There are numerous ways to use yarrow medicinally. As far as weeds go, the yarrow plant is definitely one you want growing in your garden. Its medicinal purposes and include aiding in the treatment of many health conditions – everything from fevers and colds to bleeding, bruises, and more.
Yarrow grows wild all over the northern hemisphere, usually starting to appear in the early spring. It can survive in all sorts of different climates and habitats, including meadows, forests, mountains, coastal areas and even some deserts.
Yarrow has a long history of use, and was first introduced to North America in colonial times by settlers coming from Europe. It now grows wild all over North America, and has been used and revered among medicinal plants by settlers and First Nations peoples alike ever since it was established here.
But the medicinal uses of yarrow date back much further than that. In fact, according to a National Geographic article, Neanderthals used the yarrow plant along with other medicinal plants some 50,000+ years ago!
The historical use of yarrow products continues to ancient Greece, where famous hero Achilles was said to have used yarrow in battle wound healing during the Trojan war. In fact, yarrow’s official, scientific, Latin name is “Achillea Millefolium” which is derived from “Achilles.”
Legend has it that Achilles even covered his whole body with a yarrow tincture to protect him from harm… But he missed his heel, which was left exposed and vulnerable. This could perhaps be how the “Achilles’ Heel” became such an infamous metaphor for vulnerability and weakness.
Yarrow is still used today as a powerful and potent traditional medicine. Although it’s considered an invasive weed by some, anyone who understands just how amazing this plant is knows better than to try to eradicate it.
So if you have yarrow growing in your yard or in the wild near you, consider yourself lucky! Do not try to get rid of it. Instead, harvest it for your home apothecary and use it to prevent and cure all sorts of ailments.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, naturopath, certified herbalist or medical professional. The information in this article is for entertainment and educational purposes only. Please consult a physician or trusted healthcare provider before taking yarrow. For more information on potential yarrow contraindications, please read the section on “Who Should Not Use Yarrow” (below).
Identifying Yarrow
Yarrow is pretty easy to identify, especially once you’ve seen it up close a couple times. The yarrow plant itself usually grows to about 1 to 3 feet tall, but can grow taller. Wild plants typically have white flowers, but there are also pale yellow yarrow varieties. They’re small and grow in clusters at the tip of each stem.
Yarrow leaves are perhaps the most distinct feature of the plant. They resemble feathers and look very different than leaves from most other plants. They also grow in an alternating pattern, so instead of having two leaves growing from either side of the stem, you’ll see one leaf, and then a bit higher up there will be another leaf growing on the other side of the stem, and then a bit higher up will be another, and so on.
Left: Queen Anne’s Lace / Right: Yarrow
Yarrow could possibly be confused with Queen Anne’s Lace or (more dangerously) Poison Hemlock if you don’t know what to look for. But once you’ve seen yarrow once, you almost certainly won’t forget it and it will be easy to distinguish from other plants.
For a more in-depth comparison of Yarrow, Queen Anne’s Lace and Poison Hemlock, check out this video.
To harvest yarrow, cut the stem near the base (or anywhere along the stem). The feathery leaves and stems have medicinal properties as well as the flowers, so you really want to harvest as much of the entire plant as possible.
Yarrow Medicinal Benefits
Yarrow is a potent medicinal herb that can be used to treat the following illnesses and ailments:
- Wounds, cuts and scrapes
- Bruises
- Burns
- Rashes
- Inflammation
- Bug bites and bee stings
- Fever
- Cough, cold, and sore throat
- Toothaches and teething
- Menstrual cramps
- Detoxification and regulating blood flow
- Acne and skin irritation
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Digestive issues & heartburn
- Muscle spasms
Yarrow is best known for its ability to stop bleeding and assist in wound healing. Historically, the fresh leaves are chewed up and then used as a poultice on top of wounds to help stop bleeding.
If you’d rather not chew your yarrow, you can add a tiny bit of water and mash up the leaves and flowers as well with a mortar and pestle and then apply the paste to the wound. We did this at home when my husband had a deep cut on his hand that wouldn’t heal. We covered the cut with yarrow and secured it with a bandage. Within a day the wound was almost completely healed! That’s when I started becoming a true believer in the power of medicinal plants.
You can also brew up a batch of yarrow tea to help fight colds and fevers, and to help detoxify the body. It can be chewed fresh or dry to relieve toothache and can be infused in oil or extracted in alcohol to make solutions that can be rubbed on the body to relieve bruises, burns, rashes and bug bites. It can also be taken orally as a homemade cold medication.
You can also sprinkle fresh or dried yarrow in a bath to ease rashes and burns and help fight fever.
Who should NOT use Yarrow
While yarrow can be used to help treat all sorts of minor ailments, pregnant women should not use yarrow as it is a uterine tonic, which means it has the ability to relax the uterus, which may lead to miscarriage.
Yarrow may also negatively interact with blood-thinning medications, medications for high blood pressure, medications to reduce stomach acid and drugs that induce sleep.
Finally, if you are allergic to any plants in the Aster family (including daisies, chrysanthemums and ragweed), you may also find you have an allergic reaction to yarrow and may want to avoid it.
For more information on the medicinal benefits and precautions of yarrow, click here to visit the Mount Sinai Yarrow Information Page.
Adding Yarrow to Your Medicine Cabinet
How to Dry Yarrow
The easiest way to preserve yarrow is to dry it. Just like any other herb, yarrow can be dried by hanging it upside down in bunches from the stems. I just tie a bunch together with some twine or an elastic band and hang it from a hook in my kitchen. You can hang it outdoors to dry as well, but try not to hang it in direct sunlight or anywhere where it might get wet. It should take up to a couple weeks to dry completely.
Once dried, I chop it roughly and keep it in a Mason jar for use later on. Dried yarrow can be used in herbal teas, dumped into a bath, or can be used to make tinctures and tonics later on.
Make a Tincture
Another way I preserve fresh yarrow is by making a tincture. A tincture is simply an extract made by stuffing a jar full of whatever plant you are wanting to extract the properties of, and then covering it with a neutral alcohol like vodka. You can also use glycerin to make tinctures for children or if you prefer not to use alcohol.
You can make a yarrow tincture with fresh or dried herbs. Simply pack a Mason jar about 2/3 to 3/4 of the way full with yarrow and cover completely with vodka (or glycerin).
Make sure that the yarrow is completely covered with liquid as any plant matter that’s exposed to air can mold. If you’re having trouble keeping the yarrow submerged in the alcohol, you could use a smaller glass jar, a jar weight or even a clean rock to help push the yarrow beneath the surface.
Store the yarrow tincture in a cool, dark place for at least 6 weeks before using, shaking the jar intermittently every 2 or 3 days to help infuse it. After about 6 weeks, remove the plant matter by straining the liquid into a a clean glass jar (I like using these dark glass dropper bottles).
Yarrow tincture can be taken orally as a cough, cold and fever medication at first signs of illness. Dosages may vary so always start with a low dose of 1 or 2 drops, especially if using on children.
The tincture can also be applied to the gums of teething babies and can even be used as facial astringent, especially if you’re suffering from acne since yarrow contains salicylic acid (an active ingredient in most over-the-counter acne medications). Just put some on a cotton ball and wipe over the affected area.
Make a Salve or Infusion
You can also infuse dried yarrow into oil and then use it to make a salve.
To go the quick and easy route, heat about 1/2 a cup of dried yarrow with about 1 cup of coconut oil on low heat on the stove. Mix together and let simmer for at least 20 minutes to to allow the yarrow to infuse the coconut oil.
Strain the infused coconut oil into a clean jar or container and let cool. Apply to wounds, burns, rashes, bruises, bug bites, and any other other skin irritation. It can also be rubbed on gums of teething babies in lieu of alcohol-based tinctures.
To make a salve, you can infuse oil the same way as explained above, or by placing dried yarrow and oil in a jar and allowing it to sit and infuse for about 4 to 6 weeks before using the infused oil to make a salve. When making infused oils to use in salves and other body products, use a liquid oil like olive oil, sweet almond oil or avocado oil.
Once your oil has been infused with the yarrow, strain the oil, discard the plant matter and melt about 1 oz of beeswax (pellets or shavings) for every cup of infused oil you’re using. Melt beeswax in a double boiler on low on your stovetop and then mix in infused oil. Once well blended, pour the mixture into small jars or containers and let cool for at least 24 hours before use. I like to use these glass jars or aluminum tins for my salves.
The finished salve can be applied to wounds, burns, rashes, bruises, cuts, scrapes, bug bites or bee stings whenever you need it. It also make a great gift!
Yarrow the Wonder Weed
Yarrow is truly an incredible medicinal herb and probably has even more potential benefits than listed above. I’m sure if you dig deep into the annals of history, you’ll find entire books written about yarrow and its incredible medicinal properties.
If you’re lucky enough to find common yarrow growing in your backyard, be sure to add it to your home medicine cabinet. And if not, then add it to your garden! You can purchase yarrow seeds here.
Yarrow is also a perennial herb, so you only need to plant once and it will come back year after year.
So, what are you waiting for? Plant or forage some wild yarrow this year and add this incredible healing plant to your home medicine cabinet.
Wishing you homemade, homegrown, homestead happiness 🙂
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Hello, is there a web sight for ordering seeds from? Perhaps a sight to order natural medical herbs. (Weeds). lol. Thank you, love your information
Hi Doris,
Yes, Survival Garden Seeds sells medicinal seeds, including Yarrow seeds. Or you can grab their Ultimate Medicinal Herb Seed Collection, which includes Yarrow and 35 other types of medicinal herb seeds.
I’ve just finished straining my tincture used with vodka. Your article recommends starting on a low dose of 1-2 drops but doesn’t say the frequency. Can you recommend? I’m using currently for sinus and chest infection.
Hi Brenda – I’m Ashley, Anna’s assistant. I checked with her and she says to start with 1-2 drops under your tongue or diluted in liquid (water or tea) 3 times/day. If 1-2 drops seems okay (no reaction, no upset stomach, etc.) you can up the dosage to 2-4ml 3x/day until better.
Also please note that you should always check with your doctor before using any herbal medicine. Yarrow can have some contraindications with other medications or conditions. It’s not recommended for pregnant women as it may induce contractions.
-Ashley (assistant)
Love learning about all the things plants to do to naturally support our bodies.
This was incredibly informative!! Thank you for sharing. I started an herbal garden this year and I’m looking for great resources. I feel like you give us everything we need, it’s so appreciated!!
We are so happy to hear that, Angela! Enjoy your garden 🙂 -Ashley (assistant)
Do you use fractionated coconut oil or solid?
If you’re making a salve, you’ll want to use solid coconut oil. If you’re making other body care products that require a liquid carrier oil, such as a body lotion or a topical oil, you’d want to use fractionated or another carrier oil such as jojoba or sweet almond oil. -Ashley (assistant)
I came across this article on Pinterest and I have a question. I have a few bundles of dried Yarrow from my property. Do I save the leaves, flower heads, or both? I cannot find anywhere where it specifies exactly what part to save for later use. Any info is much appreciated!!
All parts of the yarrow plant are useful – but both the flower heads and leaves are most often used 🙂
Hi Anna,
I was wondering if you could share more info about different ‘varieties’ (ie colors) of yarrow. I bought ‘strawberries and cream’ yarrow from a nursery years ago on a whim. It’s pink and was never intended to be anything but pretty. Later when I learned about yarrows medicinal properties I tried to find out if my pink yarrow was the same. I got the whole gamut from -only use wild yarrow. Different colors are poisonous- to your above response. Do you have any more specific resources on this and would you mind sharing where you got your information that pink yarrow is the same? I do have a hard time believing it’s poisonous but im taking an abundance of caution. Funnily enough I actually bought white yarrow seeds from an herbal medicine supplier and they’re almost ready to be hardened off now but I’m still interested in getting to the bottom of the whole thing. Thank you so much for any help and insight you can give!
Hi Erica – you might find the following article helpful: https://gardenerspath.com/plants/herbs/yarrow-benefits-uses/
If you scroll down to the comments, the author explains that all colours can be used interchangeably as long as they are the species Achillea millefolium.
This is a really helpful post! I have the yellow yarrow (I think called Parker’s variety) in my garden. Can I use it the same way as the wild varieties you wrote about?
Yes! Yarrow flowers may be yellow, red, pink, white, or any shade in between.
I was making the yarrow and cocnunut oil and it burnt on the stove…Is the yarrow oil still useable ? Are the healing proerties still there? Does it become toxic when burnt in oil? I dont want to discard it ubtr hope i can stilluse? Please advise
Hi Ida,
I would probably toss it:( With herbal medicine you really don’t want to burn it or overheat it because you can destroy the healing compounds with high heat. You just want to warm it slightly to help it release the oils and healing properties into the solvent (in this case the coconut oil). I know it sucks when you’ve gone through the trouble, but take it as a learning experience and try again. You have no idea how many times I’ve messed things up just to learn my lesson and get it right the next time! Lol.
Hi, I made your fast and easy way to infuse (in coconut oil), the added a little bit of beeswax so the ‘cream’ is more solid, but the result is very spotty, do you have any Idea what could cause that ? You can email me if you’d like some pictures! Thank you
Good information was shared, thanks for this.
Thanks for sharing! I’ve got yarrow growing. I will make poultice for a wound. I would also like to try the coconut oil insfusion/salve. I love plant medicine! I also have some comfrey and aloe and herbs. Let’s reconnect to the soil plants and earth!
Amen! I’m growing comfrey, mullein, mugwort and a bunch of other “new-to-me” herbs this year too. I love learning about plant medicine and how to use herbs medicinally!
Great article. Excited to learn about all it’s uses. Can you clarify leaves vs. flowers stem? Do you use the whole plant or just the leaves?
Hi Carol,
You can use the leaves, flowers and stems of the yarrow plant. I typically dry the flowers on the stems and then cut the whole thing up (flowers, leaves and stems) into smaller pieces which I then store in a Mason jar. You can then use the dried yarrow to make herbal tea, or infuse it in alcohol (like vodka) or vegetable glycerine to make a medicinal tincture. I’ve also used the dried yarrow flowers and leaves as a compress for cuts and wounds (I mix with a little water and mash it up with a mortar and pestle) and then put that on wounds for a period of time and it seems to speed the healing process. You can, of course, use yarrow fresh as well:)
What’s the difference if I just let the yarrow dry on the stem in the wild and then harvest, compared to picking at flowering stage and drying in home? Is one more potent?
Hi Desi,
If you let the flowers dry on the stalks they will go to seed. The key is to harvest them when they’re in their prime, shortly after the flowers bloom is best. Then dry them by hanging them upside down.
I plan on using my Dehydrator to dry these flowers. Is there a reason why this method is not mentioned here? Is it safe to use? I do use it to dry my herbs, fruits and some veggies.
Hi Chris,
You can absolutely use your dehydrator to dry these flowers. I find it just as easy to hang flowers and herbs to dry and tend to use my dehydrator more for fruits and veggies but there’s absolutely no reason why you couldn’t use it to dry yarrow flowers (or any other flowers for that matter:).
Crazy… I’ve seen this stuff growing everywhere since I was a kid, and this whole time I had no idea you could actually use it for anything. I wonder why it’s not more well known that it has so many uses? Or I guess maybe it is but people just don’t care to use it anymore…
We’ve lost our connection to the land in so many ways. I believe that for every natural ailment there is a natural cure. When you get to know the plants around you you realize you have a natural pharmacy all around you!
Hello…so I have what I believe is yarrow growing but it’s yellow…does it grow in different colors? If yes do different colors have different properties?
Hi Michelle,
I thought I replied to you but I don’t see my reply here. Sorry for the delay! I actually recently learned that yarrow does grow in all sorts of different colours. We actually have some purple yarrow growing at the school where I work! I don’t believe that the different colours have different properties, but I do believe they have the same properties. The yarrow leaves are actually quite potent in and of themselves.
I have been yearning to start to develop my appothicary. I knew I had yarrow from early this summer. Finally came across something telling me how to harvest it.
Guess what I just did this minute. ?
Thanks to you post. Now to just get to learn more and to get to harvesting other wild things. LOL
That’s awesome! What are you going to do with it? Dry it? Make a tincture or maybe an oil infusion? It’s so great for so many things. I’m actually using a tincture I made as an astringent as its great for breakouts as well! Gotta love those “weeds”!