Yarrow- the Little Feather that Heals

Yarrow- the Little Feather that Heals

Yarrow- the Little Feather that Heals

Yarrow (Achillea sp.) is one of the most beautiful flowering plants. Its Spanish name ‘Plumajillo’ means the little feather that heals. It is also known by several other names such as carpenters weed, blood-wort, wound-wort, and most peculiar being sanguinary. Well deserved names for a plant with such healing powers.

It is native to Asia minor. The plant has beautiful flat headed colorful blooms and aromatic feathery leaves. The flowers are brightly colored in various hues of orange, white, yellow, purple, pink, red and gold. It is named after the famous Greek hero Achilles who became invincible when his mother dipped him in yarrow tea. Hard to believe? But when your hear of the plant’s remarkably healing effects you might actually believe the legend to be true.

The plant has been an important herb since time immemorial and finds its uses in medicines, cooking and cosmetics as well. Its used as a circulatory stimulant, slows bleeding hence the name wound-wort. It also has anti inflammatory properties, and used as an astringent. Also used as a digestive remedy to stimulate digestion and activates the digestive tract as well. The fresh green leaves are used to soothe abrasion and prevent infection. In the kitchen the leaves are used in salads and soups. Also work as a fever remedy and prevention of cough and cold. With both cooling and warming, fluid generating and controlling the plant normalizes opposing situations.If that wasn’t enough, the plant also helps in replenishing the garden by adding calcium, silicon and phosphorous to the soil. A lovely and useful addition for each garden.