For centuries, nature has been the world’s greatest healer. Long before pharmacies and prescription medications, people turned to the land for remedies—plants, roots, and flowers that held the secrets to wellness. One such plant, often found growing wild in meadows and along roadsides, has been a trusted companion in herbal medicine: yarrow (Achillea millefolium var. ligustica).
With its delicate, feathery leaves and clusters of tiny white flowers, yarrow may seem unassuming at first glance. But beneath its gentle appearance lies a potent healing herb that has stood the test of time. Ancient warriors used it to stop bleeding on the battlefield, while traditional healers brewed it into teas to aid digestion and ease inflammation. Today, its essential oil—rich in chamazulene, the same compound found in German chamomile—continues to be valued for its anti-inflammatory, digestive, and skin-healing properties.
Whether used as an herbal infusion, a tincture, or a steam-distilled oil, yarrow remains a powerful natural remedy. Let’s explore what makes this botanical wonder so special and why it still holds a place in modern herbal medicine.
A Plant with a Storied Past
Yarrow has long been associated with healing. Ancient Greek warriors, including Achilles, reportedly used it to treat wounds—hence its botanical name, Achillea. Found throughout Europe and Western Asia, yarrow has been used in teas and extracts for centuries, offering a range of medicinal benefits.
In traditional herbal medicine, it is classified as a tonic bitter, meaning it stimulates digestion and supports the liver. It’s also recognised for its anti-inflammatory, carminative (gas-relieving), and spasmolytic (muscle-relaxing) properties, making it a go-to remedy for digestive and biliary issues.
What Makes Yarrow So Powerful?
The secret behind yarrow’s effectiveness lies in its natural compounds. Its volatile oil content, ranging from 0.1% to 0.5%, gives it a unique chemical makeup. When distilled, it produces a striking blue oil similar to German chamomile.
Here’s what makes Yarrow stand out:
- Bitter Compounds & Tannins – These stimulate digestion, making yarrow helpful for atonic (weak) stomach conditions.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties – Used to soothe skin conditions, wounds, and internal inflammation.
- Carminative & Spasmolytic Effects – Eases bloating, cramps, and digestive discomfort.
- Biliary Support – Helps with liver and gallbladder function, particularly for sluggish digestion.
How Yarrow is Used
The whole herb is commonly consumed as a tea or an extract, often over several weeks, for lasting benefits. Herbalists also use yarrow oil in topical applications for skin conditions like eczema, acne, and minor wounds.
A Closer Look at the Plant
Yarrow is easy to identify with its angular, rough stem and feathery leaves that clasp the base. Its small, daisy-like flowers bloom from June to September, appearing in clusters of white or pale lilac. The entire plant is covered in soft, silky hairs, giving it a distinctive appearance.
Similar species include:
- A. santolina – Used in Bedouin medicine.
- A. ligustica – Known as Ligurian or White Yarrow.
- A. moschata – Musk Yarrow.
The Botanical Profile of Yarrow
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium var. ligustica) is a resilient plant found across Europe and Western Asia, flourishing in dry grasslands, along roadsides, and in open fields. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is primarily harvested for its aerial flowering parts. When steam-distilled, yarrow produces a striking blue essential oil due to its high chamazulene content—similar in appearance to German chamomile oil.
The plant itself has a rough, angular stem, and its feathery leaves grow in alternating patterns, measuring about 3 to 4 inches long. During summer, yarrow blooms with delicate white or pale lilac flowers resembling tiny daisies, clustered in umbrella-shaped bunches. The whole plant is covered in fine, silky hairs, giving it a soft, wild appearance.
Yarrow in Herbal Medicine
Traditionally, yarrow has been valued as a bitter tonic, aiding digestion and bile production. It also possesses anti-inflammatory, carminative (gas-relieving), and spasmolytic (muscle-relaxing) properties. These combined effects make it useful for treating stomach issues, liver problems, and sluggish digestion. The whole herb is commonly consumed as tea or extract, often over several weeks, to achieve full benefits.
Similar species include A. santolina, a Bedouin medicinal herb, A. ligustica, known as Ligurian or White Yarrow, and A. moschata, or Musk Yarrow.
The Wound-Healing History of Yarrow
Yarrow has long been associated with battlefield medicine. It was once known as "Soldier’s Wound Wort" and "Knight’s Milloil" due to its historical use in treating wounds. According to legend, Achilles used yarrow to stop the bleeding of his soldiers—hence the name Achillea. Some believe Achilles learned about the plant from Chiron, the wise centaur. Either way, yarrow has been a trusted wound remedy for centuries.
The name millefolium, meaning “a thousand leaves,” refers to its finely divided foliage. Other names include Milfoil, Thousand Weed, and Nosebleed—an ironic title since yarrow can both stop and induce nosebleeds. A traditional remedy involved rolling a yarrow leaf, placing it in the nostril, and waiting for a nosebleed, which was believed to relieve headaches. Herbalist John Parkinson even wrote that yarrow could both start and stop bleeding, making it a fascinating paradox.
Yarrow in Folklore and Magic
Yarrow has a deep-rooted history in magic and divination. In earlier times, it was considered a herb of the devil, earning names like Devil’s Nettle, Devil’s Plaything, and Bad Man’s Plaything. It was often used in spells and fortune-telling.
In some parts of England, people performed love divination rituals with yarrow. One tradition involved tickling the nose with a yarrow leaf while reciting:
"Yarroway, Yarroway, bear a white blow,
If my love love me, my nose will bleed now."
If the nose bled, it was seen as a sign of true love. Another practice involved placing yarrow under a pillow and chanting:
"Thou pretty herb of Venus' tree,
Thy true name it is Yarrow;
Now who my bosom friend must be,
Pray tell thou me to-morrow."
This was believed to reveal a future spouse in a dream.
Yarrow in Everyday Uses
Yarrow had many practical applications beyond medicine. It was once used as snuff, earning the nickname "Old Man’s Pepper" due to its spicy, pungent leaves. In the 17th century, it was even added to salads for its bitter kick.
Yarrow tea became a well-known remedy for colds and fevers. Made by steeping one ounce of dried herb in a pint of boiling water, the tea was often sweetened with honey or sugar and sometimes mixed with cayenne pepper to enhance its effects. It was believed to open the pores, encourage sweating, and purify the blood—making it especially useful in early-stage fevers, measles, and childhood illnesses.
A yarrow decoction was also used for bleeding piles (hemorrhoids) and kidney problems. Washing the scalp with yarrow tea was thought to prevent baldness, and Linnaeus himself recommended fresh, bruised yarrow as a styptic (to stop bleeding). In Norway, it was used for rheumatism, while in Sweden, yarrow—known as "Field Hop"—was added to beer. Some even claimed yarrow beer was more intoxicating than traditional hop-based brews.
Yarrow in Traditional Healing
Culpepper, the famous herbalist, praised yarrow for treating cramps, while Parkinson recommended drinking it warm for ague (malaria). In China, dried yarrow stalks have been used for thousands of years in the divination practice of the I Ching.
From its battlefield origins to its role in love rituals, brewing, and medicine, yarrow has proven itself to be more than just a common roadside herb. Whether as a healer, a magical tool, or a bitter brew ingredient, this plant has left its mark across cultures and centuries.
| Principal Constituents | Components |
| C10 terpenes | α- & β-pinenes (~10% & 5–15%), sabinene (5–15%), camphene (~6%) |
| C15 terpenes | Chamazulene (16%), β-caryophyllene (5–15%), germacrene D (5–15%), dihydroazulenes |
| Oxides | 1,8 cineole (<10%) |
| Ketones | Isoartemesia ketone (1.9%), camphor (1.3%), thuyones (0.43%) |
| C15 lactones | <1% achilline |
The profile above represents Essential Therapeutics’ standard for Blue Yarrow. However, Yarrow oil’s composition can vary significantly depending on the plant source, growing conditions, and extraction methods.
VARIABILITY OF CHAMAZULENE WITHIN ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM
Blue Yarrow oil varies significantly in composition due to plant genetics, growing conditions, and extraction methods. A study by Bélanger and Dextraze analysed 20 different Achillea millefolium plants using gas chromatography, revealing wide variations in key components.
Main Compounds:
- Chamazulene (1–65%) – Gives the oil its blue colour.
- Germacrene D (5–55%) – A sesquiterpene with therapeutic benefits.
- α-Thujone (0–33.6%) & β-Thujone (0–21.3%) – Known for neuroactive properties.
- Phellandrene (0–18%) & Sabinene (0.3–17%) – Affect aroma.
- Camphor (0.2–7.1%) – Can reach up to 18% in some samples.
Variability in Composition:
- Monoterpenes – Ranged from 1.2% to 57.2%.
- Sesquiterpenes – Made up 39.9% to 98.8% of the oil.
To ensure high chamazulene content, a single high-yielding Achillea millefolium plant was propagated via rhizome. Some Yarrow oils also contain up to 10% Isoartemesia Ketone. The significant variability highlights the importance of sourcing from reputable suppliers for consistency and quality.
| Properties | Indications |
| Anti-inflammatory, cicatrising, astringent | Beneficial for skin health. Used for wounds (infected & inflamed), bruises, sprains, eczema, allergic dermatitis, and sensitive skin. Helps balance oily skin and scalp, may assist with dandruff and hair loss. Supports venous health (cellulite, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, possibly atherosclerosis). May protect skin against radiotherapy. |
| Liver/gall bladder stimulant, aperitif, anti-inflammatory, healing | Stimulates appetite, aids slow and painful digestion. Encourages bile and gastric secretions. Helps with cramps, colic, and possibly gastric/duodenal ulcers. May assist in detoxifying drugs and alcohol. |
| Anti-inflammatory, analgesic | Relieves muscular and joint inflammation. Supports nerve inflammations such as neuralgia and sciatica. |
| Emmenagogue, astringent, enhances reproductive Qi | Balances menstrual irregularities (delayed, scanty, painful periods, PMS, and menopause). Helps with excessive bleeding (menorrhagia). May support estrogen/progesterone deficiency, PID, and prostatitis. |
| Diuretic, detoxifying, enhances urinary Qi | Essential oil may help with urinary incontinence, irritation, cystitis, and bedwetting. Supports kidney and urinary stones. Detoxifies in cases of gout and rheumatism. |
| Diaphoretic, dispels wind/cold/heat | Essential oil may induce sweating and reduce fevers when used in hot baths/infusions. Useful at the onset of colds, flu, and eruptive fevers (measles, chickenpox). |
| Possibly calming, sedating, uplifting | May aid insomnia and stress-related conditions. Supports emotional upliftment and spiritual intuition. |
Contraindications
High-chamazulene, low-ketone Yarrow oil is generally safe and non-toxic, making it suitable for use during pregnancy and on young children. However, as with other plants in the Asteraceae family, some individuals with sensitivities—especially those prone to "weed" allergies—may experience mild reactions.
If there’s any doubt about potential sensitivity, a patch test is recommended before widespread use. Simply apply a small amount of diluted oil to the skin and monitor for any irritation or allergic response.
Toxicity Rating: 3
Other Yarrow Essential Oils
The recommendations provided apply specifically to Blue Yarrow oil, which has high chamazulene and low ketone content. However, other types of Yarrow essential oils can have significantly higher levels of camphor, thujone, and isoartemesia ketone, making them different in terms of safety and use. If using a different type of Yarrow oil, consider the following precautions.
Contraindications
Yarrow essential oil, due to its variable camphor and isoartemesia ketone content, has a moderate neurotoxic potential. This means it should be used with caution in individuals with epilepsy and high fevers. While there is no documented case of Yarrow oil triggering seizures in people with epilepsy, essential oils with high camphor content—such as Rosemary—have been linked to epileptic-like seizures when taken in large oral doses over several days. Therefore, for those with epilepsy, especially if not well controlled, caution is advised. However, low-dose topical use of Yarrow oil has been reported anecdotally to be safe for individuals whose epilepsy is managed with medication.
It is not recommended for children under seven years old or during pregnancy, particularly due to the neurotoxic potential of camphor and other ketones. Despite these precautions, low-dose topical applications (below 2.5% concentration) in blends for treating eczema, wounds, varicose veins, and other conditions are considered safe and effective. The potential for toxicity is always dose-related, so using Yarrow oil in controlled amounts—for baths, inhalations, or diluted in carrier oils—does not present a safety concern.
As a member of the Asteraceae family, Yarrow oil also carries a risk of allergic sensitisation, particularly for individuals with eczema, pollen allergies, or cosmetic sensitivities. While Yarrow oil can be beneficial in treating skin inflammation, those prone to allergic reactions should perform a patch test before applying it to a larger area.
Toxicity Rating
The toxicity of Yarrow essential oil depends on its camphor, isoartemesia ketone, and 1,8-cineole content. Based on its chemical profile, Yarrow is given a Toxicity Rating of 2 (LD50 between 1 and 2 grams per kilogram of body weight). This means that oral ingestion of even small amounts—particularly by children—can be harmful or even fatal.
To prevent accidental ingestion, Yarrow oil should be kept out of children’s reach, preferably in bottles with child-resistant caps and dropper inserts. Ingestion of less than 10mL could cause serious toxic effects in small children.
Additional Notes on Yarrow from The Energetics of Western Herbs by Peter Holmes
Yarrow has long been recognised as a versatile and multidirectional remedy. Historically, Johann Schroeder (1611) considered Yarrow among the most powerful wound remedies. However, modern research has expanded our understanding of its benefits, particularly in women’s health, circulation, and Qi regulation.
Yarrow as a Gynecological Remedy
Yarrow is often referred to as “Ambrosia”, highlighting its historical significance as a gentle yet powerful ally for women’s health. Unlike some herbal treatments that serve a single function, Yarrow acts as a universal regulator of female reproductive functions, making it beneficial from pre-puberty to post-menopause.
- Hormonal Support – While the herb contains phytosterols that exhibit estrogenic activity, it is important to note that these compounds are NOT found in Yarrow essential oil.
- Circulatory and Uterine Benefits – Yarrow vitalises venous circulation and helps reduce uterine and pelvic congestion. This makes it highly effective in cases of heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) and painful, delayed periods.
- Spasmolytic Action – The essential oil component of Yarrow relieves menstrual cramps and PMS symptoms by relaxing the uterus and surrounding smooth muscles.
- Hemostatic Effects – In cases of functional uterine bleeding, Yarrow’s ability to regulate blood flow becomes particularly valuable.
Beyond Gynecological Uses
While Yarrow is often discussed in the context of women’s health, its medicinal properties extend far beyond hormonal regulation. The plant’s bitter, sweet, and astringent qualities indicate its ability to balance both stimulation and relaxation in the body.
1. Nervous System and Liver Qi Regulation
Yarrow is known for its ability to promote the circulation of Qi, particularly Liver Qi. Many conditions—whether digestive, menstrual, cardiovascular, or urinary—are linked to stagnant Liver Qi, and Yarrow is an excellent herb for unblocking these pathways.
- It is used to relieve emotional and physical stress that manifests as digestive issues, menstrual discomfort, heart palpitations, or urinary dysfunctions.
- In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Yarrow is believed to address Liver/Spleen disharmony, heart Qi constraint, and bladder Qi stagnation.
2. Heart and Vascular Health
- Yarrow’s achillein content (not found in the essential oil) is responsible for its ability to relieve vascular spasms and neurogenic heart disorders.
- It can calm nervous tension and reduce symptoms associated with Liver Yang rising, such as visual disturbances and neurological imbalances.
Conclusion
From its ancient battlefield origins to its modern use in skincare and digestive health, yarrow has proven itself as a powerful healer across cultures and centuries. Whether in the form of herbal tea, tinctures, or its striking blue essential oil, this botanical marvel continues to offer a wealth of therapeutic benefits. Its ability to soothe inflammation, support digestion, and promote skin health makes it a staple in natural medicine.
As with any herbal remedy, sourcing high-quality yarrow oil is essential to ensure potency and safety. With its rich history, diverse applications, and enduring popularity, yarrow remains a testament to nature’s ability to heal and nurture. Whether you're a seasoned herbalist or just beginning your journey into natural wellness, yarrow is a plant worth exploring.
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