Yarrow, achilles millefolium. Also known as Old Man’s Pepper, Soldier’s Woundwort, Nosebleed, Carpenter’s Weed, Devil’s Plaything.

Yarrow’s vulnerary properties have been known from ancient times. According to myth, Achilles carried a poultice of yarrow flowers into battle to staunch the bleeding of wounded soldiers. We put it into a salve and dab it on cuts and boo boos. Yarrow tea is also great for cramps and fever. Modern science confirms that it contains over 100 biologically active constituents, including more than a dozen known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Yarrow has been used in divination, particularly in amatory matters. According to Maud Grieve, those wanting a vision of their future love sew a handful of yarrow into flannel and place it under the pillow, repeating the following words before going to sleep.

Though pretty herb of Venus’ tree,

Thy true name it is Yarrow;

Now who my bosom friend must be,

Pray tell thou me to-morrow.”

Halliwell’s Popular Rhymes