Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a relative of the Asteraceae daisy family. Yarrow is found all around the world and grows very well in not so favorable soil, and with little water. For thousands of years, yarrow has been used primary a medicinal herb. Yarrow’s Latin name comes from Achilles, the legendary Greek warrior. It is said that when Achilles was born, his mother dipped him in yarrow tea, holding him by the ankle. (When he died, as the hero of the Trojan war, it was a wound on the ankle that took his life, which was the only place the yarrow bath had not touched.) Achilles used Yarrow to pack wounds for soldiers wounded in battle as a functional antiseptic and, hemostatic material this latter attribute is especially important in combat where bleeding to death is a constant risk. Legend has it that, Chiron who was referred to as “The wounded Healer and also Achilles mentor, later taught Achilles how to use the herb, which was said to have grown from “the rust on his spear.”
Yarrow was held in high esteem; as such it could only be gathered by a suitable ceremony. Gaelic speakers never pulled yarrow without reciting some formula at the same time. Here is Carmichael’s translation..
I will pluck the yarrow fair
That more benign will be my face,
That more warm shall be my lips,
That more chaste shall be my speech,
Be my speech the beams of the sun,
Be my lips the sap of the strawberry.
May I be an isle in the sea,
May I be a hill on the shore,
May I be a star in the waning of the moon,
May I be a staff to the weak.
Wound can I every man,
Yarrow once had a bad rap! It was considered to be “The Witches Herb” or “The Evil One” as it was used by herbalists/healers…or ‘witches’ furthering the long time misconception that witches worship the devil. While writing this blog, I also found many prayers, incarnations and poems about Yarrow, including a ‘witch’ that was punished for using it in the 17th century.
More fun facts!
In England young women would sleep with yarrow under their pillows to dream of their future husbands.
Dreaming of yarrow is said to mean that good news is on its way.
Yarrow is said to ensure a long, happy marriage.
Carrying yarrow is said to bring love and friendship and it’ll also help give you courage and dispel fear..
In Mexico, yarrow is called “plumajillo” which means little feather.
Hang yarrow in bundles to give thanks for life and spiritual energy.
Yarrow flowers are used in rituals involving love, courage or healing.
Hanging a bundle of dried yarrow flowers over the honeymoon bed is a traditional charm to ensure a long and loving marriage.
Yarrow is a versatile herb with wonderful benefits. Here at BrierBee, I incorporate it in an infusion along with supporting herbs and use it in our product, Mom’s Kisses Bee Butter/Balm.
“These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.”
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