Yarrow - Edited

Yarrow

Achillea millefolium

Asteraceae (Daisy family)

A Guardian of Health, Boundaries, and Wound Healing.

Other names:

Soldier’s Woundwort, Thousand-leaf, Nosebleed Plant, Bloodwort,

green border flower

Superpower

Yarrow’s superpower is its ability to heal wounds, stop bleeding, and protect physical and energetic boundaries.

Uses

Historical Uses:
Yarrow has been used for millennia by various cultures for its wound-healing and styptic properties. Ancient Greek soldiers reportedly used it on the battlefield to stop bleeding and treat wounds, giving rise to its association with Achilles. Native American tribes also utilized Yarrow for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, applying it topically to cuts, sores, and insect bites. In European folk medicine, it was used to reduce fevers, support digestion, and treat respiratory conditions. Yarrow was often used as a protective herb in magical practices, believed to ward off evil spirits and negative energy.

Current Uses:

  • Wound healing: Yarrow is commonly used as a topical treatment for minor cuts, scrapes, and insect bites, due to its anti-inflammatory, astringent, and antiseptic properties.
  • Styptic: Applied externally, Yarrow helps stop bleeding, making it useful for nosebleeds and small injuries.
  • Digestive aid: Yarrow can be taken internally to stimulate digestion and relieve indigestion, cramps, and gas.
  • Anti-inflammatory: Yarrow’s anti-inflammatory actions help reduce swelling and promote healing in both internal and external applications.
  • Fever reduction: Used in teas or tinctures, Yarrow is helpful for promoting sweating and reducing fevers during colds and flu.
  • Urinary support: Yarrow acts as a diuretic, supporting kidney function and urinary health.

Cautions

Toxicity: Due to the presence of thujone, high doses of Yarrow may cause headaches, photosensitivity, and dermatitis.

Contraindications:

    • Allergies: Avoid use if allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family.
    • Pregnancy: Yarrow acts as a mild uterine stimulant  (emmenagogue and abortifacient) effects.
    • Long-term use: Prolonged use (over several months) may lead to photosensitivity, and some sensitive individuals may develop a rash.

Interactions: Yarrow may increase gut motility, which could theoretically decrease the absorption of drugs if taken simultaneously.

Known Chemical Constituents

Flowers:

    • Volatile oils: Thujone, chamazulene, azulene, linalool, limonene, and sesquiterpene lactones, contributing to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound healing properties.

Leaves:

    • Tannins: Condensed and hydrolyzable tannins, providing strong astringent and anti-inflammatory effects.
    • Flavonoids: Apigenin, luteolin, and rutin, offering antioxidant benefits and supporting circulatory health.
    • Alkaloids: Achilletin, betonicine, stachydrine, and trigonelline, which contribute to wound healing, diuretic, and circulatory actions.
    • Acids: Amino acids, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), caffeic acid, folic acid, salicylic acid, and succinic acid, offering a range of anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
    • Cyanogenic compounds: Known for their ability to assist in relieving spasms and promoting healing.
    • Coumarins & furanocoumarins: Supporting anticoagulant and circulatory effects.
    • Bitter principle: Achillein, stimulating digestion and circulation.

Botanical Description

Habitat: Achillea millefolium is native to temperate regions across Europe, Asia, and North America, often found in meadows, grasslands, and along roadsides. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun, making it adaptable to a variety of environments.
Leaves: The leaves are feathery, deeply divided, and aromatic, with a fern-like appearance. They grow alternately along the stem, giving the plant its distinctive lacy look.
Stems: Yarrow grows upright, reaching heights of 1 to 3 feet, with woody stems near the base.
Flowers: Small, white or pale pink flowers grow in flat-topped clusters at the top of the stems. The flowers are aromatic and appear throughout the summer and fall.
Roots: Yarrow has a rhizomatous root system, allowing it to spread and form colonies.

Fun Facts

Once known as the “Herb of the Military” because of its reputation as a wound healer? It was carried by soldiers on the battlefield to stop bleeding and treat wounds.

Parts Used

Aerial (leaf & flower)

Harvest

Timing: Yarrow is best harvested when it is in full bloom, usually in the late summer. Both the leaves and flowers can be harvested, though the flowers are most potent when they are freshly bloomed.

Method: Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the upper portion of the plant, including both flowers and leaves. Avoid cutting the woody stems or taking too much from a single plant to ensure regrowth.

Storage: Dry the harvested Yarrow by hanging it in small bundles in a cool, shady area with good airflow. Once dried, store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Dried Yarrow can retain its potency for up to one year.

Preparations

Teas and Infusions:

  • Yarrow is often made into a tea to support fever reduction, digestion, and urinary health. It promotes sweating during fevers and helps clear respiratory congestion. Steep the dried leaves and flowers for 10-15 minutes to extract their medicinal properties.

Tinctures:

  • Yarrow tinctures are commonly used for wound healing, fever reduction, and digestive support. A few drops can be taken internally or applied externally to promote healing.

Poultices and Compresses:

  • Fresh or dried Yarrow can be made into a poultice or compress for wounds, cuts, bruises, or insect bites. Its astringent and styptic properties help stop bleeding and promote rapid healing.

Baths:

  • Adding Yarrow to a bath is beneficial for skin conditions and muscle pain. The herb’s anti-inflammatory and soothing properties provide relief for irritated skin and sore muscles.

Sacred Rituals

Brewing a cup of Yarrow tea. As the tea steeps, sit in a quiet space and light a white candle, symbolizing healing and protection. Hold the cup in your hands and set the intention to heal both physical and emotional wounds.

Affirmations

“I honor my ability to heal and protect, setting strong boundaries as I embrace the power of my own resilience.”

Spiritual Associations

Yarrow is energetically tied to personal boundaries, helping to heal emotional wounds and create healthy limits in relationships. It encourages resilience and clarity in setting these boundaries, allowing individuals to protect their energy and emotional health.

green border flower

Functions

Alterative

An alterative is an herb or substance that gradually and gently improves the function of the body, often by enhancing the body’s natural detoxification and elimination processes, thereby promoting overall health and vitality.

Anti-hemorrhagic

A substance or agent that helps stop or reduce bleeding, either internally or externally.

Anti-inflammatory

A substance or agent that reduces inflammation in the body, soothing irritation, swelling, or redness in tissues.

 

Antimicrobial

A substance or agent that inhibits the growth of or destroys microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.

Antispasmodic

A substance or agent that helps relieve or prevent involuntary muscle spasms, cramps, or contractions in smooth or skeletal muscles.

Astringent

A substance or agent that causes contraction or tightening of tissues, often reducing secretions or bleeding.

 

Bitter tonic

Bitter tonic refers to a substance or agent, typically an herb or blend of herbs, that combines the stimulating properties of bitters with overall strengthening and balancing effects on the digestive system.

Carminative

A substance or agent that helps relieve gas, bloating, and discomfort in the digestive system by promoting the expulsion of gas and soothing the digestive tract.

Diaphoretic

A substance or agent that promotes perspiration, helping the body regulate temperature, detoxify, and respond to fevers.

Digestive & Elimination Health

The overall well-being and optimal functioning of the digestive system, which includes the gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas, and other supporting organs. It encompasses the processes of breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste, as well as maintaining a healthy balance of gut microbiota.

Emmenagogue (stimulate menstrual flow)

An emmenagogue is a substance that stimulates or regulates menstrual flow and can help address menstrual irregularities or delayed periods.

Febrifuge

A substance or agent that reduces or alleviates fever, helping to regulate body temperature and promote comfort during illness.

Fever Treatment

Refers to substances, therapies, or practices used to manage elevated body temperature, reduce discomfort, and support the body’s immune response during illness.

Hypotensive

A substance or agent that helps lower blood pressure, supporting cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of hypertension-related complications.

Menstrual Health

Menstrual health refers to the overall well-being and proper functioning of the menstrual cycle, including hormonal balance, cycle regularity, and the absence of significant pain or discomfort.

Vulnerary

A substance that promotes wound healing, helps repair damaged tissues, and aids in the recovery of cuts, scrapes, burns, or other skin injuries.

Wound Healing

The process by which the body repairs damaged tissue, involving multiple stages like inflammation, tissue formation, and remodeling to restore skin integrity.

green border flower