Yarrow

This is another plant that is really important to learn to identify in the wild. It’s myth is that Achilleas used it to heal warriours wounded in battle on the battle field. In actuality, it contains a coagulant which will stop bleeding. It also has antiseptic and analgesic properties.

The leaves are feathery. It has a distinctive medicinal smell. The white flowers grow in umbrels, like Queen Anne’s Lace, but the individual flowers are slightly larger and have bright yellow centers. There is also a yellow variety. The flowers are the same size and also grow in umbrels, but the foliage is much coarser.

There are some beautiful hybreds available in nurseries now, in shades of red, pink and salmon, which still have excellent medicinal properties.

This plant, when combined with comfrey and plantain, is literally a first aid kit.(See “Green Gunk”)

Your journey through Raising Little Heathens is now complete.
I hope your trip has been enjoyable and informative.