Yarrow: History, Facts, and Traditional Uses

Hello Healers!

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is one of the most widely used and respected herbs in traditional Western herbalism. Known for its resilience, versatility, and long-standing relationship with human health, yarrow has been used for thousands of years across many cultures. Here’s a clear, factual look at its history, botanical background, and traditional uses.

A Little History

Yarrow has been used since antiquity, with records dating back to ancient Greece. According to legend, the hero Achilles used yarrow to treat wounds on the battlefield — giving rise to the plant’s genus name, Achillea.

The herb was widely used throughout Europe and Asia in folk medicine, particularly for wound care, fevers, and digestive support. It was a common remedy carried by soldiers and travelers, and later became a staple in European monastery gardens.

Yarrow was brought to North America by early settlers, where it naturalized quickly and was also adopted by Indigenous peoples for similar traditional uses.

Botanical Facts

Scientific Name: Achillea millefolium

Family: Asteraceae

Type: Perennial herb

Native Range: Europe and Asia; widely naturalized

Parts Used: Aerial parts (leaves and flowers)

Yarrow is easily recognized by its finely divided, feathery leaves and flat-topped clusters of small white (sometimes pink) flowers. It is a hardy plant that thrives in a wide range of environments, from fields and roadsides to gardens and meadows.

Traditional Uses

Yarrow has been used traditionally for:

• Supporting healthy circulation

• Fever management

• Wound care and topical use

• Digestive support

• Balancing the body during seasonal transitions

These uses appear consistently in European folk medicine, traditional battlefield medicine, and early herbal texts.

Common Modern Forms

You’ll most often find yarrow as:

• Dried tea

• Tinctures and liquid extracts

• Topical preparations (salves, poultices)

• Capsules

Its flavor is bitter and aromatic, and it is often blended with other herbs in traditional formulas.

Growing Yarrow

Yarrow is a favorite among gardeners and herbalists alike:

• Extremely hardy and drought-tolerant

• Thrives in full sun

• Spreads easily once established

• Attracts beneficial insects and pollinators

Because of its resilience, yarrow is often one of the first wild herbs people learn to identify.

Yarrow represents strength, adaptability, and protection — an herb that has walked alongside humanity through centuries of use and tradition.

Until Next Time!