Yarrow – (Achillia millefolium) is an herbaceous perennial native to Europe and North America and has been commonly found in the United States since colonial times. In the height of its growing season, its flowering stalks can reach a height of over 3 feet, topped with groups of tiny, umbillate blooms that range in color from white and yellow to pale pink and even red. Yarrow has been known by many names over the years: milfoil, old man’s pepper and devil’s nettle, but also a few alluding to wounds and blood, like nosebleed plant, sanguinary, and soldier’s woundwort.
The myth associated with this is that when the god Achilles was born, his mother held him by the ankle and dipped him in a vat of Yarrow tea to protect him from harm. During the Trojan wars, Achilles demonstrated his faith in the herb by using Yarrow to tend to his soldiers’ wounds. The ancient story earned Yarrow its scientific name: Achillia millefolium, and a reputation for having an affinity for the blood and wound healing. These days, dried yarrow more commonly makes a lovely, slightly bitter herbal tea for healthy digestion, womens’ cycle support and overall wellness.
For many centuries, people from all over the globe have found fresh herbs to be a gentle yet effective health-enhancing blessing. These are our own hand packed loose herbs, packaged in old world apothecary style, air tight brown paper canisters to keep light and moisture out, and freshness in. Use in teas, tinctures, and elixirs.