Last Updated on April 12, 2024 by Real Men Sow
During the Middle Ages, no monastery or abbey garden could survive without a Thousand Seal or commonly known as Yarrow. Its ability to stop bleeding from wounds is its greatest strength. It was named Achillea millefolium in Latin because Achilles used crushed leaves of yarrow to stop blood from flowing from open wounds.
The herb’s ability to stop blood flow is one of its common features. It’s also known by the names old man’s pepper, devil’s nettle, sanguinary, milfoil, soldier’s woundwort, and thousand seal. Medieval people considered yarrow one of the best methods to repel insects. To keep the insects away, they would press leaves between pages of books or embroider sprigs into their clothing.
Benefits of Growing Thousand Seal (Yarrow) in Your Garden
Growing Thousand Seal (Yarrow) in your garden has many benefits, such as:
Attracting Pollinators
Thousand Seal isn’t just popular among people, it is also a popular bee food. It will attract bees to your garden by being planted in it. It can be planted near your vegetable garden for a bounty crop.
This popularity is particularly useful for wind-pollinated vegetables and fruit trees. The bees fly from one flower to another, taking some pollen along. It’s equally useful when it comes to ornamental flowers.
Spiritual Protector
Thousand Seal has a protective and heart-healthy role. It can encourage courage and help to heal deep-seated emotional wounds.
Protection
A space can be cleansed by essential oils, herbs, or incense. It can also be used to make a protective circle for divination. It can also be used as a smudge stick. Burning yarrow promotes courage, dispels negative energy, and aids in healing the emotional damage
Make a Smudge Stick and Cleanse Your Space of Negative Energy
You should harvest the yarrow that is flowering when possible. Before you tie your bundle, hang it to dry for at least two days. Make a bundle of the sprigs, keeping the base as flat as possible. Wrap the base and leave a tail of at most two to three inches.
You can wind the string around the base several more times, and overlap each layer of string a few times. Now, wind the string along the length of the bundle in a spiral fashion leaving about a quarter inch between each winding. Once you reach the end, turn the direction around and return to the base. Wrap the base once more and tie the string. Allow the smudge sticks to dry in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. Now you are ready to clean your home or your own space.
Clear your mind, and ask the universe for negative energy to be dispelled. Lighten the herb bundle Lighten the tip of your bundle and let it blaze briefly Blower the flame, leaving only a few embers. To cleanse yourself, place the bundle close to your head and blow the smoke on your head. Continue the process down to your feet, repeating it until you get to your feet. Start at the corners, and work your way to the rest.
Thousand Seal (Yarrow) as Green Manure
Even if your garden seems like a place that can’t grow plants, you may plant yarrow. This will make the soil so much more fertile that it now produces lush greenery in places where there was previously only clay.
Why Is Thousand Seal Such a Good Soil Improver?
Yarrow is well-known because it can improve the soil. Its extensive root system helps to break down and aerate heavy soil. Its taproot, which extends into the ground, brings valuable nutrients to the surface.
It is also a good compost activator, increasing the nutrient content of compost heaps. Simply chop the stalks and add them to your compost. They are rich in nutrients and can be used to enrich your vegetable garden.
Tips for Growing Your Own Thousand Seal
- It is best to place it in sandy, light soil that drains well. Before planting the herb, you should first dig in the compost. The herb prefers full sun, but can also be grown in partial shade.
- For the first month, water the plant twice per week. After that, let the plants do their thing.
- It is very adaptable and hardy. This plant is great for a small area that has little water. It can withstand neglect.
- If you experience mild to moderately cold winters, it is frost-resistant. It will not survive winter if it is exposed to snow. It will reappear in spring.
- The younger part of the plant will eat the older plants if you thin them out in spring and fall. Place the seedlings approximately one foot apart.
- If you want to encourage the second bunch of blooms, deadhead the flowers.
Dividing and Propagation of Thousand Seal
Divide the yarrow clump every three to five years and plant the runners that have grown. Add any dead leaves to the compost pile.
To be honest, I don’t worry about splitting the clumps every few decades; I just take out a rooted runner from time to time and move it where I want. I just let it go for the rest. This herb can withstand much neglect once it is established.
Growing Thousand Seal in Your Garden
It is a good choice for your garden, even if you don’t intend to use it medicinally. It can improve poor soil. You can either plant it in situ or chop and add the leaves to the compost.
It will activate compost decomposition and increase the compost’s nutrient content. If it becomes too much, you can cut it off and toss it on the compost. However, if your dog loves to chew on your garden plants, avoid yarrow. If dogs consume it in large amounts, it can be toxic.
Other Benefits of Yarrow
It’s a great companion for any vegetable, particularly corn and cucumbers. It can help to keep aphids away from plants and improve their health. When pruning roses, remember that crushed yarrow leaves will stop bleeding and reduce the pain.
Medicinal Uses
Is there any medicinal benefit to this herb? Yes, they are. But there is a catch. You can never have too many natural remedies. Too much yarrow tea can make you more sensitive to the sun. It is best to stop drinking it after two to three days, and to take at least one week off.
- Teeth Pain Relief: While you wait for your appointment, take a yarrow tea leaf and savor the relief. You can also use the tea as a natural mouthwash to prevent tooth decay and reduce gum inflammation.
- Digestive complaints: Take the tea to relieve an upset stomach.
- Low Blood Pressure: Promising research identifies Achillea Millefolium as a promising cardio-protectant/blood pressure regulator.
- Menstrual issues: The tea can regulate your menstrual cycle. This can be helpful if you have heavy or irregular periods. If you suffer from PMS or bloating, the tea may be of benefit to you.
- Flu, Colds, Fevers and Flu: Tea may be helpful in breaking down a fever and cleansing the body.
- Staining Blood Flow: If your bleeding is not stopping, you can crush some yarrow leaves to apply them. Apply a yarrow compress to a larger gash and get medical attention.
- Nose Bleed: For quick relief, roll up some leaves and place them in your bleeding nostril.
Cosmetic Uses
- Greasy Skin: Warm the infusion and steam your skin. The infusion can also be used as a toner to balance sebum and reduce large pores. The flowers can also be used as a compress instead of a facial mask. The plant’s compound Azulene is a powerful astringent.
- Shaving Cuts: To stop bleeding and promote healing, bruise a leaf.
- Relaxing Bath: Add 1/2 cup Epsom Salts to a warm bath. Relax and let go of all the stress.
- Hair Rinse: Make a hair rinse by soaking a cup of flowers in boiling water. Allow to cool overnight. Rinse your hair as usual and then apply the lotion to your scalp. As a final rinse, use the water with the herb to style your hair as usual.
