Key Medicinal Plant: Yarrow

Yarrow, scientifically named Achillea millefolium, is a powerhouse herb from the Compositae (Asteraceae) family, celebrated across cultures for its medicinal versatility and historical significance. Its name carries layers of lore and tradition, reflected in its many evocative common names:

Milfoil, Thousand Leaf: Derived from its finely divided, fern-like leaves that resemble a thousand tiny segments.
Devil’s Nettle, Devil’s Plaything, Bad Man’s Plaything: Suggesting its potent, almost supernatural qualities in folklore, where it was believed to ward off evil or challenge mischief.
Nosebleed, Soldier’s Woundwort, Knight’s Milfoil: Highlighting its renowned ability to stop bleeding, a trait that made it a battlefield staple.
San Guinary, Old Man’s Pepper, Saxon-Gearewe, Dutch-Yerue: Referencing its blood-staunching properties, spicy flavor, and historical use in Anglo-Saxon and Dutch traditions.
Achillea: Linked to the Greek hero Achilles, who, according to legend, used yarrow to treat his soldiers’ wounds during the Trojan War, or named after an ancient discoverer named Achilles.
Yarrow’s widespread use—from ancient battlefields to modern herbalism—underscores its enduring value as a healing plant.