Yarrow, Achillea millefolium, is named for Achilles who is said to have used it to heal the wounds of his soldiers; thus the common name Soldier’s Woundwort. It is best known for stopping bleeding, while disinfecting the wound, reducing inflammation and speeding wound repair as well as reducing pain. If you want to grow this miracle herb, common yarrow responds best to soil that is poorly developed and well drained. It is a weedy species and can become invasive. It may suffer from mildew or root rot if not planted in well-drained soil. Hardy in zones 3 to 10, it requires little water and loves sun. Yarrow is considered an especially useful companion plant, not only repelling some bad insects while attracting useful ones, but also improving soil quality. It is not only great for attracting butterflies but also attracts predatory wasps, who drink the nectar and then use insect pests as food for their larvae. Similarly, Yarrow attracts ladybugs and lacewings, also useful insects. Harvest after the flowers are open. Tie them by their stems in small bunches and hang them out of direct sunlight to dry. Fresh, slightly wilted Yarrow flowers with leaves and stems can be steam distilled for a lovely light blue hydrosol [and a small amount of essential oil] that can be added to handmade creams and lotions for addressing skin eruptions and minor blemishes. The hydrosol can be used as a facial toner or mist by itself, or added to other hydrosols that are also nourishing but gentle for the face.
Posted on: Wed, 14 Aug 2013 22:41:02 +0000
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