Description
"Achillea millefolium is an erect, herbaceous, perennial plant that produces one to several stems 0.2–1 m (0.66–3.28 ft) in height, and has a spreading rhizomatous growth form. Leaves are evenly distributed along the stem, with the leaves near the middle and bottom of the stem being the largest. The leaves have varying degrees of hairiness (pubescence). The leaves are 5–20 cm (2.0–7.9 in) long, bipinnate or tripinnate, almost feathery, and arranged spirally on the stems. The leaves are cauline, and more or less clasping.[4]
The inflorescence has 4 to 9 phyllaries and contains ray and disk flowers which are white to pink. The generally 3 to 8 ray flowers are ovate to round. Disk flowers range from 15 to 40. The inflorescence is produced in a flat-topped capitulum cluster and the inflorescences are visited by many insects, featuring a generalized pollination system.[5] The small achene-like fruits are called cypsela.[4]
The plant has a strong, sweet scent, similar to that of chrysanthemums.[1]" (Wikipedia)
Food:
"Blackfoot Beverage Leaves and flowers used to make a pleasant tea." (Moerman 44)
"It has been said that yarrow is eaten or used as flavoring at some pueblos, but it seems more likely that even when it is mixed with food, there is a medicinal reason for including this plant in the diet." (Dunmire and Tierney 222)
"Some sources suggest parboiled yarrow as a vegetable, but most consider it too bitter to eat." (Kershaw 175)
"Leaves can be consumed raw or cooked. They have a somewhat bitter flavor yet they make a great addition to mixed salads. They are best used when young. Common yarrow leaves are also used as a hop-substitute for flavouring and as a preservative for beer. Although in general yarrow is a very nutritious and beneficial plant to add to the diet, it is recommended that this not be consumes in large quantities. Tea is made from the flowers and leaves." (Edible Wild Food)
Medicine:
"Abnaki Cold Remedy Infusion of whole plant given to children for colds. --- Cheyenne Analgesic Infusion of leaves and flowers taken for chest pains. Antiemetic Infusion of fresh or dried plant taken for nausea. Febrifuge Infusion of leaves used for fevers. Cough Medicine Infusion of fresh or dried plant taken for coughs." (Moerman 44)
"In fact, the volatile oils and acids contained in the leaves have known astringent qualities and also have been associated with treating colds and hemorrhoids and for hair and scalp care.
Most Indian peoples, including the Navajos and certainly the Pueblo tribes, have long known of the medicinal values of yarrow. Various Tewa-speaking Puebloans have chewed on or made a tea from the flowers, leaves, or roots to treat stomach disorders and toothaches. People from Zuni Pueblo know of the cooling effect possessed by the ground leaves of yarrow and have applied them to burns; at San Juan the leaves have been used in this way for sore lips. Other documented medicinal uses include the combating of chills at Cochiti and fever at Picuris and other northern pueblos." (Dunmire and Tierney 222)
"These plants have been shown to reduce clotting time and have been used to suppress menstruation. They also have a sedative, pain-killing, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic constituents that may help to relieve menstrual cramps. Yarrow leaves have been used in washes, salves and poultices for treating burns, boils, open sores, pimples, mosquito bites, earaches, sore eyes and aching backs and legs. The tea has been taken as a tonic and as a treatment for colds and fevers, because it stimulates sweating and lowers blood pressure. These plants also contain substances that stimulate salivation and the secretion of bile and gastric juices. Yarrow has been used to improve appetite and digestion, to speed labor and heal the uterus after birth, and to treat diarrhea, urinary tract infections and even diabetes. Mashed leaves or roots were used as a topical anesthetic on aching teeth." (Kershaw 175)
"The Zuni Indians maintain that its leaves produce a cooler sensation, when applied to the skin, than those of any other plant. Consequently, before certain ceremonies of their secret fraternities, those who are to dance in fire, or take live coals in their mouths, chew its blossoms and roots and anoint their bodies with the mixture. For the same reason, they grind and mix the entire plant with water and apply it to burns." (Curtin 141)
"--- Spanish New Mexicans have found different employment for the plumajillo. They grind and mix its dry leaves with those of the lanten (plantain) and put the substance in as glassful of boiling water. This is drunk to reduce fever, as it is a 'cold plant;' but if taken in large quantities it acts as a purge. Moreover, the dry flowers are swallowed with water twice daily to dissipate a cough, and a poultice is made from the entire plant for sprains and broken bones." (Curtin 141)
Other Uses:
"--- Coville Insecticide Leaves and stems used in a smudge to keep mosquitoes away." (Moerman 44)
"Dried yarrow has been used for perfume and bath powder. Fresh leaves can be rubbed on the skin as an effective (though temporary) insect repellent. --- Yarrow tea is said to make an excellent hair rinse." (Kershaw 175)
"The dried flower stalks can be used for floral decorations and the straight naked stems, cut to about six inches in length, are used for readings in the I Ching (Book of Changes)." (Moore 164)