Yarrow Leaf & Flower (Achillea millefolium)

Dried aerial parts of Achillea millefolium, Yarrow, one of the most universally documented wound-care herbs in Western and Indigenous American herbalism. The genus name "Achillea" honors Achilles, the Greek mythological hero who reportedly used yarrow to treat his soldiers' wounds during the Trojan War, giving rise to the common name "Soldier's Woundwort."

Key Facts

Botanical name

Achillea millefolium

Family

Asteraceae

Common names

Yarrow, Soldier's Woundwort, Milfoil, Devil's Nettle, Bloodwort

Genus name origin

Achillea, after Achilles (Greek mythology)

Distribution

Northern Hemisphere temperate regions, native and introduced

Studied compounds

Achilleine, chamazulene, sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids

Traditional uses

Wound care, bleeding control, fever support, tea

What is Yarrow?

Yarrow is a flowering perennial with finely divided feathery leaves and flat-topped clusters of small white or pink flowers. The plant has one of the longest-documented histories of medicinal use in Western herbalism - archaeological evidence places yarrow use in Neanderthal burial sites 60,000 years ago. The genus name "Achillea" honors Achilles, who according to Homer's Iliad used yarrow to treat his soldiers' wounds at the siege of Troy. Across multiple traditions, yarrow has the same reputation: a topical wound-stopping and healing herb.

How to Use Yarrow

For topical use: poultice fresh yarrow against minor cuts or scrapes; or rehydrate dried yarrow in warm water for the same use. For tea: steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried yarrow per 8 oz cup in hot water for 10 minutes, strain. Yarrow tea is intensely bitter; often combined with milder herbs. For tincture: yarrow is also widely tinctured for measured dosing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yarrow used for?
Most traditionally for wound care and traditional bleeding control; also used internally as a fever-supporting herb and bitter digestive tonic.

Why is the genus called "Achillea"?
Named after Achilles, the Greek hero who reportedly used yarrow to treat his soldiers' wounds at Troy.

Is Yarrow really 60,000 years old in human use?
Archaeological evidence places yarrow in Neanderthal burial contexts; the plant has one of the longest-documented histories of human use of any herb.

What's the difference between yarrow leaf and yarrow flower?
Both are used together in most preparations; the flowers may have slightly higher essential oil content.

Is yarrow safe during pregnancy?
Not recommended during pregnancy.

What does yarrow taste like?
Bitter and aromatic, characteristic of the Asteraceae family.

This product has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.