Yarrow is an herb I always keep around, especially with kids in the house. I include it in my Sweet Dreams Sleep Tincture and often add it to teas or other mixtures.
Yarrow, part of the sunflower family, is found in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It’s easy to spot with its finely divided leaves and small clusters of daisy-like white or lavender flowers. According to Greek mythology, Achilles applied a yarrow tincture to his body to protect himself from arrows, leaving only his heel vulnerable. Native American tribes also valued yarrow for its healing properties. For instance, the Micmac people used it to induce sweating to combat fevers and colds and applied it as a poultice for bruises and swelling. Other tribes across North America used yarrow as a digestive aid and for reducing swelling, often combining it with herbs like echinacea or peppermint.
Yarrow is one of my go-to remedies for kids. It’s useful for easing fevers, reducing the duration of colds and flu, improving relaxation during illnesses, and alleviating cramps from hormonal changes or illness. When applied externally, it’s helpful for itching and rashes.
Yarrow can also be used as a poultice or tincture for hemorrhoids, broken skin, and rashes. Some people find that drinking tea made from yarrow and mint relieves allergy symptoms.
Yarrow is recommended for chronic ailments of the urinary system and is known to have a toning effect on the venous system and mucous membranes. It has been helpful for sore throats, mild hemorrhages, urinary issues, hemorrhoids, and digestive problems. It’s considered beneficial for relieving excessive menstrual bleeding and other menstrual issues.
Herbal experts suggest using yarrow during the initial stages of acute fevers and for tissues that are too relaxed, marked by free discharge or passive bleeding. Cold preparations of yarrow can also boost appetite and strengthen the digestive system.
Yarrow helps to lower fevers, induce sweating, relieve cramps, stimulate digestion, and ease inflammation. It’s taken internally for colds and indigestion, and used on the skin for slow-healing wounds. Sitz baths with yarrow can relieve pelvic cramps in women.
I buy organic yarrow leaves and flowers in bulk to make my own teas, tinctures, and poultices, as it’s more cost-effective. Yarrow can also be found in ready-made tinctures, teas, and lotions. If you like gathering wild herbs, check with local experts to see if yarrow grows in your area.
Yarrow should not be used during pregnancy, as it could stimulate the uterus, but I use it post-labor to tone the uterus, reduce cramps, and prevent hemorrhage. Some people might develop a rash from touching the fresh plant, and it should be avoided by those allergic to ragweed. Since there’s no proven safety data for children, it’s best to consult a doctor or herbalist before using it.
Have you used yarrow before? How do you incorporate it into your routine? Feel free to share your experiences!
