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Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) - aka little feather...cure all?



Energetics - drying, cooling Taste - bitter, pungent


Family - Asteraceae (aster)


Folklore - Yarrow when planted next to a sick or dying plant can help it recover.

Dried yarrow stalks tied together in bundles were used for divination - cleromancy.










The first thing i learn't about yarrow was that it did a very good job of stemming bleeding and creating a clot...this is known as coagulation, and plants that help this are called styptics.

Energetically yarrow is a harmonizer as it can promote flow or impede it i.e. helps stop bleeding but increases blood flow in cases or varicose veins.


Yarrow has antiseptic, antimicrobial properties and helps with inflammation.

In wounds Yarrow helps pull together, draw in and is very useful in wound healing hence the knickname 'Soliders Wort', 'Woundwort' as the plant was placed in wounds during conflict to help stop bleeding and help keep them free of infection.


Yarrow helps to relieve pain. Insects love yarrow even though they are also repelled, this shows the complexity of the plant.

Yarrow can be found nearly every month of the year in amongst lawns, fields and rough ground.


Uses - topically as a salve or tea (infusion) to help with cuts and wounds, animal bites to help stop bleeding and prevent infection. To make a poultice. Leaves can be chewed for toothache and tea can be made to help heal issues with the mouth and teeth. An insect repellent. Herbal steam for congestion of lungs and sinuses.


As a hot tea (infusion) as helps with digestion (stimulates bile flow), flatulence, induces sweating,

promoting circulatory stimulation supporting the fever process.


As a cool tea it promotes diuresis (encouraging fluid out of the body).


As with all new food/medicine go gently with all herbs and start with weak doses when taking internally.





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