Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

About the plant

Common yarrow is a perennial that grows up to 60 cm tall. Its white flowers, sometimes tinged with pink, are arranged in umbels. When crushed between fingers, they emit a somewhat unpleasant smell. The leaves are feather-divided and lance-shaped. Leaves appear first in early spring. The stem is upright, sturdy, woody, and grows from a creeping rootstock.

Where does Achillea millefolium grow?

Achillea millefolium, commonly known as yarrow, is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, Asia, and North America. It thrives in a wide range of habitats, from meadows, grasslands, and roadsides to rocky slopes and forest clearings.

In Europe and western Asia, it is a common sight across both lowlands and mountainous regions. In North America, although some varieties are native, European yarrow has also been widely introduced and naturalized. It has been introduced as a feed for livestock in New Zealand and Australia. Its ability to adapt to various soil types and climates has made it one of the most widespread medicinal plants across temperate zones globally.

When to harvest Common yarrow?

In the northern hemisphere, common yarrow is harvested from June to October, when the plant is in full bloom. The best time to harvest is during warm, dry days around midday.

Which parts of the Achillea millefolium to pick?

All parts of the plant are aromatic, but yarrow’s flowers and leaves are most commonly collected. Only cut the upper part of the plant – about 15 cm long flowering shoots.

Medicinal effects

Yarrow contains essential oils, bitters, flavonoids, glycosides, vitamins (ascorbic and folic acid), tannins, isovaleric and salicylic acid, saponins, and many other active ingredients. More than 100 active compounds have been isolated from the plant. Studies show antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, hemostatic, and antispermatogenic effects.

In folk medicine, yarrow is used for respiratory issues, flu, and colds, and for reducing fever. Achillea millefolium promotes sweating and urination. Its antiseptic properties disinfect the urinary tract.

Common yarrow helps with digestive issues (diarrhea, bloating, and flatulence). The bitters stimulate saliva, gastric juices, and bile flow. Yarrow also improves appetite.

The compound achilleine found in yarrow helps reduce bleeding, which can be beneficial in the treatment of hemorrhoids. Tannins enhance the effects of anti-inflammatory substances, leading to faster healing of wounds. It is used to wash wounds, bruises, insect bites, and relieve toothaches.

Yarrow is particularly effective in relieving menstrual cramps, which are often accompanied by lower back pain, as flavonoids and azulene help relax smooth muscles. It also helps regulate heavy, weak, or absent menstruation.

Alkaloids help lower high blood pressure and cholesterol, and they also reduce fever.

It has mild sedative effects, aiding in falling asleep.

How to use common yarrow?

Tea or infusion is used for easing respiratory issues, colds, fever, digestive problems, menstrual cramps (starting a few days before menstruation), to promote urination and sweating, hemorrhoids, appetite stimulation, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, and calming tension (for example before sleeping). Drink three to four cups throughout the day.

A cool infusion is used to wash wounds, bruises, insect bites, or can be gargled to relieve toothaches. A fresh yarrow leaf can be applied directly to an aching tooth.

Tincture: Clinical studies show that yarrow alcohol extracts lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

Baths with yarrow infusion help with menstrual pain and hemorrhoids. Add 100 g of herb to 1-2 liters of water, then pour the tea into a warm bath. Bathing before bedtime can also help ease tension and promote relaxation.

Inhalations with yarrow infusion help relieve respiratory issues. The steam can be inhaled several times a day for added relief.

In pharmacy, yarrow extract is added to creams, oils, and ointments for treating cracked skin, as a massage aid for muscle relaxation, and caring for a baby’s skin (diaper rash).

In gardening, yarrow can be added to compost to enhance and speed up the decomposition process. A yarrow extract—made by soaking the plant in a bucket of water for 1 to 2 weeks, then straining it—is also used as a spray to help vegetables and trees recover more quickly from hail damage. Yarrow in the garden repels beetles, ants, and flies.

In culinary use, young yarrow leaves add a distinct flavor to dishes and salads. They are also sometimes added to alcoholic beverages for their aromatic qualities.

Preparing a yarrow tea or infusion

Recipe for yarrow tea: Crush one to two teaspoons of yarrow and add to a cup of boiling water. Cover and infuse for 10 minutes, then strain.

For inhalation, pour 100 ml of boiling water over one or two tablespoons of yarrow and start inhaling immediately.

What should you pay attention to?

Yarrow tea is not suitable for pregnant women, as it has a strong effect on the uterus and menstrual cycle. It increases blood flow to the pelvic area and uterus, which can cause uterine cramps and trigger menstruation. The essential oil in yarrow contains thujone, which can induce a miscarriage. It is also not recommended for breastfeeding mothers to consume excessively.

Because there is insufficient data on children’s safety, it should be used by adults and children over 12.

The literature has no data on the side effects of common yarrow, as long as the recommended daily amounts are followed (3 to 4 cups of tea). Drinking more than a few cups of yarrow tea per day is not recommended, as it can be harmful in larger quantities. Excessive consumption of yarrow tea can affect treatment with blood-thinning medications, medications for high and low blood pressure, sedatives, sleeping pills, diuretics, and anti-epileptic drugs.

It may enhance the effect of sedatives and epilepsy medications.

Some people may be allergic to yarrow and other plants from the Asteraceae family and may develop skin rashes. In this case, it should not be used to relieve symptoms.

When harvesting yarrow, it is essential to have scissors, a knife, or a similar tool to cut the upper part of the plant. If we do this with our hands, we can quickly uproot the entire plant, which we want to avoid as it harms the habitat.

Interesting facts about common yarrow

• Yarrow has been used in traditional medicine for ages, as mentioned in numerous ancient records. Its healing properties were known to the Greek hero Achilles, which is why it is still called the Achilles’ plant today. In fact, yarrow got its genus name after this Greek hero, who is said to have used it primarily to stop bleeding. Greek warriors are believed to have carried yarrow with them, thinking it would keep them undefeated. They also applied it to wounds to help stop bleeding and promote faster healing.

• Its species name millefolium means “thousand-leaved”. If we look closely at its leaves, we notice that each leaf is composed of numerous small leaflets.

• Yarrow extract was once used in brewing beer.

• Sheep grazing on meadows where yarrow grows will eat only the leaves, leaving the flower heads behind.