07/07/2026
Looking to do ao apothecary herb highlights!! The Herb of the Week for July 5th -11th is yarrow. Thank you, Seeking Hope, for the great suggestion!
Botanical name
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Achillea comes from the Greek hero Achilles. According to legend, he used yarrow to treat wounded soldiers during the Trojan War.
“Millefolium” means “thousand leaves” This refers to its finely divided fern-like foliage.
Common Names
Yarrow, common yarrow, milfoil, soldier's woundwort, nosebleed plant, thousand leaf, carpenter's w**d, staunchw**d
Family: Asteraceae (daisy, aster, sunflower family)
Native To
Yarrow is native to Europe, Asia, and North America
It now grows throughout much of the temperate world in meadows, roadsides, grasslands, and open fields.
Perennial
Flowers are naturally white but may also appear pink, red, yellow, or cream in cultivated varieties.
Highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
Parts Used
Flowers, leaves, flowering tops
Traditional Preparations
Infusion, tincture, poultice, compress, salve, infused oil, capsules, powder, bath, wash (to cleanse wounds)
Traditional Properties
Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antimicrobial, antiseptic, aromatic, astringent, carminative, circulatory stimulant, diaphoretic (promotes sweating), bitter, febrifuge (reduces fever), hemostatic (slows bleeding), mildly diuretic, vulnerary (wounds), emmenagogue (stimulates menstrual flow), uterine stimulant (increases contractions), hepatoprotective (protects liver), anti-catarrhal (reduces mucus from respiratory tract)
Once considered an abortifacient (caused miscarriage) according to some older herbals.
Traditional Uses
Carried by travelers and soldiers as an emergency first-aid herb.
Yarrow was believed to provide courage and protection.
First Aid
Best known for its role in first aid, fresh yarrow leaves have traditionally been applied to small cuts and scrapes to help slow minor bleeding and support natural healing. Used for burns, bruises, rashes, insect bites, skin inflammation.
Digestive Support
The bitter compounds help stimulate digestive secretions and help with bloating, cramps, diarrhea, gas, indigestion. Also used for appetite-loss, gallbladder disorders, liver disorders.
Cold & Flu Support
Especially for fever, congestion and coughs.
Women's Health
Traditionally used to support normal menstrual flow and ease occasional menstrual cramping
Circulatory Support
Traditionally valued for supporting healthy peripheral circulation (blood flow to the extremities).
Other
Traditionally used for arthritis, gout, edema, hemorrhoids
Active constituents
Yarrow contains numerous naturally occurring compounds including flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactones, chamazulene (formed during distillation), achilleine, volatile oils, tannins, phenolic acids, coumarins
Pairs well with:
For colds and to encourage healthy sweating (lowers temp)
Yarrow + elderflower + peppermint
For digestion (gas & spasms)
Yarrow + chamomile + peppermint
For wound care (promotes healing)
Yarow + plantain + calendula
For female comfort
Yarrow + cramp bark + raspberry leaf
Scientific research
Investigated for:
Anti-inflammatory activity
Lab studies show compounds in yarrow may help regulate inflammatory processes.
Antioxidant activity
Contains flavonoids and phenolic compounds which show antioxidant activity in lab tests.
Antimicrobial effects
Shows activity against several bacteria and fungi
Wound healing
Animal and lab studies suggest yarrow extracts may support tissue repair and collagen formation. Collagen gives strength to wounds so they don’t reopen, helps reconnect the edges of the wound and becomes part of the scar tissue.
Some lab studies suggest compounds in yarrow may inhibit tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin production. This is why yarrow is being studied for its potential use in topical skin-brightening products.
Antispasmodic activity
Research suggests yarrow may help relax smooth muscle such as those that line the stomach and intestines.
Sedation
Some animal and lab studies have suggested yarrow may have mild calming (CNS depressant or anxiolytic) effects.
Cancer research
Lab and animal studies have found that certain yarrow extracts may slow the growth of colorectal cancer cells. Researchers believe this may occur, in part, by interfering with the cell’s lipid (fat) metabolism, making it harder for them to grow and divide.
Cancer cells grow and divide rapidly. To do that, they need a constant supply of lipids to build new cell membranes, store energy and produce signaling molecules that help cancer survive and spread.
Many cancers, including colorectal cancer, alter their metabolism so they can make and use fats more efficiently than normal cells.
Some lab (cell culture) studies found that extracts of yarrow slowed the growth of colorectal cancer cells. This is called antiproliferative activity meaning cells proliferated (multiplied) more slowly.
Also, yarrow extracts appeared to interfere with the cancer cells’ lipid metabolism, meaning the cells had more difficulty making or using the fats they needed to keep growing.
As a result, the cancer cells grew more slowly, divided less frequently, and in some studies self-destructed (apoptosis).
Precautions
Avoid during pregnancy except with medical supervision due to its traditional uterine-stimulating reputation. Not enough data to determine safety during breastfeeding.
Not for those allergic to ragw**d or other members of the Asteraceae family. May cause photosensitivity (intensified sensitivity to UV exposure). May not be safe within 2 weeks of surgery. May not be safe with anticoagulants, blood pressure medication, or diuretics. Ask your doctor.
Children: not enough data on safety with internal use in children, speak to your doctor.
Yarrow contains small amounts of thujone, a naturally occurring compound also found in sage and wormwood. Traditional amounts of yarrow tea are generally considered acceptable for most healthy adults, but concentrated essential oils or excessive amounts should be avoided, particularly during pregnancy and by individuals with seizure disorders.
Side effects include stomach upset, pain, nausea, dizziness, rashes or skin irritation.
