For my ethnobotany homework, I chose to do Achillea millefolium. Commonly called Yarrow, Achillea is native to North America, Asia and Europe. I chose this plant because of my relationship with it and its relationship to the Pacific Northwest. My journey with plant medicine began a few years ago after being diagnosed with endometriosis. After feeling failed by modern medicine, I began to turn to the plant allies around me. I grew up on a small island called Orcas, in Lummi territory, just opposite Victoria, where Achillea really grows everywhere. Once I discovered what a powerful medicine this herb is, I began incorporating it into my daily routine to try to keep my endometriosis at bay. I have had profound results using this plant as medicine and that is why I felt called to do this mission on Achillea. Achillea has long been used for many medicinal practices in a multitude of different cultures. Achillea is a diaphoretic, hypotensive, hemostatic, astringent, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, diuretic, antimicrobial, bitter and hepatic. All of these constituents of Achillea make it an amazing herb for many things. In my own practice I use Achillea to regulate my periods and brighten my blood flow, I also use it as an ointment to treat burns, cuts or any type of mild abrasion of the skin. Additionally, I like to dry Achillea and use it as a fever tea and to support my immune system when I feel the early stages of a cold coming on. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why violent video games should not be banned"? Get an original essay The First Nations on what we now call Vancouver Island have used Achillea as medicine for hundreds of years, we Achillea is said to be good for toothaches, repelling mosquitoes during the summer, poultice for sore muscles and as a widespread tonic. These are just a few of the recorded uses and there are very likely a large number of unrecorded uses of Achillea in First Nations communities in British Columbia. Achillea tends to grow in slightly degraded soil or with a high sand content. In British Columbia, this plant can grow at any altitude. It's easy to incorporate Achillea into your garden because of its ability to grow in countless types of environments. However, the plants.usda.gov website states that Achillea can become invasive if not properly cared for and maintained. From my direct experience growing Achillea in my personal herb garden, I have learned that it is essential to keep and monitor it. to ensure that this plant does not spread to unwanted locations. Achillea generally flowers from May to August. However, I have noticed in the Pacific Northwest that it sometimes persists into October or even late November. When I harvested mine about a week and a half ago, it seemed to be thriving. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized paper now from our expert writers. Get a Personalized Essay My love for this plant seems to be shared with a lot of people who are intrigued by herbal medicine, I have heard from many plant-loving friends that yarrow is in their top 5 favorite herbs, there are truly a very widespread amount of different ways to work with this special plant, I am extremely grateful.