Yarrow

Botanical Name: Achillea millefolium

Family: Compositae

Other Names: milfoil, soldiers woundwort, thousand leaf, bloodwort.

Parts Used: leaves and flowers, sometimes root.

Energetics: Bitter, dry, spicy, neutral, aromatic.

Herbal Actions: anti-microbial, astringent, anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, carminative, diaphoretic, expectorant, hemostatic.

What do we use yarrow for?

millefolium=thousand leaf

Yarrow's name, Achillea, comes from the myth that Achilles used this plant on his soldier's wounds during the Trojan Wars. Perhaps that is why his army was so legendary, the healing powers of yarrow are pretty miraculous. This is a must have first aid herb in my opinion and one that is helpful to know growing in the wild. Yarrow has a powerful hemostatic action, so it will stop the bleeding of even the deepest wound. I heard a story from one of my herbal mentors of her goat who broke it's horn. It could have bled to death but she was quick to make a poultice of powdered yarrow which stopped the bleeding. Another story of the magick of yarrow I helped some boys walking their dog in my neighborhood. They saw my housemate outside and asked for help, their dog had stepped on a piece of glass and was bleeding. Since they were still a ways from their home, they asked her for something to bandage and clean the wound. I happen to come upon the scene and my housemate cleaned the wound and I applied powdered yarrow. The boys were quite amazed to see the bleeding cease and they were very grateful for our assistance as they made their way home, the dog happily walking beside them.

Not only does yarrow stop bleeding, but it also prevents infection with it's anti-microbial and anti-septic qualities. There have been stories of people using yarrow on wounds in the wild and when they finally reach a hospital, the doctors themselves are amazed at how a "dirty" plant kept the wound from infection, not to mention kept the person from bleeding out. Yarrow can be used on cuts of all kinds, big and small for these purposes. It can also assist with the pain since it is an anti-inflammatory.

Achillea millefolium

The amazing blood stopping effects of this plant are not limited to external use. It has been used successfully in stopping internal bleeding such as ulcers and in the treatment of uterine hemorrhages. It can also help if a woman is experiencing unusual heavy bleeding. Yarrow has helped me in not only preventing but also in treating many types of infection. It seems to have an affinity for the urinary system and can treat UTIs and kidney infections. I have used it on myself successfully many times for this.

Yarrow is good for the mouth as well and can help in the case of a tooth ache or bleeding gums/gum sensitivity. It is an anti-spasmotic, especially concerning the GI tract and can help ease stomach upset. Another common use of yarrow is as a fever reducer. It is often used in combination with elderflower and peppermint to treat a fever and stimulate sweating.



How do we use yarrow?

Yarrow can be used in many ways. In my first aid kit, I keep the dried and powdered leaves and flowers as well as a tincture for cleaning wounds and internal treatments. Yarrow can also be used in herbal oils and salves and promotes the healing of skin. The tea is effective as a wash for cuts and scrapes, and is drank in the treatment fevers. I like to use the fresh plant as a poultice in first-aid situations if possible. I have also heard of people using yarrow in herbal wines though I have no experience yet with this. I have used the tincture in a blend as a mouth rinse as well.

Who should use yarrow?

I would not be found without this herb, I have it in some form on me at all times. This herb is in my first-aid kit and I recommend it for anyone with urinary or pelvic inflammatory conditions. I feel like internally, yarrow's affinity is in the lower section of the body; stomach, liver, kidneys, bladder and pelvic region.

Who should not use yarrow? Contraindications? 

Some people have reported mild allergic reactions, such as sneezing or a rash from exposure to yarrow. If you are sensitive to the aster family, you may wish to do a patch test before using. Yarrow is not meant for prolonged use, more than a 4 week treatment, as it can have some taxing effects on the liver. It has also been reported to decrease milk supply in some nursing mothers.

Cultivation, Harvest and Wildcrafting:

I will pretty much always recommend that you give a try growing your own herbs. Yarrow lends itself well to cultivation and increases the essential oil production in plants it is growing next to. Be aware that there is an ornamental yarrow that is often grown and comes in many colors. These have been bred for beauty and are less medicinal. You can purchase medicinal yarrow seeds here. Yarrow can also be found growing wild prolifically all throughout the US and Canada.

If wildcrafting, always remember to make sure that you are not taking more than a specific area can handle and never assume you are the only person who wildcrafts in an area. There are not generally issues with the wild harvest of yarrow as it is so prolific in most places but it is always good to take care with our Earth when harvesting for our medicines. I harvest from wild fields in the mountains of New Mexico once a year for my medicines and also just when I need it (the best time to harvest). Yarrow can also be used in a pinch if you're out hiking and someone gets hurt so it's a good herb to get to know in the wild.

Harvest when flowers are in bloom in late summer and fall. To harvest, cut stem above the lowest leaves. Use the leaves and flowers in medicine, stems can be composted, used in decorations or in potpourri.

In Conclusion:

Do you have any yarrow stories to share? Questions or comments? Let me know below. I hope that I have added another herb to your apothecary and that yarrow becomes your friend as much as it has been mine. Bless!