When I see Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) I’m often reminded of how this plant helped me one fall. I had cut my tongue — not deeply, but enough that blood was flowing and flowing. Letting blood flow for a bit is a good thing, but after a few minutes, I decided to test out some wild medicine. Months prior, I’d prepared a tincture of Common Yarrow tops, which when applied to a wound can promote clotting. So, I put a dropper-full of tincture on a piece of cotton gauze, pressed it to my tongue, and, in under a minute, the bleeding stopped. (During the green season, chewing up a leaf and applying it as a poultice would have a similar effect.)
Of course, you need not bleed to appreciate this plant. A medicinal tea can be made from the leaves, flowers, or entire flowering tops, and is reported to help with many cold and flu symptoms. What comes to mind when you see Common Yarrow? Share your comments below.
