Achillea millefolium ~ Yarrow flowers and how I use their pungent medicine.

Out to the garden I go. A basket in one hand, garden scissors in another, I am ready for the harvest! For a few days I have been eyeing the approaching yarrow bloom and finally it is time to harvest the first round of flowers.

A few years ago I found a small patch of yarrow leaves growing in the shade. I have known about this herb for years but was surprised to see them growing so far away from their native landscapes in the northern hemisphere. I was also surprised they had survived so long because yarrow is a sun-loving flower. I replanted those few plants to a sunny but steep spot where other herbs hadn't been established. Years late I have a thriving stand of yarrow and last year transplanted a few to the flower bed in front of the house we are building.

Here is that flower bed. While the rest of our land has little irrigation, this particular spot is located inside our working space and receives a lot of water and attention. I had no idea the yarrow would do so well here but, I am glad. In herblore yarrow is considered a very protective herb. So, a bunch of yarrow growing at the entrance to our home is very ideal.

As for growing advice; yarrow loves sunshine. Full sun is a necesity. As far as soil goes, yarrow isn't picky. I have seen this herb thriving in dusty dirt as well as 100% compost. This plant also has shallow roots so rocky soil is no problem. Yarrow csn even grow in cracks between rocks and steep, mountainous terrain - though it might not thrive there.

Also, yarrow is so useful in herbalism, especially for women.

I try to harvest all the yarrow flowers I will need in the two to three months while it blooms. Usually this takes place in summer. Sometimes there is a second bloom after I cut down the stalks to the base.

In herbalism yarrow is considered diaphoretic, carminative, astringent, pungent, antispasmodic, and stomachic. A lot of words, I know. So... what does all that mean?

In simpler terms, yarrow helps heat up the body, especially useful if you want to break a fever (diaphoretic). Also, yarrow warms up the digestive system (carminative) kind of like cinnamon does, and also helps create an ideal situation for digestion.

More than anything, yarrow is known to be a super ally for women's monthly cycle, especially helping with painful cramps (antispasmodic). I tend to drink yarrow in combination with poleo to help bring on my period when I know it is coming soon. I also drink daily cups of tea, or combine the flowers with yerba mate in the mornings during my period. The tea is bitter/pungent and not the tastiest of herbs but, I have grown the love the flavor and the relief it brings to my belly and abdomen each and every month.