CULTIVATION

Yarrow is a hardy herbaceous perennial that is very attractive throughout the year, with masses of pink and white flowers in spring and summer.

Conditions: Yarrow is not fussy about its soil requirements but prefers a moderately rich and moist soil. It likes a sunny position.

Propagation: Dig side runners out and plant them in a new position. Separate and divide the clumps every third or fourth year and dig in some compost and old manure. Plant out 30 cm apart and water well.

Containers: Yarrow is not suitable for growing indoors, but makes a superb pot plant — plant in deep, wide pots and place in full sun.

Size: 30-60 cm.

Harvesting: Gather leaves any time of year and flowers in late summer (pick when they open for arrangements). Dos and don’ts: Do plant yarrow near ailing plants to revive them as it helps them to resist disease and deepens their fragrance and flavour. An attractive border plant that grows well near vegetables, yarrow will attract butterflies to your garden.

Herbal Beauty

USES

Domestic

  • The leaves and flowers dry well and can be added to potpourri.
  • Yarrow promotes decomposition and is a superb compost maker.

Cosmetic

  • The fresh flowers can be made into an infusion for a facial steam, cleanser or tonic lotion. This infusion can also be used in the bath or as the basis of a face pack.

Medicinal

  • Yarrow has long been known for its efficiency in healing wounds. Nowadays it is also used in the treatment of hypertension and coronary thrombosis.
  • Yarrow’s astringent properties make it ideal in cases of excessive menstruation and dysentery. It is also a diuretic. To make the standard brew (tea) pour a cup of boiling water over a quarter cup of fresh leaves and stand for 5 minutes. Strain and drink.
  • A yarrow lotion can soothe haemorrhoids.
  • The fresh leaves can be used pulped on eczema, skin rashes and scratches.
  • The leaves can be warmed and placed behind the ear to relieve earache, or a salve can be made by melting cold cream and working in finely chopped yarrow flowers and a few leaves. A little beeswax can be added if necessary to help it solidify. Place a wad of this salve behind the ear and a rolled up, moistened leaf inside the ear, as well as a few drops of yarrow brew.
  • Chewing the leaves helps relieve toothache — but make sure the juice is not swallowed.
  • Yarrow is excellent for bringing down fever as it dilates the pores and promotes sweating. Fever sufferers can be given a yarrow bath as well as yarrow tea.

Culinary

Yarrow is more renowned as a medicinal herb than a culinary one, but its leaf has a spicy spinach-like taste and is rich in vitamins and minerals. It can be used alone as a vegetable or in stuffings (especially for poultry) and cream sauces. It goes well with curries and is superb used sparingly in salads, particularly beetroot salad — on its own or with other herbs.

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