Yarrow: Magic supported by chemistry
I have set out to create an offering that I think fills a hole in Modern Herbal Literature. It’ll probably take a while but Passion Projects are never quick and easy are they? If you haven’t met me, I tend to be a bit over ambitious and then suffer from overwhelm and procrastination, so we will see how it goes.
My goal is to create a book that combines the Ethnobotany and Chemistry of plants. I want a massive tome that details the Magical uses (especially when they are well known by history) and the Phytochemistry that supports that. I think it is fascinating when the Magic and symbolism is supported by the modern science and chemical breakdown of the plant.
Annnd… I’d like to further explain what I mean. Let’s talk about Yarrow. The presence of Yarrow in the Dental Tartar of a Neanderthal buried in Spain shows that Human species have been ingesting what we know as medicinal plants for at least over 40k years. That does not prove that they were consuming it for medicinal reasons but does mean it has been at least that long for humans to work with, experiment, and theorize about the plant. There was also a Neanderthal gravesite discovered in Iraq that had a man buried on top of a bed of Yarrow and some other flowers. Again, this doesn't’ prove continuous ceremonious use, but it does suggest that even then, Yarrow was used in at least one ceremonious way. Hold that thought.
Yarrow boasts an impressive list of medicinal actions and quite a lot of historical references. Its leaves and flowers offer the following properties:
Diaphoretic
Hypotensive
Astringent
Anti-inflammatory
Antispasmodic
Diuretic
Antimicrobial
Bitter
Hepatic
Hemostatic
Vulnerary
It’s been widely used across the northern hemisphere as medicine and magic for thousands of years so naturally it’s built quite a reputation.
In European history, the Catholic church controlled much of the advancement of science for around 800 years. There was a time when if you were sick, it was considered “Gods Will” and a punishment for something you had done. Curing sickness was forbidden and seen as an act against God. The folk medicine of before this time was somewhat forgotten by the masses, or warped into something else. Healing became magic, and magic charms became healing. It is easy to see then how the anti-inflammatory, anti-tumoral, and styptic activities of Yarrow that had previously made it so important to healing society, became a charm for warding off disease and witches.
Isn’t it wild then to think how powerful of a plant Yarrow would have been to Neanderthal society if they really did recognize the benefits of it? A plant that slows blood loss, heals damaged digestive and respiratory mucosa and topically speeds wound healing would have been super important. The need for, reliance on, or maybe just favored use of such a plant should certainly earn it a spot as revered in a society. But again, that’s all speculation.
I really just love to nerd-out over things like this. And if you are still reading maybe you do too? If you’d like more info or want to go more into the chemistry that supports the magic, check out the work-in-progress I’ve been going on about. You’ll get it free when you sign up for my email list. Click Here!
