Yarrow: Achillea millefolium

Plant Family & Name:

a. Asteraceae (Sunflower family)

b. The genus name Achillea is traditionally associated with Achilles, the Greek warrior who was said to have used yarrow to treat wounds. The species name millefolium comes from Latin, meaning “thousand-leaved,” referring to yarrow’s finely divided, feathery foliage.

Habitat & Ecological Role: Achillea millefolium is a perennial herb native across much of Europe, Asia, and northern regions, with native and introduced forms occurring throughout North America. It commonly grows in dry meadows, grasslands, open forests, roadsides, pastures, disturbed areas, and exposed slopes. Yarrow tolerates a wide range of soils and conditions but generally thrives in sunny, open, well-drained locations.

Yarrow is an important plant for pollinators and beneficial insects, attracting bees, butterflies, hoverflies, lacewings, ladybugs, and other insects. Its extensive rhizome system also helps bind soil and reduce erosion, making it useful in disturbed and recovering ecosystems. 

Parts Used: Flowering tops, leaves, and aerial parts.

Herbal Actions: Astringent, diaphoretic, bitter digestive tonic, aromatic, anti-inflammatory, and traditionally hemostatic.

Season: Spring & Summer; flowering tops are commonly harvested when the plant is in flower.

Taste: Bitter, aromatic, pungent, and slightly astringent.

Energetic Qualities: Drying, warming, light, aromatic, and moving.

Body System Affinities: Circulatory, digestive, respiratory, urinary, and reproductive systems; epithelial tissues.

Key Points: Yarrow is a drying and astringent herb with a strong affinity for circulation and fluid movement. It has been valued for helping the body manage conditions involving excess moisture, stagnation, and relaxed or congested tissues. Its diaphoretic action makes it especially associated with supporting the body’s natural sweating response, while its astringent qualities make it useful for toning tissues and supporting the control of excessive fluid loss.

Yarrow also has a strong relationship with the digestive system, where its bitter and aromatic qualities can stimulate digestion and support healthy digestive function. It has also been used externally for wounds and irritated tissues and internally in preparations for digestive discomfort, fevers, and menstrual concerns.