Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a common herbaceous flowering plant that has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Indigenous to Europe and Asia, yarrow now grows wild in many parts of the world including North America. With its sweet, earthy aroma and array of healing compounds, this versatile plant has secured its status as a beloved medicinal herb across various cultures.
Yarrow features heavily in traditional European herbal medicine. Ancient Greeks applied yarrow topically to heal battle wounds, which is how the plant earned its Latin name Achillea after the warrior Achilles. In Gaelic folk medicine from Ireland and Scotland, yarrow tea was drunk to reduce fever and help digestion. The herb was also used in Ayurvedic medicine in India and traditional Chinese medicine practices.
Indigenous tribes across North America like the Navajo and Cherokee have similarly utilized yarrow both medicinally and ceremonially. The Navajo dubbed it “life medicine” and chewed the plant to relieve earaches and toothaches. Yarrow has also been used by native tribes in ceremonies for its mind-altering effects.
Across these cultures, yarrow has been most widely valued for its ability to stop bleeding quickly. The achilleine compound gives yarrow this unique property. For centuries, the herb was commonly used to help heal wounds and lessen bleeding. Today, herbalists still apply yarrow externally to minor cuts, bruises, burns, and abrasions.
Beyond its external uses, yarrow tea and tinctures have also been relied on over generations to treat fevers, digestive issues, bladder infections, menstrual cramps, and respiratory conditions. The anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and analgesic compounds seem to bring relief to many common health complaints.
Luckily for those seeking its benefits, yarrow grows abundantly in many wild areas. Look for its flowering stems in fields, meadows, roadsides, and open woods in temperate climate zones. The fern-like aromatic leaves and umbrella-shaped flowers bloom from around June to October depending on the region. Harvest a few leaves and flowers at a time and let them dry out before use in herbal preparations.
When foraging, be sure to identify yarrow correctly so as not to confuse it with poisonous look-alikes. Some edible doppelgangers include chamomile and wild carrot. Avoid yarrow that grows close to roadways as it can accumulate toxins from car exhaust. Always double check with an expert before consuming wild herbs.
For those who don’t have access to fresh yarrow, dried forms can often be found at health food stores or online herbal shops. Yarrow supplements like powders, tinctures, and essential oils are also available. When first trying yarrow, it’s smart to start with lower doses to ensure you don’t have any allergies or sensitivities.
Beyond its medicinal prowess, yarrow can also be enjoyed in foods and beverages. Add fresh leaves and flowers to salads, soups, and grain dishes. Use dried forms to make tea blends. Yarrow has an aromatic, slightly bitter taste reminiscent of chrysanthemum greens. Sip yarrow tea hot or iced for an earthy, herbaceous experience. Let this ancient herbal ally bring its gifts of healing to your days.
With cold and flu season in full swing, yarrow can be a helpful herb to have on hand. Yarrow’s ability to induce sweating makes it a useful ally when you first start feeling under the weather. Drinking hot yarrow tea helps to gently sweat out toxins and bring down a fever during the early stages of a cold or flu.
The antiseptic compounds in yarrow also help fight off the viruses and bacteria that cause respiratory illnesses. Yarrow tea, especially when blended with other herbs like elderflower and ginger, can provide soothing relief for sore throats and chest congestion. Add a bit of honey and lemon for extra antiviral and cough-calming effects.
Yarrow’s anti-inflammatory powers help ease achy flu symptoms too. Used externally, yarrow salves can relieve congested sinuses and clear lung congestion when applied to the chest or neck area. The herb’s pain-reducing properties alleviate body aches and headaches as well.
With its abundance of healing compounds, yarrow is a medicinal marvel. Keep some dried herb on hand or forage for fresh plants. By turning to yarrow at the first signs of sickness, you give your immune system the support it needs to fend off whatever cold or flu viruses are going around.
