The Aquilea o Achillea (popularly known as yarrow) are herbaceous and sub-shrub plants highly valued in gardening and phytotherapy for their durability, easy maintenance, and their ability to add a burst of color to gardens and terraces. Furthermore, yarrow is famous for its remarkable medicinal properties, who place it as one of the favorites for those looking for natural remedies and ornamentation at the same time. Would you like to discover all the secrets of the AquileaHow to grow them and take advantage of their health and well-being benefits? Read on to learn more about this extraordinary plant.
Botanical characteristics and types of yarrow
Yarrows are vigorous plants native to Europe, Asia and North America, belonging to the family Asteraceae, famous for including species with great health benefits and highly valued in gardening, such as daisies and chamomile. The genus Achillea groups around 150 species accepted, although the best known for their use and beauty are Achillea millefolium and others like Achillea ageratum y Achillea macrophylla.
The plant has a size that rarely exceeds one meter in height, with erect stems and alternate leaves, generally finely divided and toothedIts flowers, arranged in dense inflorescences called flower heads, come in a wide range of colors: white, yellow, pink, red, and intermediate shades, depending on the variety. These inflorescences not only provide ornamental value but are also particularly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
The seeds are tiny, obovoid and flattened, measuring less than 0,5 cm. This characteristic allows a effective dispersion and rapid colonization of new areas.
In addition to the classic species, there are fascinating ornamental cultivars such as 'Moonshine', 'Coronation Gold', 'Cerise Queen' or 'Appleblossom', each with unique shades of foliage and bloom, making them a perfect choice for wild-style gardens, borders or rockeries.
History, mythology and curiosities of the Aquilea
Name Achillea It has a fascinating root in Greek mythology. Achilles, the famous hero of the Iliad, was famous for his near-invulnerability. According to legend, he was mentored by the centaur Chiron, who taught him the use of medicinal plants to heal wounds on the battlefield. Yarrow, with its renowned healing properties and disinfectants, was used by Achilles to stop bleeding and speed up the recovery of soldiers and King Telephus himself in the Trojan War.
In popular culture and traditional medicine, yarrow has been valued for centuries for its applications in wounds, inflammations and digestive problems, constituting a bridge between science and legendIts scientific name pays tribute to this connection and reinforces the importance of botany in human history.
Growing and caring for yarrow in the garden and in pots
Unlike many ornamental plants, yarrows stand out for being extraordinarily hardy and undemandingThis makes them an ideal alternative for those looking for a low-maintenance ornamental plant, adaptable to both large gardens and terraces or balconies.
- Location: Requires a Sunny place to fully develop and display abundant blooms. At least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight are key for this to thrive.
- Soil or substrate: Although it can tolerate poor soils, yarrow prefers light, well-drained soils. In compacted areas, it is advisable to mix the soil with perlite or coarse sand To prevent waterlogging and promote root development, use a quality universal potting soil and add perlite or expanded clay.
- Irrigation: It doesn't require large amounts of water. In fact, yarrow is drought-tolerant once established, although it's advisable to keep the substrate slightly moist during the first few months. The ideal frequency is 4 times a week in summer and every 3-4 days the rest of the year, avoiding excess humidity.
- Subscriber: If it is intended for human consumption, it is best to use fertilizers organic and natural such as guano, compost, or worm castings. For purely ornamental crops, liquid or granulated universal fertilizer can be used from spring to late summer.
- Planting and transplanting: Ideally, planting or transplanting should be done in spring, when temperatures begin to rise. If you grow it in a pot, remember to change the container every two years, using a larger one to encourage root growth.
- Plagues and diseases: One of the great advantages of Aquilea is its natural resistance to pests and diseases. However, in very humid environments, mildew or rust may appear, which can be controlled by improving ventilation or applying organic fungicides if necessary.
- Pruning: After flowering, it is recommended to trim dry or dull stems to encourage new growth and maintain the compact appearance of the plant.
Multiplication of Yarrow
You can multiply Yarrow easily, either by sowing seeds o division of bushes:
- Sowing: Use trays, seed trays, or small pots filled with universal substrate. Distribute the seeds over the surface and cover them lightly. Maintain capillary moisture by placing the tray in a small amount of water. The seedlings will germinate in about 4-5 days under optimal conditions.
- Division: Remove the entire plant and, using a clean saw, divide the root ball into two or more parts, ensuring that each section retains roots and shoots. Plant each division in a suitable location or in individual pots. The best time to divide is early spring.
Rusticity and climate adaptation
Yarrow can easily withstand cold temperatures of up to -7ºC and even moderate frosts, making it an excellent choice for temperate and continental climates. However, in areas with extremely harsh winters, it's a good idea to protect it with a layer of mulch around the base.
Medicinal properties and benefits of yarrow
Yarrow has an impressive range of medicinal properties supported by traditional experience and recent studies in phytotherapy. Their main applications include:
- Disinfectant and healing: Its leaves have been used since ancient times to clean and disinfect wounds, help stop bleeding, and promote healing.
- Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties: Yarrow contains compounds such as flavonoids and essential oils that help reduce inflammation and fight infections in both skin and mucous membranes.
- Relief from digestive conditions: It is effective in treating indigestion, relieving colic, reducing acidity, and combating gastric ulcers thanks to its soothing and protective action on the digestive system.
- Control of bleeding and heavy periods: Traditionally used to reduce moderate bleeding and relieve premenstrual discomfort.
- Sleep disorders, anxiety and depression: Its extracts are used as mild natural sedative, promoting deeper rest and relaxing the nervous system, especially useful in times of stress or sleep problems.
- Treatment of hemorrhoids and skin conditions: Its topical applications help in the recovery of eczema, irritations and other skin disorders.
- Insect repellent: It has been used for centuries in infusions or preparations to repel parasites and protect the skin.
To take advantage of these benefits, yarrow can be consumed in infusions, capsules Available in herbalists, liquid extracts, or applied in oils and ointments for topical use. There are numerous products on the market, and when combined with other plants, they soothe, relieve, and promote restful sleep.
Relationship between Aquilea, sleep and emotional health
Many of today's natural remedies for rest include yarrow extracts along with other plants such as valerian, passionflower, or lemon balm. By acting as a gentle modulator of the nervous system, yarrow contributes to improve sleep quality, reducing the time needed to fall asleep and avoiding nighttime awakenings, promoting emotional balance and more effective body repair.
Tips for integrating yarrow into your wellness routine
- Sleep in a quiet, well-ventilated environment, without exposure to electronic screens before bedtime, and get used to routines that promote relaxation, occasionally complementing this with yarrow infusions to enhance the feeling of natural calm.
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule, avoid heavy meals, caffeine, and other stimulants in the evening. Complement with techniques such as deep breathing, gentle exercise, and meditation to optimize the relaxing benefits of yarrow.
- If you experience recurring digestive problems, try a yarrow infusion after meals. Its compounds help relieve bloating and improve bowel movements.
Contraindications and precautions
Should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding., as it can cause adverse effects. It is also not recommended for people allergic to composites (Asteraceae family, such as daisies and asters), nor in combination with anticoagulant medications or before surgery. People on medication or with special health conditions should always consult their doctor before starting use, as with any medicinal plant.
Ornamental and landscape uses of yarrow
In gardening, yarrows are true stars. Their bright colors and long flowering period make them excellent allies for:
- Create mixed borders, accompanying other perennials or grasses.
- Design low-maintenance gardens, xeriscapes or Mediterranean gardens.
- Attract pollinators and promote local biodiversity.
- Form bouquets for dried flowers, since the inflorescences retain their color and shape well.
- Beautify flowerpots, terraces and small urban gardens.
Choose from varieties of different colors and heights to design vibrant and dynamic flowerbeds that require minimal annual maintenance.
- In ancient times, yarrow was used in ceremonies and purification rituals, as well as medicine.
- Its bitter compounds have been used in the preparation of traditional digestive liqueurs in various European cultures.
- In natural cosmetics, yarrow stands out for its anti-inflammatory and toning properties, providing firmness and helping with treatments for sensitive skin.
If you're looking for a versatile plant, steeped in history, beauty, and practical applications for well-being, yarrow is undoubtedly a wise choice. Whether you're looking to enhance your garden, enjoy its blooms, or benefit from its medicinal properties, yarrow will always add a special, healthy touch to your surroundings and your life.