Yarrow

(Achillea millefolium)

Basic Identification

Common Names
Yarrow
Common yarrow
Milfoil
Soldier’s woundwort
Thousand-leaf

Botanical Name
Achillea millefolium

Plant Family
Asteraceae (Daisy family)

Parts Used
• Aerial parts (leaves, flowers, stems) – primary medicinal use
• Flowers – often preferred for specific preparations

Habitat and Native Range

Yarrow is native to Europe, Asia, and North America, and is now widely distributed across temperate regions worldwide.

It grows best in:
• sunny fields and meadows
• roadsides and disturbed soils
• grasslands and open landscapes
• well-drained, often poor soils

Yarrow is a hardy, adaptable plant that spreads easily and is commonly found growing wild. It is also cultivated for both medicinal use and ornamental purposes.

Overview

Yarrow is a versatile and widely respected herb in Western herbalism, known for its ability to regulate circulation, support the body during fever, and promote tissue healing. It is often considered a foundational remedy for conditions involving blood flow, inflammation, and acute imbalance.

Despite its relatively simple appearance, yarrow is a powerful herb with a broad range of actions. It is especially valuable in situations where the body needs to move, regulate, or restore balance—whether through improving circulation, supporting the immune response, or assisting in wound healing.

Yarrow is used in both acute and long-term applications and has a long history of use in traditional herbal practice, particularly in first aid and fever management.

Basic Uses

Yarrow is commonly used for:

• Fever and early-stage illness (to support sweating)
• Poor or stagnant circulation
• Wounds and minor bleeding
• Inflammatory conditions
• Digestive discomfort associated with stagnation
• Menstrual irregularity or discomfort

Botanical Description / Morphology

Growth Habit
Perennial herb, typically 1–3 feet tall, with an upright, spreading growth pattern and the ability to form dense patches through underground rhizomes.

Stem
• Erect, angular, and slightly hairy
• Green to gray-green
• Firm and somewhat fibrous

Leaves
Arrangement: Alternate
Shape: Finely divided, feathery, fern-like segments
Margin: Deeply dissected
Surface: Soft, slightly hairy

Venation
Not prominent due to the highly divided leaf structure

Flowers
Type: Composite flower (daisy-like) arranged in flat-topped clusters (corymbs)
Petal Shape: Small white (sometimes pink) ray florets
Center: Yellow disc florets

Key Feature
Flat-topped clusters of small daisy-like flowers combined with finely divided, “thousand-leaf” foliage—one of the most recognizable identification features.

Roots
• Rhizomatous root system
• Spreads laterally, forming colonies
• More established and persistent than shallow-rooted annuals

Key Identifying Features

• Flat-topped clusters of white or pale pink flowers
• Finely divided, feathery leaves (“thousand leaves”)
• Slightly aromatic when crushed
• Upright, hardy growth habit

Similar Species / Lookalikes

• Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota)
→ Similar white flower clusters, but leaves are less finely divided and stem is more delicate

• Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) ⚠️
→ Highly toxic; lacks the characteristic yarrow leaf structure and has smooth stems often marked with purple spots

• Other Achillea species
→ Similar medicinal properties, but may vary in flower color and regional distribution

Energetics

Temperature – Cooling to slightly warming (regulating)
Moisture – Drying
Taste Profile – Bitter, aromatic

Energetically, yarrow is a regulating herb that helps move stagnation, balance circulation, and direct the body’s response during acute conditions such as fever or inflammation. It is especially useful where there is congestion, heat, or improper fluid distribution.

What Yarrow Feels Like in the Body

Yarrow typically creates:
• a sense of movement and circulation
• release of surface tension (especially through the skin)
• gentle stimulation of sweating during fever
• a balancing effect—cooling excess heat while supporting proper flow

The effect is active and regulating rather than deeply relaxing. When the body begins to move and rebalance, the herb is working correctly.

Tissue States & Energetic Patterns

Yarrow is particularly useful in patterns involving stagnation, heat, and improper circulation or fluid movement.

Typical tissue patterns where yarrow excels include:

Circulatory stagnation
• poor peripheral circulation
• cold extremities with internal congestion
• uneven distribution of heat in the body

Surface tension / blocked sweating
• fever without sweating
• heat trapped beneath the surface
• difficulty releasing heat through the skin

Inflammation with congestion
• localized swelling or irritation
• sluggish movement of fluids
• tissues that feel hot, tight, or congested

Wound and tissue disruption
• minor bleeding
• tissue damage requiring repair and regulation

Yarrow is especially helpful when the body needs to move, regulate, and restore balance, rather than simply calm or nourish.

Primary Herbal Actions

Yarrow is traditionally described as having the following actions:

• Diaphoretic (promotes sweating and helps regulate fever)
• Astringent (tones and tightens tissues)
• Hemostatic (helps stop bleeding)
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antimicrobial (mild)
• Bitter tonic (supports digestion and liver function)

Body System Applications

Circulatory System

Yarrow helps regulate and improve circulation, particularly where there is stagnation or imbalance.

Actions include:
• promoting movement of blood and fluids
• supporting even distribution of heat in the body
• improving peripheral circulation

It is frequently used for:
• poor circulation
• cold extremities with internal congestion
• circulatory imbalance

Immune System / Fever Support

Yarrow is a classic herb for early-stage illness and fever management.

Actions include:
• promoting sweating to release heat
• supporting the body’s natural fever response
• helping regulate temperature

It is commonly used for:
• colds and flu (early stages)
• fever without sweating
• acute immune response support

Skin & Wound Care

Yarrow has a long history of use in first aid and topical applications.

Actions include:
• stopping minor bleeding (hemostatic)
• tightening and toning tissues
• supporting wound healing

It is frequently used for:
• cuts and minor wounds
• abrasions and scrapes
• mild skin inflammation

Digestive System

Yarrow supports digestion, particularly where there is stagnation or mild inflammation.

Actions include:
• stimulating digestive function (bitter effect)
• reducing mild inflammation
• supporting movement in the digestive tract

It is occasionally used for:
• sluggish digestion
• mild digestive discomfort
• digestive issues associated with poor circulation

Traditional Uses

Yarrow has been used traditionally to support:

• Fever and early-stage illness (to promote sweating)
• Wounds and bleeding (both internal and external)
• Circulatory imbalance and stagnation
• Inflammatory conditions
• Digestive sluggishness and mild discomfort
• Menstrual irregularity or excessive bleeding

Yarrow has a long history of use across European, Asian, and North American herbal traditions. It has been especially valued as a first aid herb, used by soldiers and healers to stop bleeding and support wound healing, as well as a key remedy for managing fevers and acute conditions.

Traditional Systems

Western Herbalism

• Diaphoretic
• Astringent
• Hemostatic
• Bitter tonic
• Anti-inflammatory

Ayurveda (Functional Comparison)

• Cooling and drying
• Helps reduce excess Pitta (heat and inflammation)
• Supports circulation and tissue regulation
• Mildly stimulates digestion through bitter action

TCM (Functional Comparison)

• Moves blood and resolves stagnation
• Clears heat and releases the exterior (fever support)
• Stops bleeding
• Regulates Qi and circulation

Safety & Contraindications

Yarrow is generally considered safe when used appropriately, but it is a more active and potent herb than many common household remedies. Practitioner-level considerations include the following.

Allergy Potential

Yarrow belongs to the Asteraceae (daisy) family.

Caution may be warranted for individuals allergic to:
• ragweed
• daisies
• marigolds

Allergic reactions are uncommon but possible, particularly in sensitive individuals.

Drug Interactions

Potential interactions may include:
• anticoagulant medications (due to effects on circulation and blood movement)
• medications affecting bleeding or clotting

Evidence is limited, but caution is advised when using yarrow in therapeutic doses alongside these medications.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Yarrow is generally avoided during pregnancy.

• May stimulate uterine activity
• Traditionally not recommended in pregnancy except under professional guidance

Use during breastfeeding should also be approached with caution due to limited data.

Children

Yarrow can be used for children in appropriate doses, particularly for:
• fever support
• minor wounds

However:
• dosing should be carefully adjusted
• stronger preparations should be used cautiously

Duration of Use

• Suitable for short-term and intermittent use
• Often used in acute situations (fever, wounds, circulation support)

Long-term daily use is less common and should be guided by clinical context.

As with all herbal preparations, consult a qualified healthcare professional for specific medical concerns, especially when medications or underlying conditions are involved.

Regional Alternatives

These are not identical, but offer similar primary actions—particularly in supporting circulation, promoting sweating during fever, and assisting with wound healing and inflammation.

North America

• Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) – diaphoretic, supports fever and immune response (stronger, more intense)

• Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) – anti-inflammatory, supports fluid movement and tissue healing (less hemostatic)

Desert Southwest

• Yerba mansa (Anemopsis californica) – supports mucosal health, inflammation, and circulation (less diaphoretic)

South America

• Guava leaf (Psidium guajava) – astringent, supports tissue tightening and antimicrobial action (less circulatory movement)

Europe

• Shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) – strong hemostatic, used for bleeding and tissue tone (less circulatory movement)

• Elderflower (Sambucus nigra) – diaphoretic, supports fever and respiratory conditions (less astringent)

Africa

• Artemisia species (milder types) – bitter, antimicrobial, supports fever and digestion (stronger, more drying)

India (Ayurveda)

• Neem (Azadirachta indica) – cooling, anti-inflammatory, supports skin and infection (less circulatory movement)

• Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) – supports immune response and mild circulation (less astringent and hemostatic)

China (TCM)

• Jing Jie (Schizonepeta tenuifolia) – releases the exterior, supports early-stage illness and fever

• Di Yu (Sanguisorba officinalis) – astringent, stops bleeding, supports tissue repair

Energetic Comparisons

These herbs share similar energetic qualities, though their emphasis may vary:

• Moving and regulating circulation
• Drying and astringing to tissues
• Supporting release of heat through the surface (sweating)
• Balancing excess heat and congestion

Yarrow is best matched by herbs that:
→ both move and regulate, rather than only stimulate or only tone
→ can act on circulation, heat, and tissue integrity simultaneously

Some alternatives (like boneset) are stronger and more forceful, while others (like elderflower) are gentler and more focused on fever support.

Herb Comparisons

Understanding how yarrow compares to other herbs helps refine remedy selection in practice.

Yarrow vs Elderflower

Yarrow – more astringent and circulatory, supports both sweating and tissue tone
Elderflower – gentler diaphoretic, more focused on releasing heat during fever

Yarrow vs Boneset

Yarrow – balanced, regulates circulation and supports mild to moderate fever
Boneset – stronger, more intense diaphoretic, used in deeper or more severe illness

Yarrow vs Shepherd’s Purse

Yarrow – supports circulation while helping control bleeding
Shepherd’s purse – stronger hemostatic, more targeted for stopping bleeding

Yarrow vs Calendula

Yarrow – more astringent and antimicrobial, useful for acute wounds
Calendula – more soothing and tissue-healing, ideal for gentle repair

Key Constituents

Yarrow contains several groups of compounds responsible for its medicinal activity.

Major constituent groups include:

Volatile Oils – (including chamazulene and cineole)
Actions – anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, supports circulation and tissue repair

Flavonoids
Actions – antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, supports vascular health

Alkaloids
Actions – contribute to hemostatic effects (helping to stop bleeding)

Tannins
Actions – astringent, tighten tissues and support wound healing

These compounds give yarrow its characteristic effects:
→ regulating circulation
→ supporting fever response
→ tightening and protecting tissues

Mechanisms of Action

Circulatory System

• Modulates blood flow
→ supports movement in stagnant areas while helping regulate excess bleeding

• Astringent action (tannins)
→ tones tissues and helps tighten blood vessels

Fever & Immune Response

• Diaphoretic effect
→ promotes sweating to release heat through the skin

• Peripheral circulation support
→ helps bring heat to the surface, supporting natural fever resolution

Anti-inflammatory & Antimicrobial

• COX pathway modulation
→ contributes to reduction of inflammation

• Volatile oil activity
→ provides mild antimicrobial effects

Wound Healing

• Hemostatic action
→ helps stop minor bleeding

• Tissue repair support
→ promotes tightening and protection of damaged tissue

Preparation, Extraction & Dosage

Infusion (Tea)

What it extracts: Flavonoids, tannins, some volatile oils

How to prepare:
1–2 teaspoons dried aerial parts per cup of hot water
Cover and steep 10–15 minutes

Dosage: 1–3 cups daily

Strong Infusion (Fever Support)

What it extracts: Higher concentration of water-soluble constituents

How to prepare:
1 tablespoon dried herb per cup
Cover and steep 15–20 minutes

Dosage: 1–2 cups during acute conditions (such as fever)

Tincture (Alcohol Extraction)

What it extracts: Volatile oils, flavonoids, bitter compounds

How to prepare:
Dried herb → 1:5 ratio, 40–60% alcohol
Macerate 4–6 weeks

Dosage: 2–4 mL, up to 3 times daily

Glycerite

What it extracts: Milder spectrum of flavonoids and aromatic compounds

How to prepare:
1:5 ratio with vegetable glycerin (often diluted with water)
Macerate 3–4 weeks

Dosage: 3–5 mL, up to 3 times daily

Oil Infusion (Topical Use)

What it extracts: Lipophilic compounds (including anti-inflammatory constituents)

How to prepare:
Use dried aerial parts
Cover completely with oil (olive or almond)
Infuse 2–4 weeks (or gentle heat method)

Dosage / Use: External use for wounds, skin irritation, and inflammation

Poultice (Fresh Plant)

What it extracts: Fresh plant compounds directly applied

How to prepare: Crush fresh leaves and apply directly to skin

Use:
• minor cuts and bleeding
• wounds and abrasions

Capsules (Powdered Herb)

What it extracts: Whole plant constituents (less efficiently absorbed)

How to prepare: Dried aerial parts powdered and encapsulated

Dosage: 300–500 mg, 1–3 times daily

Formulation Notes

Yarrow works particularly well in formulas designed to regulate circulation, support fever response, and promote tissue repair.

It is often used as a balancing herb, helping the body move fluids appropriately while also toning and protecting tissues.

Common pairings include:

Yarrow + Elderflower
→ fever support, promoting sweating and releasing heat

Yarrow + Peppermint
→ acute illness with fever, digestive discomfort, and surface tension

Yarrow + Boneset
→ deeper or more stubborn fever and flu-like conditions

Yarrow + Calendula
→ wound healing, skin repair, and inflammation

Yarrow + Shepherd’s Purse
→ bleeding conditions requiring stronger hemostatic support

Cultivation & Harvesting

Yarrow is easy to grow and highly adaptable, often thriving in poor soils and naturalized settings.

Preferred conditions:
• full sun
• well-drained soil
• low to moderate watering (drought tolerant once established)

Propagation

• Grown from seed, division, or root cuttings
• Spreads readily through rhizomes
• Can naturalize quickly in favorable environments

Harvesting Tips

• Harvest aerial parts (leaves and flowers) during peak flowering
• Best collected on a dry day, after morning dew has evaporated

• Flowers should be fresh, fully open, and vibrant
• Cut upper portions of the plant to encourage continued growth

• Dry in a well-ventilated space away from direct sunlight to preserve active compounds

Quality & Sourcing

High-quality yarrow should have:
• vibrant green leaves and bright white (or pale pink) flowers
• intact flower clusters with visible yellow centers
• a fresh, slightly bitter, aromatic scent when crushed

Poor-quality yarrow often appears:
• faded or dull in color
• overly dry or brittle with broken flower heads
• weak or lacking aroma

Because yarrow’s effectiveness depends on its volatile oils and active constituents, proper harvesting and drying are important. Fresh, well-preserved material provides the best potency.

Differential Clinical Use

Yarrow is best selected when the following patterns are present:

Circulatory imbalance, heat, or stagnation with the need for regulation

Example symptoms:
• fever without sweating
• poor circulation or uneven body temperature
• minor bleeding or slow wound healing
• inflammation with congestion or stagnation

When to Choose Yarrow Instead of Elderflower

Yarrow is preferable when:
• stronger circulatory support is needed
• there is a need to both move and tone tissues
• mild bleeding or tissue integrity is a concern

Elderflower may be preferred when:
• a gentler diaphoretic is needed
• the goal is primarily to release heat during fever
• sensitivity to stronger herbs is present

When to Choose Yarrow Instead of Boneset

Yarrow is preferable when:
• symptoms are mild to moderate
• a balanced, regulating effect is desired
• there is a need for both movement and tissue tone

Boneset may be preferred when:
• fever is more intense or deep
• stronger immune stimulation is needed
• symptoms include significant body aches

When to Choose Yarrow Instead of Calendula

Yarrow is preferable when:
• there is bleeding or need for astringent action
• tissue tone and circulation are primary concerns
• wounds are more acute

Calendula may be preferred when:
• gentle tissue healing is the priority
• inflammation is present without bleeding
• long-term skin repair is needed

Clinical Research Highlights

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) has been studied for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties, with additional support for its traditional use in circulation and fever-related conditions. While large-scale human clinical trials are limited, available pharmacological and experimental data align well with long-standing traditional use.

Anti-inflammatory Activity

Yarrow extracts have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in both in vitro and animal studies.

These effects are believed to involve:
• inhibition of inflammatory mediators (including COX pathways)
• antioxidant activity from flavonoids
• modulation of immune response

These findings support its traditional use in:
• inflammatory conditions
• skin irritation
• digestive inflammation

Wound Healing & Antimicrobial Effects

Yarrow has shown wound-healing and antimicrobial properties, particularly in topical applications.

Research suggests:
• increased rate of wound closure
• support for tissue regeneration
• inhibition of certain bacterial organisms

These effects are attributed to:
• tannins (astringent action)
• volatile oils (antimicrobial effects)
• flavonoids (tissue support and antioxidant activity)

Circulatory & Hemostatic Effects

Yarrow has demonstrated effects on circulation and bleeding control, supporting its traditional use as a hemostatic herb.

Proposed mechanisms include:
• astringent action on blood vessels
• support for vascular integrity
• modulation of blood flow

These findings align with its use for:
• minor bleeding
• circulatory imbalance
• tissue repair

Research References

Selected references for further study:

• Benedek B, Kopp B.
“Achillea millefolium L. s.l.—Is the anti-inflammatory activity mediated by protease inhibition?”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18693101/

• European Medicines Agency (EMA)
Achillea millefolium herba Monograph
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/achillea-millefolium

• Saeidnia S, Gohari AR, Mokhber-Dezfuli N, Kiuchi F.
“A review on phytochemistry and medicinal properties of the genus Achillea.”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22816312/

Clinical Perspective

While modern clinical trials are limited, yarrow’s pharmacological profile, experimental data, and extensive traditional use strongly support its role as a regulating herb for circulation, inflammation, and tissue repair.

Its greatest strength lies in its ability to move, balance, and protect tissues, particularly in acute conditions such as fever, wounds, and inflammatory states.

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The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Herbal remedies can affect individuals differently and may interact with medications or medical conditions. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any new herbal regimen, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition.

Southwestern Herbal Academy does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.