Moonshine Yarrow, a popular selection for many gardens, has garnered attention not only for its ornamental appeal but also for questions regarding its potential medicinal uses. This plant belongs to the Achillea genus, a group historically recognized for various applications. Exploring the characteristics of ‘Moonshine’ yarrow and the traditional legacy of its relatives can help clarify its place in both horticulture and herbalism.
What is Moonshine Yarrow?
Moonshine Yarrow (Achillea ‘Moonshine’) is a cultivar celebrated for its garden performance. It grows 1 to 2 feet tall and wide, forming clumps of finely dissected, aromatic, silvery-green foliage. This hybrid produces tiny, lemon-yellow flowers in dense clusters from late spring through late summer. Its distinctive appearance makes it a favorite for sunny borders, cottage gardens, and mass plantings.
A hybrid of Achillea clypeolata and Achillea ‘Taygetea’, ‘Moonshine’ was developed for ornamental qualities like long-lasting blooms and drought tolerance. Its robust nature and attractive yellow flowers have earned it recognition in the gardening world. It is valued for its aesthetic contribution to landscapes, attracting pollinators.
Yarrow’s Medicinal Legacy
The Achillea genus, especially Achillea millefolium (common yarrow), has a rich medicinal history spanning over 3,000 years. Its name, Achillea, derives from the Greek hero Achilles, who reportedly used it to treat soldiers’ wounds. This led to common names like “woundwort” and “soldier’s woundwort.”
Traditionally, Achillea millefolium was used for various purposes across different cultures. It staunched bleeding, promoted wound healing, and reduced inflammation. Preparations like teas and poultices treated fevers, colds, digestive issues, and menstrual discomfort. It contains bioactive compounds, including essential oils, sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds, attributed to its therapeutic effects.
Moonshine Yarrow and Medicinal Use
Moonshine Yarrow was developed primarily for ornamental purposes, not medicinal efficacy. As a hybrid, it may share some chemical constituents with Achillea millefolium. However, the specific concentrations and balance of these compounds in ‘Moonshine’ yarrow are not as thoroughly studied for medicinal applications as those in common Achillea millefolium.
Most research and traditional knowledge on yarrow’s medicinal properties refer to Achillea millefolium. Therefore, assuming identical potency for ‘Moonshine’ would be imprecise. While some sources suggest topical use for minor wounds, this is not as extensively supported by research as the wild species. Gardeners seeking herbal remedies typically use Achillea millefolium due to its established historical and scientific background.
Important Considerations for Medicinal Yarrow Use
Using yarrow medicinally requires careful consideration. Yarrow can cause side effects like skin irritation and increased photosensitivity, especially in those sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family (daisies, ragweed). Direct skin contact, especially with wet skin, can trigger allergic reactions.
Yarrow may interact with medications like blood thinners, increasing bleeding risk. It might also affect antacids or sedatives. Pregnant individuals should avoid oral yarrow due to its potential to affect the menstrual cycle or cause miscarriage. Research on its safety for children and breastfeeding individuals is limited. Consulting a healthcare professional before using yarrow is important to ensure safety and avoid adverse reactions or interactions.