The Wild Wisdom of Yarrow

Yarrow, or Achillea millefolium, has recorded use dating back to mythical times and has a lot of wild wisdom to offer. Yarrow was the powerful healing herb that Achilles, the great hero of the Trojan War, used to heal warriors. Achilles himself was dipped in the yarrow laced River Styx as an infant by his sea nymph mother Thetis. Wherever the yarrow water touched him, he had powerful protection from arrows, swords, and spears. Thetis worked hard to make her son immortal, and he had protection everywhere except his heal, which his mother held as she dipped him into the river. This is the foundation of the term Achilles’ heel, or someone’s weak spot. Achilles died by bleeding to death after he was shot by an arrow in his heel by the Trojan Prince Paris.

The scientific name of Yarrow, Achillea millefolium, mean’s Achilles’ Thousand Leaved plant. Interestingly, yarrow is one of the oldest known herbs to be used. A neanderthal skeleton has been unburied in Iraq who was laid to rest on a bed of herbs, including yarrow.

The use of yarrow is not outdated. It still provides powerful protection and wound healing. Yarrow has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties. It is well known for healing bruises (contusions) and wounds, which is exactly how Achilles used it in the Trojan War.

Yarrow Salve*

A salve is a topical product consisting of herb infused oil, beeswax, and optional essential oils. Yarrow salve is used to stop bleeding and is used for minor injuries. Yarrow is used for rapid healing of cuts, scrapes, burns, and bug bites and can help with pain and inflammation. It is not advised to cover large and open injuries with a salve. For large open wounds a poultice or watered-down tincture should be used instead. Large and open wounds need air to heal, and a salve can encourage bacterial growth. Yarrow salve is perfect for small wounds, skin irritations, insect bites, rashes, and abrasions.

There is no typical salve dosage. Apply a salve as needed but remember that a little salve goes a long way. Applying the salve one to four times daily to affected areas is appropriate. Salves have a shelf-life of about one year stored in a cool location. They tend to melt into a liquid at high room temperatures which is why storing in a cool location is necessary.

Yarrow Tincture*

Yarrow tincture is well known for healing wounds. A yarrow tincture can be mixed in equal parts with water and used as an anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and pain killing wound wash to help heal and stop bleeding. Yarrow is excellent for wounds, cuts, scrapes, and bites.

Yarrow tincture is also a fever reducer for fevers that are in the early stages. Yarrow is an antispasmodic and also helps relieve stomach cramps caused by poor digestion or colic.

Tinctures are very strong herbal extracts made by infusing herbs in alcohol. Some tinctures are not recommended during pregnancy or lactation and may cause allergies. Yarrow especially is not recommended for pregnant women because it can cause bleeding and relaxation in the uterine muscles that cause miscarriage. Yarrow is a member of the Aster family and should not be taken to people with Aster allergies. Tinctures are best taken under the tongue but due to their strong taste they also may be diluted in water or juice.

Tincture dosage depends on the herb, person and situation. In general, 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon (15–30 drops, 1/2 – 1 dropperful) of tincture is used 3 times daily for chronic situations. For acute conditions, you want to take smaller and/or more frequent doses, such as 1/4 teaspoon every hour. Yarrow tincture can be mixed half and half with water and used as a wound wash.

Alcohol based herbal tinctures have a shelf life of about three years.

Yarrow Flower Essence *

Flower essences capture the healing vibration of a plant. They work on a different level than tinctures or salves. Flower essences work on helping with emotions, traumas, and fears. They do not work on physical problems or disease although they can help with the underlying emotions behind a disease.

Yarrow has a lot of wild wisdom to offer as a flower essence. It is best known for strengthening the body against 5G and other forms of radiation. Yarrow Flower Essence also helps with powering through adversity and adverse situations. Yarrow is especially good at helping us set boundaries and is indicated for people who tend to be overstimulated. Yarrow speaks of purity. Yarrow is also protective and shielding which is how it can help strengthen the body after exposure to high electricity, 5G, or other electrical health toxins. Yarrow also is here to assist sensitive people in overstimulating environments.

Not all flower essences are suitable for room sprays. However, the yarrow flower essence can indeed be sprayed and is used to purify the energy around a room or provide spiritual protection.

Yarrow Around the Web

Cooking with Yarrow by Forager | Chef

Yarrow Tea Recipe by Edible Wild Food

Yarrow Monograph by HerbRally

How to Grow and Care for Common Yarrow by The Spruce

Yarrow: Myth, Magic, and Medicine by Rowan + Sage

Are you interested in learning about the wild wisdom that each plant has to offer? Check out Wild Wisdom Botanicals Wild Wisdom Collections. Each herbal collection features a dried medicinal herb as well as a flower essence, tincture, and herbal salve. All plants used to make Wild Wisdom Botanicals are lovingly grown or sustainably foraged on our wild, happy and nourished homestead.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

This content is provided by informational and/or educational purposes only. This content is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, and you should not accept it as such. If you need medical advice, evaluation, consulting, then you must seek help by a qualified physician or health care provider in your area. Do not ignore or delay your physician’s advice based on something you read on our site. Although every effort is made to ensure that this information is correct, use this information at your own risk.