Health & Healing
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a remarkable herb native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Its widespread use around the world is a testament to its versatility and efficacy. Known as a "master of the blood," yarrow is renowned for its ability to regulate blood flow, clotting, and viscosity. Its amphoteric properties enable it to adapt to the body's needs, either increasing blood flow or reducing blood loss as necessary. This makes yarrow an indispensable part of any home apothecary, but its benefits do not stop there.
Actions of Yarrow
Astringent - Yarrow's astringent qualities tighten and tone the skin when applied topically. These properties, combined with its circulatory benefits, make it effective for conditions such as varicose veins, circulatory difficulties, and inflammation. The hydrosol can be combined with witch hazel to soothe hemorrhoids.
Antiseptic & Antimicrobial - Yarrow flowers possess broad antimicrobial properties, helping to prevent infections and promote wound healing when applied topically.
Anodyne & Analgesic - Yarrow has been used to help soothe the pains of menstrual cramps, and dysmenorrhea, and as a massage oil for painful breasts.
Styptic - When applied to wounds, yarrow functions as a styptic, effectively stopping blood flow. Whether used as a fresh or dried topical poultice, it promotes blood coagulation and can effectively stop bleeding. It is renowned for its efficacy in stopping nosebleeds.
Anti-inflammatory - Cooling to inflamed tissues topically as well as along the GI tract.
Circulatory Stimulant - It stimulates blood circulation, aiding in the flow of blood to capillaries and relieving stagnation in the circulatory, digestive, and hepatic systems.
Bitter - Yarrow’s bitter compounds stimulate digestive and liver functions, promoting overall digestive health.
Parts Used
Flowering Tops: The most medicinally active part of the plant, rich in aromatic oils and active constituents
Leaves: Rich in tannins, aiding in the astringent properties
Root: Traditionally used for localized pain relief, such as toothaches
Do not confuse yarrow with Queen Anne's Lace (Daucus carota) or other plants from the carrot family. If the plant has an umbrella-like flower head, it is best to avoid them.
How to Use
Tea/Wound Wash - A warm cup of yarrow tea supports peripheral circulation, aids in breaking fevers through sweating, and enhances digestive function. For topical use, yarrow tea can serve as a wound wash, compress, or sitz bath for hemorrhoids.
Powder - A pinch of yarrow powder applied to the nose can effectively stop a nosebleed
Poultice/Compress - Chop or masticate the fresh leaves and flowers, until they make a moist pasty poultice, and place on a wound or bug bite for quick relief. Alternatively, use the powdered yarrow with water or hydrosol to create a paste or compress.
Tincture/Liniment - The flowers are richest in volatile oils during dry weather, so for the strongest tincture, harvest after at least 3 weeks since the last rain. The tincture can be applied to bug bites and stings to bring relief.
Yarrow Essential Oil and Hydrosol
Now that we have established that yarrow is an amazing herb, let's see how much more amazing it is. Yarrow essential oil, notable for its blue color due to the component chamazulene, offers several therapeutic benefits, such as easing the pain and inflammation of achy muscles and joints, cramps (menstrual and digestive), general skin care, irritated skin, and helps reduce the appearance of scars.
The essential oil is cherished for its historical use in relieving various aches and holds a significant place in natural medicine cabinets. Yarrow hydrosol, with its cooling and comforting properties, is ideal for soothing skin issues and purifying the skin.
As an herb, yarrow is we-loved for supporting the body’s natural repair processes, so it is no surprise that yarrow hydrosol is helpful for soothing urgent skin issues and purifying against potential health threats. Yarrow hydrosol's overall effect is cooling, comforting, and restoring an upset system. This hydrosol can be useful for topical pain relief, astringent (use it similar to witch hazel), skin and wound support, and bring relief to bug bites and stings.
Balancing Emotions
Much like its amphoteric ability to regulate various blood conditions, yarrow is also used for its emotional balancing properties. Whether using the herb, essential oil, or hydrosol, yarrow is valuable during times of transition, when emotions are heightened, or when experiencing intense fluctuations between highs and lows. Rich in β-caryophyllene, which has both analgesic and anxiolytic effects. This component helps soothe emotions related to stress, anger, melancholy, and anxiety. Yarrow can provide emotional support and stability, making it beneficial through major life changes and emotional turbulence.
Cautions:
Yarrow is generally safe when used appropriately. However:
Allergies: Those allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family should exercise caution
Pregnancy: Avoid internal use during pregnancy, especially in the first two trimesters
Essential Oil: Use diluted essential oil, with a maximum dermal limit of 4.5%, though a safer concentration is 2%
Interactions: Chamazulene may interact with drugs metabolized by CYP1A3, CYP3A4, and CYP2D6, including certain antidepressants, calcium channel blockers, and some chemotherapy drugs
Recipes
Drawing Salve
2 Tbsp dried yarrow (flowers and leaves)
1-2 Tbsp powdered pine resin
2 Tbsp dried calendula
2 Tbsp dried self-heal or plantain
~ 16 oz of olive oil (or preferred carrier oil)
4 oz of beeswax
20 drops of yarrow essential oil
20 drops of frankincense essential oil
Infuse the herbs in the carrier oil, either allowing them to sit and infuse slowly over a month, or use a warm water bath to infuse them quickly over a day or two. Strain out the herbs. In a double boiler, put the beeswax and about half of the infused oil, and warm over low-medium heat to melt the beeswax. Once melted, slowly add the remaining infused oil, stirring and remelting the beeswax as needed. Remove from heat, allow to cool slightly, then add in the essential oils and stir well. Pour into small jars or salve tins. Allow to cool and harden before putting the lids on. Be sure to label. This salve can help draw out splinters, calm bug bites & stings, and support healing.
Blood Moving Liniment
1 part dried yarrow (flowers and leaves)
1 part dried lavender (flowers and leaves)
1/2 part dried calendula
1/2 part dried sage or rosemary
vodka, witch hazel, or apple cider vinegar, whichever you prefer to work with
cypress or juniper berry essential oil (5-6 drops per finished ounce of liniment for a 1% dilution)
Place the herbs in a jar so that they fill the jar up to half full, then cover with your preferred menstrum. Cover with a plastic lid. Periodically shake to be sure that the herbs are fully immersed in the menstrum. Allow to infuse for 3-4 weeks, then strain off the solids. Gently spread over bruises, blood blisters, or varicose veins. Do not massage varicose veins. Alternatively, soak a cloth with this liniment and use it as a compress.
Poultice Powder
Powders are great to have on hand to use as a poultice to draw out slivers, soothe bug bites, and calm irritated skin. Keep in mind that powdered herbs lose their potency over time, so it is good to refresh your powders at least yearly, if not more often.
1 part dried yarrow (leaves and flowers)
1 part dried plantain
1 part dried calendula
When needed, take a little of the powder and mix it with water or a hydrosol to make a paste, and apply it to the affected area.
Facial Toner
1 part yarrow hydrosol
1 part rose hydrosol
Blend and spray! Spray on your face daily for a refreshing, toning experience.
Conclusion
Yarrow’s wide-ranging applications make it a treasured asset in any home apothecary. Whether utilized in its herbal form, essential oil, or hydrosol, yarrow provides comprehensive benefits for both physical and emotional well-being, making it a versatile and valuable addition to your toolkit.
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