Traditional actions include styptic/antihemorrhagic (slows minor external bleeding), vulnerary (supports minor wound healing), astringent (tones tissues), diaphoretic (used hot during feverish colds to encourage perspiration), decongestant, and a bitter digestive. These are traditional herbal uses, not evidence that yarrow treats serious infection, fever, or bleeding.
Medicinal plant
Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
The one plant to learn first for a minor cut or fever.
Uses
Digestion — Herbs traditionally used around digestion, appetite, stomach comfort, or after-meal preparations. Respiratory — Herbs traditionally used in preparations for the throat, chest, sinuses, or seasonal respiratory comfort. First aid — Herbs kept for simple topical household use — minor skin irritation, bites, bumps, and similar everyday needs.
Properties
Astringent — Tightens and tones tissues; often drying
Styptic — Helps stop minor external bleeding
Diaphoretic — Encourages sweating
Energetics
Cooling — Calms heat, irritation, or excess activity. Drying — Reduces excess moisture or secretions. Toning — Firms, strengthens, or tightens tissues.
Avoid internal use during pregnancy.
People sensitive to the Asteraceae/daisy family can react to yarrow.
Similar herbs: Self-Heal, Sage, Anise Hyssop
Growing and using it
Life cycle
Herbaceous perennial.
Hardiness
Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is hardy in USDA Zones 3–9.
How to start
Seed, plug, or division. Choose common white yarrow, Achillea millefolium.
Starting from seed
Surface sow or barely cover.
Harvesting
Harvest leaves through active growth and flowering tops during bloom.
Grow in zone
Start indoors — Sow under cover in trays or pots, before it is warm enough to sow outsideStart indoors: MarchStart indoors: AprilDirect sow — Sow straight into the ground where the plant will growDirect sow: AprilDirect sow: MayDirect sow: SeptemberDirect sow: OctoberDirect sow: NovemberPlant out — Move a started plant into its final spot outdoorsPlant out: MayPlant out: JuneHarvest leaves — Gather leaves in these monthsHarvest leaves: MayHarvest leaves: JuneHarvest leaves: JulyHarvest leaves: AugustHarvest leaves: SeptemberHarvest flowers — Gather flowers in these monthsHarvest flowers: JulyHarvest flowers: AugustHarvest flowers: September
Cutting after bloom can produce another flush.
Gardening tools
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Steep yarrow in hot water to draw out its flavour and water-soluble properties.
Parts used
Flowering tops DriedGather
- 1–2 tspdried leaf or dried flowers per cup of boiling water
Cut the upper leafy stems as flowering begins. Dry in a single layer out of direct sun until crisp.
Prepare
- Cover the dried herb with boiling water
- Steep about 10–15 minutes
- Strain
Apothecary supplies
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Apply yarrow fresh, crushed, or moistened, directly to the skin. For a minor superficial scrape or cut.
Parts used
LeafPrepare
- Crush clean, fresh leaves into a moist mash
- Apply externally to a minor superficial injurySeek normal wound care for deep, contaminated, gaping, or persistent bleeding wounds.
Soak yarrow in alcohol for several weeks to make a concentrated, shelf-stable extract.
Parts used
FlowerGather
- 1:2 in 95% alcoholfresh leaf or flower
- 1:5 in 50% alcoholdried leaf or flower
Prepare
- Chop the correct plant part
- Weigh herb and measure alcohol to the ratio
- Combine in a labeled jar and keep plant material submerged
- Macerate about 4 weeks, shaking regularly
- Press and strain
Apothecary supplies
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