Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/182418388
While walking through my neighborhood I was called to take pictures and make observations about all the yarrow plants that I happened upon! As a kid, I always collected yarrow to use medicinally because it was pretty. I thought that this would be a great way to start my observations. I observed this on Friday the 8th of September around 7 pm. The sun had not set yet and I was still able to take a photo of it just using natural light. It was very visible amongst the grass and a few raspberry bushes that it was around because of its white head. Achillea millefolium, Yarrow, milfoil, or Common Yarrow are the many names that it is known by. It is of the genus Achillea. The reason for this was that it was named after Achilles who used yarrow to treat his soldier's wounds in the Battle of Troy (Rey-Vizgirdas 1). Not only did Achilles use it, but Indigenous North Americans used and use it medicinally. “Numerous tribes in North America used yarrow for a variety of ailments. The crushed plant was applied to wounds and burns. The dried leaves were used as a tea to soothe colds, fever, and headache. Yarrow beer has been brewed in Europe since the middle ages” ((Rey-Vizgirdas 1). There are so many ways to use this plant and it is also just beautiful to look at. For my family, we use it to make a salve that we can use on any outside wound. It is also a great way to keep your skin hydrated if you make it into a body butter.
Rey-Vizgirdas, Edna. “Plant of the Week: Common Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium).” United States Forest Service, https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/achillea_millefolium.shtml#:~:text=Numerous%20tribes%20in%20North%20America,Europe%20since%20the%20middle%20ages. Accessed 8 Sept. 2023.
Observaciones
Fotos / Sonidos
Qué
Milenrama (Achillea millefolium)Observ.
selahjudgeDescripción
On the side of the road amidst some raspberry plants and grass.
Comentarios
Hi Selah;
I love what you wrote about yarrow; it is also one of my favorite flowers. When I was in Ireland, I would turn it into a medicinal wine and give it to women struggling with intense menstrual cramps. One jigger a day throughout this time would ease the pain. The yarrow is deeply entrenched in its place among the many myths, songs, and limericks. The beautiful white flower also protects especially mothers and children. For the Irish, this plant means healing, protection, and, most of all, love.
I never knew where the Latin nameAchellea millefolium originated, and It is fascinating that Achilles used "yarrow to treat his soldier's wounds in the Battle Troy!" as you pointed out. I am amazed at all the different uses that you have used with this delicate plant. I believe we in Alaska only have the white one growing here, but I might be wrong. Yarrow comes in many beautiful colors.
Thank you for the new information-
Gayleen
Thank you for teaching me something new about Common Yarrow! In my mind, it was just the flower that meant summer was nearly over as when only it remains, it means the snow will start to fall soon. I looked at it like summer's snow piles! I wasn't aware it was used for medicine. It just goes to show how far man has strayed from what the earth produces naturally to heal our ailments. I so enjoyed learning more about Common Yarrow, and will do my best not to be so sad about it when next I see it!
Hi Selah,
Thank you for sharing a common, yet useful observation! I had no idea about its medicinal use and I am excited to try this myself. I have always looked at yarrow growing up and I would pick it and bring it to my mom because it reminded us vaguely of Baby's Breath flowers and made great fillers for floral center pieces. I see you are in the Anchorage area and that makes me just a tad homesick, but now I can remember to pick some next summer when I go home to see my mom. Next year, I will have to bring some of my friends who like to go harvest out so we can try making something using yarrow.
-Ayanna
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