The website Plant-Lore lists an impressive 51 alternative folk names for yarrow, a sure sign of a plant which has been part of everyday life since our very distant past. Yarrow seeds have even been found in Neanderthal graves.
Millefollium and names such as thousand-leaf grass describe the wonderfully feathery leaves. The Latin name, Achillea, comes from the Iliad’s Greek hero Achilles carrying yarrow into battle to staunch his soldiers bleeding wounds. The Ancient Romans called it herbal militaris and this medicinal use is the basis for other common names such as woundwort and Sanguinary.
Although edible, this “poor man’s pepper” has a strong bitter flavour- so a little goes a long way. General information and use as food In 2024, it was recognised by the International Herb Association as the Herb of the Year to celebrate its rich history in herbal medicine. Traditional uses include digestive disorders, fever, toothache, wound healing and menstrual discomfort. Common Yarrow, the healing herb Note it can cause skin irritation and is unsafe for pregnant or nursing mothers.
This ancient plant is steeped in folklore and belief in its mystical powers. Anglo-Saxons used it as a charm against bad luck, illness and in divination rituals. Yarrow, used with incantations could show you your true love. In Ireland, yarrow was hung around the house on midsummer night’s eve to protect the household from disease in the coming year. Scot’s would wear it as a protective amulet. In contrast, it was known in some parts of Wales as the death flower, not to be brought indoors.
I love the subtle variation in flower colour from white through shades of pink. Drought tolerant and an excellent companion plant for attracting aphid-eating insects such as parasitic wasps, ladybirds, and hoverflies, it is gardener’s friend. Also a friend to cavity nesting birds such as starlings who adorn their twig nests with vegetation. The aromatic yarrow is a favourite, useful as an insecticide but the strong scent is also thought to help attract a mate. Our starlings know how to “say it with flowers” 💕