Common yarrow herb- Achillea millefolium 100g

Yarrow origin

In the Middle Ages, yarrow was called Yarrow and later also White pitta, Oelgräs or Bråssor, among other things. According to Greek mythology, the greatest hero was named Achilles used the healing power of the yarrow to heal the wounds of the men in his army, that is where the family name Achillae comes from. The species name Millefolium in turn comes from the Latin and means thousand leaves, which derives from the plant's many-parted leaves.

The herb is a perennial basket-flowered herb with white or reddish flowers that appear between June and September. The plant is fragrant with hairy, finely lobed leaves and grows 30 – 70 centimeters high. Yarrow thrives on dry grasslands, on roadsides and in fields. It is the flowers and leaves of the yarrow that are most often used.

Active plant substances

Yarrow is very common in natural medicine and is used as a universal remedy with a very wide range of uses. The herb contains, among other things, essential oils and a bitter substance called Achillein, which is said to be effective in bleeding and on both new and difficult-to-heal wounds. In addition to Achillein, yarrow also contains tannic acid, which has astringent properties. Other active plant substances are flavonoids, alkaloids and salicylic acid.

Can yarrow cause any side effects?

Yarrow should be avoided during pregnancy as it activates the uterus. Plant sap from yarrow is photosensitizing, which can cause an allergic reaction in sensitive people, especially in connection with sunshine.