Medicinal plant

Yarrow

Achillea millefolium

The one plant to learn first for a minor cut or fever.

Traditional actions include styptic/antihemorrhagic (slows minor external bleeding), vulnerary (supports minor wound healing), astringent (tones tissues), diaphoretic (used hot during feverish colds to encourage perspiration), decongestant, and a bitter digestive. These are traditional herbal uses, not evidence that yarrow treats serious infection, fever, or bleeding.

Properties

Astringent — Tightens and tones tissues; often drying

Styptic — Helps stop minor external bleeding

Diaphoretic — Encourages sweating

Energetics
Cooling Drying Toning
Do not use Avoid internal use during pregnancy.
Take care People sensitive to the Asteraceae/daisy family can react to yarrow.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), historical botanical illustration

Growing and using it

Life cycle

Herbaceous perennial.

What to buy

Straight-species common white yarrow (Achillea millefolium) seed or plant.

Best way to start

Seed, plug, or division.

Seed starting

Surface sow or barely cover. Start indoors 6–8 weeks before frost or direct sow in spring/fall.