Achilles reputedly used yarrow to heal wounds of the Greek troops during the Trojan War, hence its botanical name. It has been used for this purpose for centuries and in Scotland a traditional wound ointment was made from yarrow. The Anglo-Saxons named yarrow gaeruwe, from gearwian,meaning to Prepare” or “to treat”, referring most likely to its curative properties. Other names, which generally describe yarrow’s ability to stop bleeding, include soldier’s woundwort, knight’s milfoil and herba militaris. In Medieval times, yarrow leaves were tolled and put up the nose to stop bleeding. Its finely divided leaves were the reason for another name, milfoil meaning “many leaves.” Druids used yarrow stalks to divine seasonal weather, while the Chinese cast the I Ching oracle with them to determine the future.

In the Middle ages the name was Supercilium Veneris or the “eyebrow of Venus”. Historically plants named after goddesses have been healing remedies for women. Yarrow was among the sacred herbs accompanying the dead on their journey in the middle east. In the Orkney Islands yarrow is widely used for dispelling melancholy. It is an important herb when healing someone burdened by troubled emotions, helping cleanse them of an unhealthy sorrow or a depression which has lasted too long. Albertus Magnus uses yarrow in combination with nettles to treat fear and self-negation. Yarrow was reportedly the first herb placed in the baby Jesus’ hand, perhaps to signal both his healing powers and vulnerability.

In China, yarrow is used in panacea of the Navajos. People used yarrow as poultices and to ease stomach ulcers.

Properties:

anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, cicatrisant, diaphoretic, digestive, expectorant, hemostatic, hypotensive, stomachic, tonic.

Remedies:

Tea: in a small pan, combine 1 tsp of the dried herb, chopped or crumbled, with 1 cup cold water. Cover the pan and bring the mixture to a quick boil, letting it steep for a while before

straining it. A daily dose is 3 cups.

Yarrow Juice: gather the youngest leaves possible and process them in a juicer. Dilute this concentrated juice with equal parts of whey or water. Daily dose is 3 Tbsp.

Tincture: Mix the fresh juice with an equal amount of wine spirits (70% alcohol). Let the mixture steep in a closed container for 3 weeks before straining it into clean dropper bottles. A dose is 30 drops taken 3 times daily.

Heart Wine: 2 handfuls minced fresh yarrow herb, 2 handfuls minced fresh lemon balm; 2 Tbsp minced fresh valerian root, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, a liter of good red wine. Prepare the herbs and combine them with the cinnamon and red wine. Let the mixture steep, tightly covered for 3 weeks in a cool, dark place. Strain the wine into dark bottles with a cork or lid. Sip 2 liqueur glasses full daily.

Herbal Sitz Bath for Postpartum support: Make a strong infusion by pouring 1 quart of hot steaming water over 6 Tbsp of comfrey leaves. Add 2-3 tsp of calendula and yarrow flowers of each and steep 30 minutes or longer. Strain the herbs and add the tea into your warm-water sitz bath tub.

Toxicity:

Reports that large doses cause headaches, dizziness, and even light sensitivity in some people, although this is not well documented. Yarrow has a tendency to cause allergic skin reactions or sneezing in people sensitive to the aster family. High doses of yarrow may turn urine dark brown. Do not become alarmed.