Achillea Millefolium (Common Yarrow) Medicinal Properties

Explore the medicinal, culinary, and horticultural benefits of Achillea millefolium, also known as Common Yarrow, Soldier’s woundwort, Thousand-leaf, Biranjasif, and Gandana. Learn about its distribution, uses, and cultivation requirements.

What is Achillea millefolium?

Achillea millefolium, commonly known as Common Yarrow or Soldier’s Woundwort, is a versatile perennial herb with numerous medicinal properties, including wound healing and menstrual regulation.

Introduction to Achillea millefolium

Achillea millefolium, commonly known as Common Yarrow, Soldier’s Woundwort, or Thousand-leaf, is a versatile perennial herb from the Asteraceae family. Renowned for its medicinal properties and resilience, this herb has been utilized in traditional medicine across various cultures for centuries.

Geographic Distribution of Achillea millefolium

Achillea is native to Europe, including Britain, extending north to 71° and eastward to western Asia. In Pakistan, it is predominantly found in mountainous areas at elevations ranging from 1600 to 4000 meters.

Physical Description of Achillea millefolium

Achillea is an erect, slightly aromatic, and pubescent herb with stoloniferous roots. Typically growing to a height of 0.1 to 0.5 meters with a similar width, it features oblong-lanceolate leaves that are 3-pinnatisect and minutely divided. The flower heads are arranged in corymbose clusters, displaying white or pale pink flowers. The achenes are oblong, flattened, and shiny, and the fruit is produced from July to September.

Botanical Name	Achillea millefolium
English Name	Common yarrow, Soldier’s woundwort, Thousand-leaf,
Urdu Name	Biranjasif, Gandana
Family	Asteraceae
Habit	Perennial herb
Part Used	Leaves, flowers, roots
Distribution	Europe, Western Asia, Pakistan (1600-4000m)
Temperature Range	Max: 38°C, Min: -25°C
Soil Type	Light sandy, loamy, heavy clay, well-drained
pH Range	5.0 – 7.5
Colors of Achillea	Achillea millefolium comes in a variety of colors, from white and soft pastels to vibrant shades of yellow, red, orange, and gold.
Reproduction	Achillea reproduces through seeds and runners, making it relatively easy to propagate.
Medicinal Plants	Explore

Key Uses of Achillea

• Medicinal: Wound healing, menstrual regulation, cold and flu relief.
• Culinary: Yarrow soup, salad enhancement, cheese dips.
• Horticultural: Decorative due to its colorful flowers, adaptable to various soil types.

Medicinal Uses of Achillea millefolium

Folk Use

Historically, Achillea has been reputed to heal wounds. In Scotland, a traditional ointment made from this herb was used for wound care. It is also known to regulate the menstrual cycle, reduce heavy bleeding, and ease menstrual pain.

Tib use

In traditional Tib medicine, Yarrow is utilized to treat wounds, menstrual disorders, and bleeding hemorrhoids. It is also effective in treating flu, fevers, colds, and digestive disturbances.

International Use

Globally, Achillea is recognized for its antiseptic, antispasmodic, mildly aromatic, astringent, carminative, and diaphoretic properties. It is a versatile herb used in treating wounds, stopping blood flow, and alleviating symptoms of colds, fevers, and kidney diseases. Achillea combines well with Sambucus nigra (Elder) and Mentha x piperita vulgaris (Peppermint) for treating colds and influenza. It contains azulene, an anti-inflammatory agent, and chamazulene, which is anti-inflammatory and antiallergenic. Achilleine in Achillea helps arrest internal and external bleeding.

Culinary Uses

Yarrow is not just limited to medicinal use; it can also be used in the kitchen. Yarrow soup is a traditional dish, and finely chopped leaves can enhance salads and soft cheese dips.

Potential Side Effects of Achillea millefolium

While Achillea has many benefits, it is essential to be aware of potential side effects. These include allergic skin reactions, increased sensitivity to sunlight, and bleeding. It is advised to avoid long-term use during pregnancy.

Cultivation Information

Climate and Soil

Achillea thrives in temperate regions with temperatures ranging from -25°C to 38°C. It prefers light sandy, medium loamy, or heavy clay soil that is well-drained. This herb is adaptable and can grow in nutritionally poor soil with a pH range of 5.0 to 7.5.

FAQs About The Achillea Plant