Unlike some supposed doppelgängers in nature, yarrow (Achillea millefolium) from nature or the garden is entirely edible. However, when collecting specimens from the wild, you should ensure that they are free from contamination and contamination with animal excrement.
Is yarrow edible and how to use it?
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is an edible herb that can be used in cooking and as a medicine. It is suitable as a seasoning in tomato dishes, as an addition to soups or as an edible decoration. However, if you have a daisy family allergy, you should avoid eating them.
Using yarrow as a medicine
Yarrow has been used as a remedy since ancient times to stop bleeding and relieve cramps. Yarrow has been grown in many monastery gardens for centuries to make tinctures, tea blends, liqueurs and bath additives. Yarrow is said to have special healing effects, particularly for the following complaints:
- irregular menstrual cycle (hence the name “maidenweed)
- Cramping symptoms in the female abdomen
- Indigestion
- Nosebleed
However, you should avoid using it as a natural remedy if you know that you are sensitive to daisy plants.
Using flowers and yarrow leaves in the kitchen
Although, as with many food ingredients, excessive consumption of yarrow is not recommended, the versatile plant can also be used in normal cooking as a flavor carrier and a he althy dietary supplement. Due to the relatively stubborn stems, you should use scissors to harvest the flowers if possible. Since they are quite tough when fresh, the flowers are usually dried and used to prepare herbal s alt and as a seasoning in tomato dishes. Due to their delicate structure, the leaves of the yarrow are also often used as an ingredient in soups.
Edible decoration on the dining table made of yarrow
It has now become a real kitchen trend to use colorful flowers as part of summer dishes. However, make sure to only use truly edible and non-toxic flowers to decorate food. If you garnish plates and dishes with flowers of nasturtium, yarrow or similar proven plants, it not only looks great, but the flowers can also be eaten.
Tip
The leaves of the yarrow are also eaten by many animals. Yarrow, for example, is considered a real treat for most guinea pigs and rabbits. Just try out whether your protégé responds to yarrow and feed it fresh from your own garden or harvested in nature.
