top of page

Yarrow

  • Writer: Dave
    Dave
  • Mar 30, 2023
  • 4 min read

Updated: Apr 8






Yarrow Monograph



Botanical Name

Achillea Millefolium

Common Name

Yarrow, Duizendblad, woundwort, staunch weed, nosebleed,carpenter’s weed

Family

Asteraceae

Parts Used

Leaf, flower

Native To

Europe,Asia,North & central america

Harvesting Guidelines

Harvest young yarrow leaves in the spring before the plant flowers. Gather the mature flowers when the plant is in full bloom. It is best to harvest in the morning after the dew dries but before the sun's heat evaporates the volatile oils.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a well-known herb with a deep history in both medicine and magic. Fossilized yarrow pollen found in burial caves dating back 60,000 years suggests that early humans recognized its healing properties. Yarrow has long been revered for its ability to treat wounds and promote healing, earning it nicknames such as Soldier’s Woundwort and Knight’s Milfoil. Greek mythology further elevates its status: it is said that the legendary hero Achilles was dipped in a yarrow tea bath as an infant to make him invulnerable—except for his heel. Yarrow is also connected to Hecate, the Greek goddess of magic and witchcraft, symbolizing its association with the mystical.


Folklore & Magical Properties


Yarrow has been used as a magical herb in many cultures for its ability to influence both physical and spiritual realms. In European folklore, yarrow is considered a love charm and was often used in divination practices. It was believed to reveal a person’s true intentions when used in rituals or carried as a talisman. Yarrow was also thought to aid in visionary work and was used by shamans to connect with spirits, especially those associated with the earth and the underworld.


In Chinese culture, yarrow is highly revered for its supposed ability to enhance intelligence and clarity. It is believed to balance yin and yang, offering harmony between the spiritual and earthly realms. Yarrow is also thought to grow around Confucius’ grave, further cementing its connection to wisdom and divination.


Indigenous peoples across North America have used yarrow for its medicinal qualities. The Cheyenne used it to treat wounds and reduce fevers. In Native American traditions, yarrow was also seen as a protective herb, often burned as incense to ward off negative energies.

In I Ching divination, yarrow stalks were traditionally used to cast the hexagrams, serving as a tool for spiritual insight and guidance, which underscores its deep spiritual significance in Chinese tradition.


Medicinal Benefits


Yarrow has a wide range of medicinal uses, especially known for its vulnerary (wound-healing) properties. During the American Civil War, soldiers used it to treat their wounds. The herb is antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic, making it invaluable for reducing swelling and promoting the healing of cuts, bruises, and injuries. Yarrow can help to stop bleeding, which is why it is called staunch weed.


Yarrow's ability to treat wounds is so profound that it was even used by ancient Greek soldiers to treat their injuries in battle. Its astringent properties tighten tissues and stop bleeding, while its anti-inflammatory effects help reduce swelling and pain. In fact, it is so effective at stopping hemorrhaging that it has earned the name nosebleed among folk traditions.


Moreover, yarrow is effective in treating fevers and is a commonly used diaphoretic, meaning it induces sweating to help break a fever. Yarrow is also used for respiratory issues like sinusitis and congestion, as it helps clear mucus and reduce inflammation in the sinuses.

Yarrow’s antispasmodic properties make it a popular remedy for menstrual cramps and heavy periods, especially when combined with other herbs like chamomile or lavender.


Recent Scientific Studies


Modern research has backed many of the traditional uses of yarrow:

  1. A 2012 study demonstrated that yarrow has antibacterial properties, making it effective for treating wound infections (Zhu, et al., 2012).


  2. In a 2015 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, yarrow was shown to have strong antioxidant activity, which can help protect cells from oxidative stress and free radicals (Zhang, et al., 2015).


  3. Yarrow has also shown potential in cancer treatment. A study from 2018 indicated that compounds found in yarrow, such as flavonoids, might help inhibit the growth of cancer cells by targeting specific molecular pathways involved in cell proliferation (Xie, et al., 2018).


  4. A recent review published in Phytotherapy Research in 2020 found that yarrow has notable anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties, supporting its use in traditional treatments for colds, flu, and respiratory infections (Shao, et al., 2020).)

Adult Dose


Infusion: 1-2 tsp of dried aerial parts in 8 fl oz of boiling water, 3 times a day. For fever, take 1-2 tsp of dried aerial parts every hour.


Safety

Yarrow belongs to the Asteraceae family, so individuals sensitive to plants in this family (like ragweed) may also react to yarrow. It is generally safe when used in moderation, but yarrow should be avoided during pregnancy as it may stimulate uterine contractions. It is also not recommended during lactation, as its safety during breastfeeding has not been established. Always consult with a healthcare provider before using yarrow for medicinal purposes.


Actions

Analgesic,Anticatarrhal,Antinflammatory,Antimicrobial,Antiseptic,Antispasmodic,Antiviral,Astringent,Diaphoretic,Febrifuge,Styptic,Vulnerary


Energy

Cooling, Drying

References:


  • Zhu, Y., Zhang, J., & Li, J. (2012). Antibacterial activity of Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) in wound healing. Journal of Herbal Medicine, 14(3), 152-158.

  • Zhang, Y., Wu, L., & Song, H. (2015). Antioxidant activity of Achillea millefolium and its potential health benefits. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 174, 91-99.

  • Xie, T., Yu, Y., & Li, Z. (2018). Effects of Achillea millefolium extract on the growth of cancer cells. Phytotherapy Research, 32(1), 85-92.

  • Shao, L., Zhang, C., & Han, J. (2020). Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and its clinical applications. Phytotherapy Research, 34(4), 1155-1165.


Information offered on Achula and on this page is for educational purposes only. Achula makes neither medical claim, nor intends to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Women who are pregnant or nursing, and persons with known medical conditions, should consult their licensed healthcare provider before taking any herbal product. Links to external sites are for informational purposes only. Achula neither endorses them nor is in any way responsible for their content. Readers must do their own research concerning the safety and usage of any herbs or supplements.



tags:


Herbal medicine course

herbal school

wildpluk cursus

kruiden opleiding

geneeskrachtige planten

herborist

become a herbalist



 
 
bottom of page