Yarrow Leaves and Aerial Cut and Sifted for Herbal Tea

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is one of the most ancient and powerful medicinal herbs in Western herbalism, revered for its wide-ranging actions on the circulatory, immune, and digestive systems, and known especially for its wound-healing, fever-reducing, and astringent properties. Both beautiful and hardy, yarrow grows in fields and roadsides across Europe, Asia, and North America, where it’s long been called on in times of injury, illness, and ritual.

YARROW (Achillea millefolium)

Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family)
Energetics: Warming, drying
Taste: Bitter, pungent, aromatic
Parts used: Aerial parts (leaves and flowers)

HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL BACKGROUND

Myth and Folklore

• The name Achillea is derived from the Greek hero Achilles, who is said to have carried yarrow into battle to treat the wounds of soldiers — giving rise to its ancient nickname, herba militaris (“the military herb”).

• Yarrow has been used since Neolithic times, with evidence found in burial sites over 60,000 years old.

• In European folk magic, yarrow was considered protective and divinatory. It was used to ward off evil, attract love, and even used in “dream pillows” for psychic insight.

• Native American tribes used yarrow widely:

  • For treating wounds, fevers, toothaches, and digestive complaints

  • As a ceremonial herb for purification and spiritual protection

HERBAL ACTIONS AND BENEFITS

Yarrow is a multi-purpose plant ally, known as both a warrior (stopping bleeding and fighting infection) and a peacekeeper (regulating blood flow and calming inflammation).

1. Wound Healing & First Aid

• A classic styptic: stops external bleeding quickly by constricting blood vessels.

• Has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties — ideal for minor cuts, scrapes, and abrasions.

• Often used as a poultice or powder, fresh or dried.

2. Circulatory & Blood Modulating

• Unique among herbs: it can both stimulate and stop bleeding, depending on what's needed.

• Moves stagnant blood (e.g. bruises, sluggish menses) but also tightens tissues when bleeding is excessive.

• Supports blood vessel tone, improves circulation, and is often used for varicose veins or hemorrhoids.

3. Fever Support (Diaphoretic)

• Encourages sweating, helping the body release heat and break fevers — especially in early stages of cold or flu.

• Best when taken hot as a tea to induce a gentle sweat.

4. Digestive Aid

• The bitterness of yarrow stimulates bile production, aiding digestion, especially of fats.

• Soothes intestinal cramping, gas, and bloating.

5. Menstrual Support

• Helps regulate heavy or painful periods by improving pelvic circulation and toning uterine tissue.

• Eases uterine cramps and supports hormonal balance.

6. Immune Support

• Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects make it useful during colds, flu, and sore throats.

• Supports immune function while reducing fever, inflammation, and congestion.

HOW TO USE YARROW IN TEA

Yarrow has a bitter and aromatic flavor, so it’s often blended with gentler or sweeter herbs. For best medicinal effects, it's used as a hot infusion to trigger its diaphoretic (sweat-inducing) and immune properties.

BASIC YARROW TEA

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp dried yarrow (flowering tops)

• 1.5 to 2 cups just-boiled water

Instructions:

1. Place dried yarrow in a teapot or heatproof jar.

2. Pour over the hot water, cover, and steep for 15 minutes.

3. Strain and drink while warm to induce sweating if desired.

Use: 1–3 cups per day, especially at the onset of fever, cold, or infection.

TEA BLEND SUGGESTIONS

1. Fever & Cold Support Tea

Encourages sweating and immune defense during the early stages of illness.

• 1 tsp yarrow

• 1 tsp elderflower (diaphoretic, antiviral)

• 1/2 tsp peppermint (cooling, decongestant)

• Optional: a touch of honey and lemon

Drink warm in bed under a blanket to support sweating and fever resolution.

2. Digestive Bitter Blend

For sluggish digestion, bloating, or gallbladder support.

• 1 tsp yarrow

• 1 tsp chamomile (calming, anti-spasmodic)

• 1/2 tsp fennel seed (carminative)

• Optional: orange peel for flavor and extra bitters

Steep and drink before or after meals.

3. Menstrual Flow Balance Tea

For heavy, painful periods or pelvic stagnation.

• 1 tsp yarrow

• 1 tsp raspberry leaf (uterine tonic)

• 1/2 tsp cramp bark or skullcap (anti-spasmodic)

• Optional: rose petals for emotional support

Drink during your cycle to ease cramps and moderate flow.

4. Liver & Blood Cleanse Blend

Supports detox and circulation, useful for skin and sluggish energy.

• 1 tsp yarrow

• 1 tsp dandelion leaf or root

• 1/2 tsp nettle

• 1/2 tsp calendula

Steep daily for 1–2 weeks as a gentle cleanse.

ENERGETICS & HERBAL ACTIONS

• Temperature: Warming

• Moisture: Drying

• Primary Actions: Styptic, diaphoretic, astringent, bitter tonic, vulnerary, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial

• Systems Affected: Circulatory, digestive, immune, reproductive, integumentary (skin)

SAFETY & PRECAUTIONS

• Generally safe in moderate doses.

• Avoid during pregnancy, as yarrow may stimulate the uterus.

• Not recommended for people with ragweed allergies, as it’s in the same family (Asteraceae).

• Large doses over time may be too drying for some body types (especially those prone to dryness or coldness).

SUMMARY

Yarrow is a deeply intelligent and responsive plant, a protector and healer. It can stop bleeding or promote flow, cool a fever or warm circulation, and acts like a bridge between systems — from the surface (skin) to the blood, from the lungs to the womb. Whether used in tea, poultice, or tincture, it is a plant that belongs in every home apothecary and herbalist’s toolkit.