Teachings of the Yarrow

The gentle guardian with a benevolent spirit.

Your guide to the magic, medicine and mystery of Achillea millefolium, whose medicine has saved countless lives throughout history, and can always be relied on to lend a healing hand. Its medicine is one of the oldest in the world and is a fine example of how ancient healers possessed remarkably reliable knowledge about healing plants, without scientific instruments or explanations as to why they worked.

Yarrow is a renowned wound healer, but that’s not its only virtue. We’re continuously learning new ways that yarrow heals not only the human body, but also restores soil and ecology in the landscape. Yarrow comes into its full strength at midsummer when its traditionally gathered and hung up to dry in bunches, ready to be used in potions and magic.

Botanical Snapshot

Latin Name: Achillea millefolium
Common Names: Yarrow, Milfoil, Soldier’s Woundwort, Nosebleed, Sanguinary
Family: Asteraceae
Growth Habit: Soft, finely divided, fern-like foliage arising from the base, with upright green stems bearing flat-topped clusters (corymbs) of small white flowers.
Habitat: Open sunny places, like meadows, pasture edges, lawns, roadside verges and rough ground where the soil has been disturbed or exposed by human activity.
Flowering Season: Early summer - early autumn
Pollinators: a wide range of insects, including butterflies and moths, native bees, pollinating flies, ladybirds, lacewings and wasps.

Ecology Notes

Yarrow is among the most adaptable, robust and widespread wild flowers. In the summer you'll find it growing in all kinds of grassy areas, such as parks, greens, downs, meadows and pastures, roadside verges, lawns, neglected ground, and generally in the most ordinary places! Yarrow is often growing where soil has been disturbed by human activity, such as wasteland and building sites, which is why we see it everywhere. It makes its way around the bottom of gates, and along footpaths and track edges. The more you delve into the science and nature of yarrow, the clearer it becomes that it’s a plant that restores integrity to broken things.

You can think of yarrow as a resilient generalist, capable of settling into different landscapes and adjusting itself to various local conditions. Yarrow is particularly interesting because plants of the same species can look surprisingly different depending on where they grow. It can spread vegetatively through underground rhizomes, allowing it to persist as a low, lawn-like carpet even when regularly mown and prevented from flowering. If you look closely in the grass, you might see the feathery foliage of yarrow, blended among rosettes of plantain and other unspecified green plants.

Quite often, yarrow rooted in coastal grassland, such as windy downland, remains low and compact, hugging the ground against wind and salt spray, while yarrow growing in meadows grows tall and broad, and produces larger flowering heads.

Yarrow leaves of tall plants are finely divided and broad, with long, strong stems. The flowers are dusky white, although they are sometimes pale pink and deeper rosy shades. In the wild, these differences are often just the plant responding to local conditions, yet, it’s still the same yarrow!

Yarrow's ecological advantage is its ability to adjust. It changes its growth patterns, root allocation and flowering behaviour according to circumstance, allowing it to persist where more specialised plants struggle.

Soil Healer & Gardener’s Friend

Yarrow is especially useful (and important) for helping to restore the ecology of damaged and degraded landscapes. Repeated human activity, such as overgrazing, agriculture, digging and construction, disturbs soil and causes it to lose the structure and microbial diversity it needs to support life.

This makes yarrow an excellent choice for planting around vegetable plots, or perennial flower beds, or wherever the soil structure is disturbed from being frequently turned over. Yarrow helps to improve, strengthen and repair soil. It also supports biodiversity by increasing insect activity. In this way, yarrow can be an ecological help in the garden and landscape.

Why Plant Yarrow in Lawns?

Grass lawn is barren land for pollinating insects. Planting yarrow in the lawn is a way to transform an ecologically poor garden lawn into one that actively supports insects and soil life, and looks and smells beautiful. Yarrow can be cultivated as a low-maintenance ground cover, in the same way you would plant a chamomile lawn. The two can even be combined to form a soft, fragrant carpet with occasional flowering stems.

An Inn for Winged Visitors

The broad and flat clusters of flowers create perfect landing pads for many wonderful insects. An entire miniature community is busy landing and launching from yarrow flowers; not only bees and butterflies, but a variety of other useful insects. Planting yarrow in the garden helps the kinds of insects who eat up bothersome pests, such as aphids and caterpillars that destroy vegetable crops, rose buds and other flowers.

Travelling Back in Time with Yarrow

Earr Thalamhainn, a Gaelic charm for gathering yarrow

I will pluck the yarrow fair,
That more benign shall be my face,
That more warm shall be my lips,
That more chaste shall be my speech,
Be my speech the beams of the sun,
Be my lips the sap of the strawberry.

May I be an isle in the sea,
May I be a hill on the shore,
May I be a star in waning of the moon,
May I be a staff to the weak,
Wound can I every man,
Wound can no man me.

Carmina Gadelica, (Charms of the Gaels), collected by folklorist, Alexander Carmichael (1832-1912).

Yarrow on the Battle Field

Throughout history, yarrow has distinguished itself as a dependable medicine, especially in times of war and violent conflict. For thousands of years, it has been one of the world’s most ubiquitous and effective first aid remedies. It’s safe to say that yarrow has saved countless human lives. Its official name, ‘Achillea; is derived from Achilles, the semi-mythical warlord of Ancient Greek literature, who is said to have used yarrow to staunch the bleeding of his soldiers on the battle field.

In more recent times, indigenous cultures across North America used yarrow by packing the herb directly into deep wounds to save injured warriors and hunters. When life-saving medicines were in short supply during WWI, yarrow was collected and sent to the front, along with other powerful medicinal plants that grow widely and freely in the landscape.

Yarrow helped the wounded by stopping bleeding with its styptic and coagulant properties. Just as the Indigenous American’s used yarrow, the flowers and leaves would have been crushed and packed directly into wounds to encourage healing, reduce pain and inflammation, and fight infection.

Hildegard’s Yarrow Preparations

Hildegarde von Bingen, German abbess polymath and healer, who lived in the 12th century, describes in Physica how a poultice of yarrow was made:

“For an external wound caused by a blow. The yarrow cooked gently in water, the water squeezed out, should be tied gently, while warm, over the cloth which covers the wound. It will take away the putrid matter and the ulcer from the wound, and the wound will be healed. He should continue to do this as long as is necessary. But after the wound begins to be drawn together and healed a bit, discard the cloth and place the yarrow directly onto the wound. It then heals completely.”

And for an internal injury:

“One who receives an internal injury so there is a break or constriction, should pulverise yarrow and drink it in warm water. After he is better, he should take the same powder in warm wine until he is well.”

Hildegard considered yarrow to be ‘a little bit hot and dry’, perhaps noting its warming and astringent properties. She also recommends the herb to reduce ‘puffiness from eyes’ after heavily crying.

Yarrow in the Anglo-Saxon Leechbooks

The earliest records of yarrow in the English herbal tradition are found in the Old English Herbarium. This Anglo-Saxon herbal dates to the late 10th century and is written in Old English. In Old English (Anglo-Saxon), yarrow was known as ‘gearwe’, possibly pronounced ‘yar-weh’. This stems from the older Germanic name ‘garwa’.

Over sixteen uses for yarrow are recorded. The following remedies from the Old English Herbarium reveal how ancient healers were using yarrow over 1000 years ago. All parts of the plant were used, including the roots. To make remedies, the plant was powdered, boiled, infused into salves, wrapped into poultices, and mixed into potions.

Powder

For a head wound or swelling: Make yarrow into dust, put it onto the wound, then it will begin to warm shortly.

Roots

For toothache, take the roots of this plant which we call millefolium, give it to eat fasting.

If someone's head should break or an unknown swelling.

Salve (with butter and lard)

For a swelling, take this same plant, pound with butter, lay it to the swelling.

For wounds which have been made with iron, take this same plant, pound with lard, lay to the wounds, it cleanses and heals those wounds.

If a wound on someone be cool, then take the same plant, 'millefolium', and crush very small and mix with butter, then lay it onto the wound, it shortly quickens and warms up.

Poultice

For headache, take this same plant, make a poultice thereof, then lay it onto the head, it will soon take the pain away.

Potion

If the veins be hardened for someone, or his food will not be digested, take this same plant's juice, and then mix wine and water and honey altogether, then give it to him warm to drink, it will then be better for him shortly.

For that kind of adder that one calls 'spalangius' take this same plant's twigs and the leaves, boil in wine, then crush very fine, lay it on the wound if it would close up too soon, and after that, take the plant and honey, mix together, smear the wound therewith, then it will shortly warm.

The ability of yarrow to heal snake bite was considered so great, it was believed that simply tying yarrow to yourself and carrying it on you, would shield you from adders as you journeyed outdoors.

Folkloric Beliefs

In the Northern Hemisphere, yarrow comes into flower at midsummer. It was one of the traditional herbs gathered at Summer Solstice, or St. John’s Day, by countryfolk and hung from the doors, and consecrated in the fire, for blessings and protection.

Throughout northern Europe, yarrow was gathered with mugwort, wormwood, St. John’s wort and other healing herbs, such as meadowsweet into bunches.

Nicholas Culpeper believed that yarrow was ‘governed’ by Venus, and therefore carried her virtues of attraction, love and harmony.

Medicinal Benefits

In modern herbalism, mainly the aerial parts are used (above soil): the leaves, flowers and stems. In the past, its importance as a wound healer couldn’t be overstated. But today, plant styptics and anti-bacterial herbs have been largely replaced. Now when we endure cuts and grazes, rather than reach for yarrow powder, we more often reach for a tube of antiseptic cream, like Savlon.

Even though yarrow might not be first choice for first aid, we’re still discovering many wonderful medicinal and therapeutic uses for yarrow. Here are some modern preparations and uses for yarrow, grounded in scientific research:

Yarrow Tea

As a bitter and astringent herb, yarrow can be blended with other complementary herbs to make a soothing medicinal tea.

Effects on Menstruation

Yarrow helps to regulate periods, soothe period pain and reduce heavy bleeding.

Effects on Digestion

A bitter tonic, yarrow’s anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties help to ease stomach complaints, such as IBS, bloating and cramp. It protects the stomach lining and may aid recovery from stomach infections, such as gastritis and colitis.

Effects on Circulation

As a classic diaphoretic, yarrow encourages gentle perspiration, making it useful during fevers while also supporting healthy circulation. This also makes yarrow effective for relieving leg cramps and managing the uncomfortable symptoms of varicose veins.

Effects on the Nervous System

Yarrow has calming and neuro-protective properties. Adding the leaf and flower to relaxation teas can help to ease tension, digestive pain and stress headaches, by lowering cortisol and relaxing the nervous system.

Effects on the Respiratory system

A natural decongestant with mild anti-microbial properties, yarrow is traditionally blended with elderflower and mint to relieve symptoms of cold, flu, coughs, hay fever, and blocked sinuses.

Safety Caution

Yarrow should be avoided during pregnancy because it stimulates the uterine and causes contractions. Yarrow is an allergen and should be avoided by people who are allergic to plants in the Asteraceae (daisy/ragweed) botanical family.

Effects in Skincare

Yarrow is well-suited to sensitive or damaged skin, helping with cell regeneration and improving complexion. It’s soothing and anti-inflammatory properties make it especially helpful for conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and rosacea.

Distilling yarrow flowers and leaves produces a soothing, herbaceous floral water with calming and cooling properties. Yarrow hydrosol can be used as skin toner with gentle medicinal properties.

Infusing the dried flowers and leaves in carrier oil, with a few drops of essential oil, produces a gentle, medicinal botanical oil that can be used on face, hair and body.

Postpartum Care

Yarrow is traditionally used by midwives to aid recovery after childbirth. Infusing bathwater with sachets of yarrow blended helps to heal perineal tissue, stop bleeding and reduce pain and swelling.

Balm & Salve

Yarrow balm is a traditional remedy often called ‘nature’s band aid’. It can be applied to scar tissue and skin conditions, including minor wounds and burns.

Topical yarrow remedies may also help varicose veins, thread veins, haemorrhoids and anal fissures.

Yarrow Aromatherapy: Blue Yarrow Essential Oil.

When distilled for its essential oil, yarrow produces a beautiful blue oil. It’s used in aromatherapy for emotional balance and peace, and is gently energising. The blue colour is due to a compound called chamazulene, which is also in German Chamomile (Blue Chamomile) and Blue Tansy (Tanacetum annuum). This compound is a potent anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and analgesic. The essential oil is somewhat sharp and clearing, with slightly sweet and herbaceous notes. It blends well with lavender, cedar wood, clary sage, chamomile and eucalyptus.

Phytochemistry

Volatile Oils (Essential Oils):

• Chamazulene & Proazulenes
• Camphor &Borneol
• Eucalyptol (1,8-Cineole) & Sabinene
• Thujone

Flavonoids (antioxidants):

• Apigenin & Luteolin
• Quercetin & Rutin

Sesquiterpene lactones (bitter principles that fight infection):

• Achillin
• Achillicin & Matricin

Tannins (astringent polyphenols):

• Alkaloids (reduce blood clotting time)
• Achilleine

Nutrients & Minerals:

• Vitamins A, C, E and K
• calcium
• potassium
• zinc
• magnesium

Herbal Actions:

• Diaphoretic (promotes sweating)
• Hypotensive (lowers blood pressure)
• Astringent (toning/tightening)
• Anti-inflammatory (calming)
• Anti-spasmodic (muscle relaxing)
• Diuretic (increase urine output)
• Anti-microbial (halts bacteria)
• Bitter (digestive)
• Hepatic (liver cleansing)

Before herbalists understood phytochemistry, they first understood the character of plant. It’s remarkable what they were able to learn about medicine by asking, what kind of a being is this plant? How does it behave? Where does it grow? What relationships does it reveal? Modern plant science asks what compounds are present and what mechanisms explain the effect. Ancient herbalists were able to learn the effects through a different way of arriving at truth.

Yarrow is perfect example of modern scientists discovering what ancient herbalists knew all along, even if they didn’t know why. Nobody in the tenth century knew about chamazulene, flavonoids or achilleine. Yet through generations of careful observation, experimentation and practise, people repeatedly discovered that yarrow stemmed bleeding, reduced inflammation and infection and aided healing. They lacked an accurate explanation, but possessed remarkably reliable knowledge.

The natural world is the realm where specialised knowledge meets poetry, story and imagination. A woodland system can simultaneously be an ecosystem, a habitat, a carbon sink, a sacred grove, the setting of a fairy tale, and a place of peace and spiritual renewal. These are different facets of the same reality.

Qualia: The Sensory Experience of Yarrow

In the landscape, yarrow is tall, strong and commanding, yet gentle and benevolent on approach. Its finely feathered leaves are a vivid, verdant green, crowned by clusters of uniform white flowers that evoke peace, clarity and renewal. Like many flowers of midsummer, yarrow retains both its colour and firm structure long after it has been gathered, drying with remarkable grace and resisting decay.

Despite its resilient nature, the plant is surprisingly soft to the touch. Its stem is covered in fine, velvety hairs, more like the fuzz of a peach than anything coarse or spiny. The aroma is equally gentle: sweet, cooling and quietly herbaceous. If the word mild could be captured in a scent, it would smell like yarrow.

Yet gentleness should never be mistaken for weakness. Yarrow possesses a rare balance of opposites: hard and soft, firm yet pliable, authoritative yet compassionate. It is a plant of subtle strength, offering protection not through force, but through steadfast benevolence. The spirit of yarrow is kindness made resilient.

Magical Uses

Of all the herbs to keep close at hand, yarrow is perhaps the finest peace amulet. It invites peace, protection and compassion wherever it is carried or worked with, making it an ideal ally for healing rituals.

Yarrow is especially suited to moments of vulnerability and transition. It makes a thoughtful gift for new mothers, those recovering from illness, or anyone navigating grief and loss. With its deeply nurturing presence, it belongs at both thresholds of the human journey: welcoming new life into the world and offering comfort as life draws to a close.

The flowers express distinctly Cancerian, Lunarian and Venusian virtues: nurturing, protective and restorative. The leaves, by contrast, are unmistakably Mercurial: airy, light and enlivening, encouraging clarity of thought, swift perception and open communication.