Everything You Need to Know About

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Botanical family: Asteraceae
Parts used: Stems, Leaves, Flowers
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
by Malek Murison
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Overview and Health Benefits

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) has a rich history in herbal medicine, revered for its diverse therapeutic benefits across geographies and cultures (McIntyre, 2019). This perennial herb is known for its astringent, anti-inflammatory, circulation-boosting, styptic (staunches bleeding), healing and antimicrobial properties, making it a versatile remedy for home use and for a range of applications in herbal practice.

Key Benefits:

  • Digestive Health
  • Circulation Support
  • Wound Healing
  • Menstrual Support
  • Immune Support
  • Respiratory Health

Yarrow is valued for its ability to support digestive function, particularly in stimulating appetite and nutrient absorption (McIntyre, 2019), easing mild gastrointestinal discomforts such as bloating and cramping, as well as alleviating ulcers, diarrhoea and inflammation (Farasati, Behzad & Khalili, 2023; Ali et al., 2017; Potrich et al., 2010; McIntyre, 2019).

Taken as a hot tea (often mixed with elderflower and/peppermint), yarrow can promote sweating and support a “productive fever”, moving blood to the skin’s surface and helping dissipate heat as needed (Benedek & Kopp, 2007; McIntyre, 2019). It can modulate blood flow, making it useful for conditions like bruising, hemorrhaging, and varicosities (Wood, 2007; Hoffmann, 2003).

Named after the Greek hero Achilles, who is said to have used it to treat his soldiers' wounds during the Trojan War, Achillea millefolium’s astringent, antimicrobial, antiinflammatory and styptic properties make it an excellent herb for topical applications, aiding in the healing of minor wounds, cuts, and abrasions (Ghobadian et al., 2015). 

Thanks to its relaxing and antispasmodic properties, yarrow can help ease menstrual cramps; and its healing and astringent qualities mean it can help reduce heavy menstrual bleeding (Farasati, Behzad & Khalili, 2023; McIntyre, 2019).

Yarrow is traditionally used to support immune function, in part thanks to its antimicrobial effects, helping the body combat infections (Stojanović, Radulović & Hashimoto, 2005). 

Yarrow's anti-inflammatory properties may help soothe respiratory congestion and discomfort associated with colds and mild respiratory infections (American Botanical Council, 2000).

Safety Profile

Yarrow should be avoided in pregnancy and by individuals allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family (McIntyre, 2019; Gruenwald et al., 2004). Yarrow can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals (McIntyre, 2019). As with any herbal remedy, it is prudent to seek guidance from a qualified medical herbalist before using yarrow, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medications. 

Featured Products Containing Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

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Recovery Herbal Tea – Loose Leaf Cold & Flu Relief with Elderflower & Peppermint (45g)
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Hay Fever & Allergy Relief Tea – Loose Leaf (50g)
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New Mother’s Bath Salts – Postnatal Recovery & Soothing Sitz Bath, 500g
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Key Body Systems Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) relates to

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Respiratory system
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Urinary system
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Digestive System
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Cardiovascular and Circulatory
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Skin

Energetics

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Cooling
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Drying

Key actions

  • Diaphoretic
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Antispasmodic
  • Hemostatic
  • Vulnerary
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Key uses

  • Wounds
  • Cuts and bruises
  • Skin conditions
  • Excessive menstrual bleeding and cramps
  • Digestive disorders
  • Respiratory conditions

Where to Find Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow can be identified by its finely divided, feathery leaves and small, clustered white or pink flowers. It stands about 2 to 3 feet tall, with almost fern-like leaves, giving the plant its species name “millefolium”, meaning “thousand leaves”. From summer to autumn, yarrow produces flat-topped clusters of tiny flower heads, each consisting of many small florets.

Yarrow thrives in temperate regions worldwide, including Europe, Asia, and North America, and has adapted to a wide range of environments. It commonly grows in fields, pastures, and along roadsides, preferring well-drained soil and full sun, although it can tolerate partial shade. This hardy plant is resistant to drought and can survive in both hot and cold climates, making it a versatile species across many landscapes.

References

Ali, S. I., Gopalakrishnan, B., & Venkatesalu, V. (2017). Pharmacognosy, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of Achillea millefolium L.: A review. Phytotherapy Research, 31(8), 1140-1161. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5840

American Botanical Council. (2000). Herbal medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs: Yarrow. http://cms.herbalgram.org/expandedE/Yarrow.html?ts=1534230054&signature=a082a94d1e5230f16f9222a1e9247b60&ts=1701696500&signature=72700a3747074872a97ccf517243fe59

Benedek, B., & Kopp, B. (2007). Achillea millefolium L. s.l. revisited: Recent findings confirm the traditional use. Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift, 157(13-14), 312-314. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10354-007-0431-9

Farasati Far, B., Behzad, G., & Khalili, H. (2023). Achillea millefolium: Mechanism of action, pharmacokinetic, clinical drug-drug interactions and tolerability. Heliyon, 9(12), e22841. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22841

Ghobadian, Z., Hafezi Ahmadi, M. R., Rezazadeh, L., Hosseini, E., Kokhazadeh, T., & Ghavam, S. (2015). In vitro evaluation of Achillea millefolium on the production and stimulation of human skin fibroblast cells (HFS-PI-16). Medical Archives, 69(4), 212-217. https://doi.org/10.5455/medarh.2015.69.212-217

Gruenwald, J., Brendler, T., & Jaenicke, C. (2004). PDR for Herbal Medicines (3rd ed.). Thomson PDR.

Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical herbalism: The science and practice of herbal medicine. Healing Arts Press.

McIntyre, A. (2019). The complete herbal tutor. Aeon. 

Potrich, F. B., Allemand, A., da Silva, L. M., Dos Santos, A. C., Baggio, C. H., Freitas, C. S., Mendes, D. A. G. B., Andre, E., Werner, M. F. P., & Marques, M. C. A. (2010). Antiulcerogenic activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Achillea millefolium L.: Involvement of the antioxidant system. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 130(1), 85-92. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2010.04.014

Stojanović, G., Radulović, N., Hashimoto, T., & Palić, R. (2005). In vitro antimicrobial activity of extracts of four Achillea species: The composition of Achillea clavennae L. (Asteraceae) extract. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 101(1–3), 185-190. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2005.04.026

Wood, M. (2007, August 22). The indispensable blood remedy. Achillea millefolium: Yarrow. http://www.woodherbs.com/Yarrow.html