Yarrow is an amazing plant, and one that caught my attention when I was dipping my proverbial toe into the world of foraging and natural medicines. However, I mistakenly believed that it was a plant native to North America only. I must have glanced this whilst reading and it lodged in my brain as fact. So, imagine my surprise and excitement when I noticed a small, familiar flower growing right outside my front door. I double checked and yes, this was Yarrow. And in my double checking I realised it does grow here and had a quiet chuckle at my own school boy error on my learning journey.
I made a habit to nurture this little guy. Making sure he had enough water on warm days. I even had to tie it back and gently secure it to my wall as it was growing so big it stretched across the path. And the last thing I wanted was to have it trampled accidentally by the postman or any other visitors. I wanted to keep it safe after the universe had given me something literally on my doorstep. I had plans.
Another wonderful thing I find about learning plant identification is that it can completely open your eyes to the world around you. In the case of Yarrow, I started noticing it everywhere. It was across the road from my house outside the community centre (most likely where my plant came from) I started noticing it on roadsides when in traffic, going to the beach, oh look, there's some Yarrow.
Achillea Millefolium derives the first part of its name from Greek Mythology as it was said to be used by the Hero Achilles to treat wounded soldiers in the Trojan War. And millefolium is Latin for "a thousand leaves", referring to the plants many fine leaves. Medicinally the plant has many uses - ranging from poultices, teas and first aid. It can help with digestion, inflammation, fevers and colds. It has antimicrobial properties and is a hemostatic. And it's these last properties that caught my attention. I wanted to add some "woundwort" to my regular first aid kit.
I stared off by picking a good handful of Yarrow leaves. Taking care not to take too much from the plant I have been looking after for so long. These were then hung up to dry. This prevents any moisture in the plant spoiling the powder.
After a week the leaves where dry enough to crumble off the stem with no effort. I the separated the leaves from the stem and ground the leaves using my pestle and mortar (and the help from my assistant).
I've seen people use blenders and coffee grinders to do this process too. Once it was done you are left with a fine powder that can be stored in a cool dry place for years. For any accidental cuts and minor wound, the powder is applied directly to the wound to stop the bleeding, reduce inflammation and fight infection. And there it is, a simple process for a fantastic product.
I have transferred the powder from the glass jar to a small metal bottle. I was worried about breakage as the last thing you want is broken glass in your first aid kit! It now has a permanent residence in my kit, and after all that, I hope I never have to use it!
If you'd like to learn more why not consider our Hedgerow Medicine and Medicinal Wild Plants Course.