Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Family: Asteraceae

Part Used: Flower; Leaf

Flavor/Aroma: Bitter; Pungent

Energetics: Neutral; Moistening

 

Overview:

Do not be fooled by the intoxicating scent or delicate flowers of the Yarrow plant- it has been used for centuries in ceremonies promoting both physical and emotional boundaries to those easily influenced, and also for its eclectic first-aid applications among many. Yarrow is intertwined in folklore and across cultures, all highlighting the variety of therapeutic properties found in this healing herb.

Yarrow grows as a perennial herb that easily spreads and can take over sunny, open spaces even in poor soil conditions. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in many landscapes and is adorned with fern-like leaves and umbles of white, pink, red, and yellow flowers. It can grow to heights of three feet tall in ideal conditions.4

One of Yarrow’s many nicknames, ‘Thousand Weed’, and its species name, ‘millefolium’, are easily associated with this hardy, invasive botanical.

Cultivation and Harvesting:

Yarrow is best cultivated in the springtime and harvested when the flowers are brightest and the energy is centralized in the aerial portions of the plant. It is native to Western Asia, Europe, and North America.2

Southern Oregon Cultivation:

Yarrow can be found growing verociously in the wild in many areas of Southern Oregon. It can be found in stands along hiking trails, along mountain ranges, and even in urban spaces like parks and side-walk gardens. This is a great addition to any home garden because it not only provides us with medicinal value, but it is a favorite amongst local pollinators.

History and Folklore:

Yarrow’s therapeutic use ranges from internal, topical, spiritual, and beyond. Fossilized Yarrow pollen was found in a burial cave dating back 60,000 years that was speculated to have been used as a symbol of protection in the after life. It was popularly used to staunch soldiers bleeding wounds, promote the healing of infected tissues, and was even once known as the ‘military herb’. It is recognized in Ayurvedic Medicine as a wound healing ally, both internally and externally.4,1

In Greek mythology, Achilles mother dipped him in a vat of Yarrow when he was born to protect him; he died from a wound of the ankle- the only place the supposed potion did not touch.

Traditional Chinese Medicinal Uses: Yarrow was used to brighten dull eyes and to enhance intelligence. It was used to facilitate communication between heaven and earth, and to balance yin and yang. Yarrow was found growing at the burial site of Confucius and the straw of the dried stalk was used in many rituals. It was also used in cases of angina, headaches, and palpitations.4,3

American Native Uses: The Cherokee, Iroquois, and Mohegan tribes have utilized Yarrow for its therapeutic digestive properties and to treat a variety of types of inflammation.     

Modern Applications:

• Topical Applications: Yarrow has been studied for its potential use in skincare. Some research has looked at yarrow-based products for their ability to support skin health, hydration, and appearance. Its traditional use in wound care has led to studies on its potential for supporting the body's natural healing processes.

• Digestive and Gastric Health: Historically, yarrow was used as a bitter tonic to aid digestion. Modern studies have explored the plant's effects on the digestive system, including its potential to help with occasional gastric discomfort and support a healthy appetite.

• Anti-inflammatory Models: Some laboratory and animal studies have investigated yarrow's potential in anti-inflammatory models. These studies look at how yarrow extracts might influence pathways related to the body's inflammatory responses.

• Menstrual Health: Traditionally, yarrow was used to support menstrual regularity. Research is ongoing to understand if and how the plant's components may influence the menstrual cycle and related discomforts.

Uses and Preparations:

Yarrow is available in several forms, including tinctures, capsules, teas, and topical ointments or compresses.

Dried Herb Tea Preparation: 

1-2 Tablespoons of dried herb per cup of warm water.

Using a reusable tea bag or tea ball, immerse the loose dried herbs into boiling water and allow to steep for 5-10 minutes, preferably covered, in order to release the maximum amount of herbal goodness. Some herbal tea can carry a strong flavor. We recommend organic honey as a sweetener which preserves the beneficial herbal compounds. 

Tincture: 

4-6 mL up to 4 times daily

Some herbal tinctures can have a strong flavor on their own. Adding your tincture to a glass of 6-8oz of water is one easy way to help, should you wish to dilute the flavor.  

Recommended Usage:

It is important to remember that some bodies may react differently than others when using herbal products. Our recommended usage amounts are designed to be an average usage only. If you have specific concerns about the usage amount or interaction with other medication, please consult with your doctor or health care practitioner prior to using our products.

Sun God Medicinals' products that contain Yarrow:

Ra Herbals Yarrow Tincture

Organic Aja Hemp Salve

Airmed Digestion Herbal Tea

Airmed Digestion Herbal Tincture

Panacea Cold Season Herbal Tea

Organic Panacea Immune Support Hemp Tincture 

Panacea Cold Season Herbal Tincture

Precautions:

We recommend consulting with your practitioner if you are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, or if you are using any other medications.

• Allergic Reactions: As yarrow is a member of the Asteraceae family (which includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies), individuals with allergies to these plants may have a reaction to yarrow.

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The use of yarrow is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of safety data.

• Blood Thinners: Yarrow may have an effect on blood coagulation, so individuals on blood-thinning medications should use caution.

• Photosensitivity: Some individuals may experience increased photosensitivity (sensitivity to sunlight) from topical yarrow application.

References:

1. Moore, Michael, Southwest School of Botanical Medicine, http://www.swsbm.com/ManualsMM/MatMed5.pdf 
2. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://cms.herbalgram.org/expandedE/Yarrow.html 
3. Wood, Matthew (1997). The Book of Herbal Wisdom. Berkeley, California: North Atlantic Books.
4. Yarrow Monograph. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.herbrally.com/monographs/yarrow
5. Moradi, M.-T., Rafieian-Koupaei, M., Imani-Rastabi, R., Nasiri, J., Shahrani, M., Rabiei, Z., & Alibabaei, Z. (2013, October 3). Antispasmodic effects of yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) extract in the isolated ileum of rat. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3847392/

For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.