi jing is the oldest of the Chinese classic texts. Alternative romanizations of the name include I Jing, Yi Ching, Yi King. Translations of its name into English include the "Book of Changes" or mor divination.

Yarrow was also used before hops in brewing beer1990s England when people received less than a pint (568 ml) of beer for the price of a pint. A beer is any variety of alcoholic beverages produced by the fermentation of starchy material derived from grains or other plant sources. The production of beer.

Synonyms for Yarrow include Bloodwort, Staunchweed, Nose Bleed, Milfoil, Knight's Milfoil, Old Man's Pepper, Soldier's Woundwort, Herbe Militaris, Thousand Weed, Carpenter's Weed, Sanguinary, Devil's Plaything, Bad Man's Plaything, Devil's Nettle and Yarroway.

The English name Yarrow comes from the Saxon and Dutch words 'Gearwe' and 'Yerw' respectively.

1 Human uses

As mentioned above, yarrow has seen historical use as a medicine, mainly because of its astringent effects. Decoctions have been used to treat inflammations such as piles ( hemorrhoids), and also headaches. It has also been thought to both stop bleeding, as well as promote it. Infusions of Yarrow, taken both internally and externally, are said to speed recovery from severe bruising. The most medicinally active part of the plant are the flowering tops. They also have a mild stimulant effect, and have been used as a snuff.

Yarrow has also been used as a food, and was very popular as a vegetable in the 17th century. The younger leaves are said to be pleasant when cooked as spinach, or in a soup.