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Plant Type: Common Yarrow - Achillea millefolium
Plant Family: Asteraceae - Daisy
Family
Common Names: Yarrow, Soldier's
Woundwort, Thousand-leaf
Used Parts: Flowers and upper leaves
Harvest Time: June - October
Botany
In spring, dense, curly leaves emerge first from the light brown rootstock, followed by the stem. Yarrow can grow up to 80 cm tall. Its small flower heads form a dense umbel with white or pink petals. From June to October, when yarrow is in full bloom, the flower heads can be harvested and processed.
In stores, you can often find yarrow varieties with yellow, pink, or red flowers. These are cultivated hybrids that have no use in traditional herbal medicine.
The Power of Yarrow: Ingredients and Healing Properties
Yarrow, a cherished herb in traditional medicine, is celebrated for its impressive array of natural compounds that offer numerous health benefits. This humble plant is a powerhouse of healing, packed with ingredients that work together to support the body in various ways.
At the heart of yarrow’s effectiveness is its bitter compound Achillin and the essential oil Azulene. Azulene, which gives yarrow oil its distinctive blue color, is identical to that found in chamomile and is known for its potent antimicrobial properties. These compounds make yarrow an excellent choice for helping in reducing inflammation and fighting infections.
Beyond these, yarrow contains inulin, camphor, tannins, flavonoids, minerals, thujone, as well as formic, acetic, and palmitic acids. Each of these components contributes to the herb’s broad spectrum of therapeutic effects.
Thanks to this rich chemical profile, yarrow boasts a wide range of healing properties. It has an anti-inflammatory effect, helping to reduce swelling and irritation in the body. It also acts as a stimulating agent, enhancing circulation and energizing the system. Yarrow’s antiseptic and antimicrobial qualities help in preventing and treating infections.
In addition to these, yarrow is antispasmodic, soothing muscle cramps and spasms, and diuretic, promoting the elimination of excess fluids. It’s also known for its anti-flatulent and digestive properties, aiding in the relief of bloating and supporting healthy digestion. For women, yarrow can help regulate menstrual cycles, thanks to its menstrual-regulating effects. Furthermore, it is mucous membrane-soothing, helping to calm irritated tissues, and blood-purifying, aiding in detoxification.
Whether used in teas, tinctures, or topical applications, yarrow’s unique combination of ingredients and properties makes it a versatile and valuable herb for supporting overall health and well-being.
CAUTION: The term "meadow dermatitis" is also associated with yarrow. This refers to a skin inflammation or rash that can occur in some people after touching the plant or consuming its tea. Therefore, it is advisable to exercise caution before using yarrow for the first time.
How to apply yarrow in your daily life
The healing effects of yarrow have been known since ancient times.
When used internally as tea, oxymel, or tincture, yarrow, due to its bitter compounds, is highly effective for digestive tract issues. It can help with loss of appetite, bloating, intestinal and stomach cramps, gastritis, constipation, and more.
Additionally, it aids in liver and gallbladder disorders, as well as internal bleeding issues such as coughing up blood, nosebleeds, kidney bleeding, and irregular menstrual bleeding.
Its high potassium content gently stimulates kidney function and, due to its blood-purifying properties, has a positive impact on gout and rheumatism complaints.
Externally, yarrow baths, washes, and poultices are beneficial for ulcers, wound treatment, and leucorrhea. They have also shown good results for cracked hands and feet, psoriasis, and sore nipples in breastfeeding mothers. Yarrow can also provide relief for gout, rheumatism, blemished skin, hemorrhoids, and varicose veins.
Tea and tincture should be taken internally only for four weeks at a time, followed by a two-week break!
General Information
Consuming large amounts of yarrow tea can lead to dizziness and headaches. It should not be taken continuously but rather in cycles. This means: after four weeks of tea consumption, take a two-week break.
Yarrow is considered the quintessential women’s herb and should not be missing from any tea blend. Among herbalists, it holds the same status as chamomile as a universal remedy. Yarrow is also known as a sodium transporter plant and is recommended for people with metabolic disturbances.
The Latin name Achillea refers to the Greek demigod Achilles, who used yarrow to heal the king of the Muses. The botanical name millefolium means "thousand-leafed," indicating the finely divided leaves.
Occurrence
Yarrow is widespread throughout Europe. It can be found in meadows, pastures, along roadsides, and in fields, either alone or in large clusters. It is very resistant to heat, drought, and cold, but avoids wet soils.
Processing
Fresh, young yarrow leaves are great in salads, smoothies, or pesto. Fresh and dried flowers can be processed in various ways: into tea, creams, ointments, bath additives, or syrups.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER:
My herb-related blogs are based on my training as a certified herbal educator, in-depth continuing education, and personal experience. They are in no way intended to encourage self-treatment, the discontinuation of medical treatment or medication, or to serve as a replacement for professional medical care.
My statements regarding the effects of the individual ingredients, herbs, and raw materials, as well as the recipes and application tips provided, are for informational purposes only.
I make no claims or promises regarding the alleviation or treatment of health problems or diseases, nor do I promise any such results.
Anyone allergic to an ingredient should, of course, avoid using that plant/herb! Always seek additional information or consult your doctor during pregnancy, breastfeeding, if you have a serious medical condition, or when considering use for children‼️
Anyone who chooses to follow my recipes or recommendations does so at their own risk.
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