Yarrow: Unlock its power – A Natural Ally for Your Wellbeing
Yarrow’s Energetics
Cooling & drying
Actions
Astringent
Antimicrobial
Stops bleeding
Antiseptic
Diuretic
Diaphoretic
Vulnerary (heals wounds)
Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium) is a common weed found in ditches, fields and yards everywhere, all over the world. It’s a hardy weed with white flower umbels in the wild. But you can find them in nurseries with red or yellow flowers.
Some herbalists say the ones from the nurseries are not as potent as the wild flowers, others say they are the same. So you’ll have to determine whether you believe there’s a difference in them yourself.
I’ve tried the white and the red. Personally, I haven’t noticed any differences.
Yarrow’s History
Legend has it this little powerhouse earned its name, Achillea millefolium, from the mighty Greek warrior Achilles himself (400-350 BCE).
One tale says that the centaur Chiron, a wise healer, taught Achilles the secrets of yarrow, which he used to heal his soldiers on the battlefield.
Another says his Goddess mother, Thetis, dipped Achilles by his ankle into a vat of yarrow tea to make him invincible, to protect him. But, she dipped all but his “Achilles” heel, the part she was holding, which in the end is how he was killed.
From those times to WWI, a pouch of Yarrow was carried by soldiers to help stop the bleeding and fight infection. One reason it’s called Soldier’s Wort.
Which parts of yarrow do you use
This is one of those really great herbs that the whole plant is the medicine. The flower, leaves and root are used regularly. Some say the flowers are more potent than the leaves. I gather them all together and mix them. Wait until the umbels flower fully and then cut the top half to 2/3rds of the plant to dry.
I use the root differently so keep it separate. However the plant propagates by the root, so be mindful when you’re gathering these plants to not take all of them in a stand. You want to leave plenty for next year.
Yarrow’s Properties
This little herb is like a multi-tool for natural wellness! Here’s why it’s been a friend to folks for so long:
Yarrow stops the bleeding!
This is what I know about yarrow most because this is what I’ve used it for most often.
Yarrow can stop the bleeding instantly. And I do mean INSTANTLY. It’s amazing!!
This is one reason it was carried into battle for centuries, even millennia. It could stop the bleeding from the wounds of battle.
It’s described as a harmonizer. This means, in addition to stopping external bleeding, it can help move healthy blood throughout our body. A blood mover. This is good for relieving bruising, varicose veins, or other stagnant blood conditions.
It’s been used to help regulate menses and reduce cramping.
Antimicrobial and Antiseptic
Here’s another reason this was a must have for warriors and soldiers alike. Killing infection and getting a handle on inflammation were key in life or death.
Yarrow’s antimicrobial and antiseptic properties were invaluable and still are today.
When you’re using the powder to stop the bleeding, you’re automatically helping to kill anything that might cause an infection all at the same time.
Have I ever mentioned how amazing Mother Nature is in knowing just how to combine these properties to work perfectly together??
Yarrow as a Diuretic
You know when you feel all puffy and bloated, like you’re an overfull water balloon? Yarrow is great for helping you get rid of that excess fluid.
encouraging your body to flush all the excess out.
Sweat It Out
Feeling icky? Yarrow’s a diaphoretic, which means it helps you sweat out those toxins.
Sweating can be a great way to detoxify and even break a fever naturally – like your own personal steam room!
Belly Trouble
Feeling a little indigestion or tummy trouble? Yarrow’s got your back (or should I say, belly) with its bitter and aromatic qualities.
It can be a great digestive aid, especially when you team it up with ginger, another superstar soother.
How to use Yarrow
Make yarrow into an infused oil for topical application to the skin to help fight inflammation and other hot conditions of the skin.
Use it as a tincture to help normalize the flow of blood. Helping to relieve issues found with congested blood like spider or varicose veins and bruising.
Drink it as a tea for cold & flu symptoms. To help cool or warm the body, whichever you may need. Drink it warm to utilize its warming properties and drink it cool to utilize its cooling properties.
The astringent properties of yarrow make it a bit too potent to drink on its own. So you’ll want to drink it mixed with something else to help tone it down a little.
And use it as a powder, like I do most often to stop the bleeding. I powder this herb every year and keep in the medicine cabinet. Specifically to stop the bleeding. My husband is always coming in the house bleeding for some reason or other. And yarrow is always my first go to.
Have you seen this pretty flower?
I find it in the unkept side of our yard, it’s in the ditches down our dirt road and in the pastures all over.
Clip it about 2/3rds down the stem when the flowers are in full bloom. Be sure to slap it against your hand several times to get all the bugs out. Hang it to dry away from the sun. Then crumble or powder the leaves and flowers (I have both).
You can’t help but smell it once you get it in a jar. I think it smells wonderful, but you can pull out the astringency even in the scent.
Comment and let me know if you found it, if you used it and what you thought!
