Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
The Herb of the Wounded Warrior
If there is one herb that deserves a place in every home apothecary, it's yarrow. Known for its ability to support everything from minor cuts and scrapes to healthy circulation and seasonal wellness, yarrow has earned a reputation as one of Western herbalism's most versatile plants.
For centuries, herbalists have relied on yarrow as a first aid herb, digestive bitter and circulatory tonic. Whether growing wild along a country road or blooming in the garden, this resilient perennial continues to be one of the most valued medicinal plants in the Western herbal tradition.
At a Glance
| Botanical Name | Achillea millefolium (also A. lanulosa) |
| Family | Asteraceae (Daisy Family) |
| Common Names | Wound Wort, Nosebleed, Squirrel Tail, Devil's Nettle |
| Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
| Parts Used | Flowers, leaves and roots |
| Harvest Season | Late spring through summer |
| Energetics | Cooling, drying |
| Taste | Bitter, pungent, aromatic |
| Primary Systems | Circulatory, digestive, reproductive, respiratory and nervous |
| Best Preparations | Tea, tincture, infused oil and salve |
Botanical Profile
Yarrow is a hardy perennial native to much of the Northern Hemisphere and now naturalized throughout North America. It thrives in disturbed soils, meadows, roadsides, rocky hillsides and open forests where it readily spreads through underground rhizomes.
Growing 1 to 3½ feet tall, yarrow is easily recognized by its finely divided, feather-like leaves and clusters of small white flowers arranged in broad, flat-topped heads. Unlike members of the carrot family, whose flowers emerge from a single point, yarrow's flower heads branch individually along the upper stem. This distinction is important, as several carrot family look-alikes are highly poisonous.
Harvesting
Parts Used: Leaves, Flowers and Roots
Best time to Harvest
Harvest the flowering tops from late spring through summer, ideally before the flowers become heavily pollinated. Leaves may be gathered throughout the growing season, while roots are generally harvested in autumn.
Dry harvested material in a warm, well-ventilated location away from direct sunlight and store in airtight containers.
Herbal Energetics
Temperature: Cooling
Moisture: Drying
Taste: Bitter, pungent and aromatic
Primary Affinities: Circulatory system, Digestive system, Reproductive system, Respiratory system, Nervous system
Yarrow is unique in that it combines cooling energetics with stimulating circulatory actions, allowing it to be useful in a wide range of constitutions.
Traditional Uses
Yarrow has long been valued as one of Western herbalism's premier first aid plants.
Traditionally, it has been applied externally to minor cuts, scrapes, bruises and wounds to support the body's natural healing process. Internally, herbalists have used yarrow to encourage healthy circulation, support digestion, promote perspiration during seasonal illness, assist normal menstrual flow and support healthy liver function.
The root was Traditionally chewed fresh by some Indigenous tribes to temporarily ease toothaches. The root has also been used historically as a mild circulatory stimulant, though the aerial portions remain the primary parts used in contemporary herbal practice.
Herbal Actions
Styptic – Helps slow or stop minor bleeding by constricting blood vessels and tissues.
Vulnerary – Supports the body's natural healing of wounds and damaged tissues.
Astringent – Tones and tightens tissues while helping reduce excess moisture.
Antimicrobial – Helps inhibit the growth of certain microorganisms.
Digestive Bitter – Stimulates digestive secretions to support healthy digestion.
Hepatic – Supports healthy liver function and bile production.
Diuretic – Encourages elimination of excess fluids through the kidneys.
Circulatory Stimulant – Promotes healthy blood flow throughout the body.
Antispasmodic – Helps relax smooth muscle and ease occasional cramping.
Anodyne – Traditionally used to help ease discomfort.
Phytochemistry
Yarrow contains numerous bioactive plant compounds that contribute to its traditional herbal actions.
Tannins
Naturally occurring polyphenols that tone tissues and support healthy skin.
Azulene & Chamazulene
Blue aromatic compounds recognized for their soothing properties and ability to support the body's natural inflammatory response.
Volatile Essential Oils
Fragrant compounds that contribute many of yarrow's aromatic, digestive and antimicrobial properties.
Terpenes
A diverse group of plant compounds associated with healthy inflammation, circulation and immune function.
Preparations
Yarrow is one of the most versatile herbs in the apothecary and can be prepared in many forms.
Tea
Fresh tincture
Infused oil
Salve
Compress
Poultice
Herbal vinegar
Oxymel
Bath
Facial steam
Safety
Yarrow is generally well tolerated when used appropriately.
Avoid during pregnancy.
Individuals taking anticoagulant medications or those with allergies to plants in the daisy family should consult a qualified healthcare professional before use.
Folklore & History
The genus Achillea was named by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 after the Greek hero Achilles, who was said to have used yarrow to tend the wounds of his soldiers during the Trojan War.
Among the Chippewa (Ojibwe), yarrow was traditionally woven together with sweetgrass and cedar in ceremonial bundles. Yarrow represented protection, sweetgrass invited beneficial spirits and cedar helped bring the two into balance.
Find Yarrow in Our Apothecary
Yarrow is one of the herbs we grow and use most often here on our homestead. You'll find it in several of our handcrafted formulations, including:
Its long history of traditional use and remarkable versatility continue to make it one of the foundational herbs in our apothecary.
Primary References
Michael Moore — Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West
David Hoffmann — Medical Herbalism
Matthew Wood — The Earthwise Herbal
Thomas Easley & Steven Horne — The Modern Herbal Dispensatory
