A perennial plant native to the Northern Hemisphere, Yarrow benefits are many, so many in fact that the more we researched, the more we discovered. In addition to the many medicinal benefits, there are also many practical uses of yarrow that we’ll get into in this article.
Common Yarrow, Achillea millefolium, has a rich history of usage in traditional medicine across different cultures. We list Yarrow in other parts of the world further below, and all in the Achillea genus have been found to share similar traditional and proven uses.
In the world of ethnobotany — the study of a region’s plants and their practical uses through the traditional knowledge of local cultures and indigenous people — Yarrow stands out due to its wide range of applications. So in this article we explore the proven and ethnobotanical benefits of Yarrow, illuminating why this humble plant continues to captivate botanists, natural health practitioners, and indigenous communities alike.
Historical and Ethnobotanical Uses of Yarrow
Ancient Greece Use of Yarrow
Yarrow’s history dates back thousands of years, and its benefits are woven into the fabric of many cultures. The plant’s genus name, Achillea, refers to the ancient Greek hero Achilles, who is said to have used it to treat soldiers’ wounds in the Trojan War.
In Ancient Greece, Yarrow was the divine salve that mended warrior wounds, blending myth with medicine in a single, powerful herb.
Indigenous North American Tribes Use of Yarrow
And indeed, Indigenous peoples of North America have also used Yarrow for a variety of ailments, including wounds. Traditionally, Yarrow was commonly applied as a poultice to wounds to halt bleeding and promote healing.
Some tribes used yarrow as a pain reliever, while others used it to treat ailments ranging from gastrointestinal issues to respiratory problems, most of which have also been validated through scientific research in this modern era.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Use of Yarrow
In traditional Chinese medicine, Yarrow was employed to harmonize the body and mind and used in teas to help with cold and flu symptoms.
European Folks Medicine Use of Yarrow
European folk medicine also recognized the value of Yarrow. In Scandinavia, it was used in beer brewing before hops became prevalent. In the British Isles, Yarrow was a part of various herbal mixtures used for colds, fevers, and to aid digestion.
The Yarrow Family
The plant commonly referred to as Common Yarrow, Achillea millefolium, belongs to the Asteraceae family. However, the Achillea genus contains several species, many of which are referred to as “Yarrow” in common language and share similar properties.
Here’s the common taxonomic order for Yarrow:
Yarrow Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Tracheophytes
- Clade: Angiosperms
- Clade: Eudicots
- Clade: Asterids
- Order: Asterales
- Family: Asteraceae
- Genus: Achillea
- Family: Asteraceae
- Order: Asterales
- Clade: Asterids
- Clade: Eudicots
- Clade: Angiosperms
Yarrow Species and Common Names
The most common yarrow in North America is Achillea millefolium, or “Common Yarrow”. Within the Achillea genus, we have different species, including:
- Achillea ageratum (Sweet Yarrow or English Mace): Native to Western and Southern Europe.
- Achillea millefolium (Common Yarrow): This species has a wide distribution, found in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere in Asia, Europe, and North America.
- Achillea ptarmica (Sneezewort, Sneezeweed, or Bastard Pellitory): Predominantly found in Northern and Central Europe, as well as temperate parts of Asia.
- Achillea clavennae (Silvery Yarrow): Native to the Alps and other mountainous regions in Europe.
- Achillea erba-rotta (Mosquito plant): Typically found in the Alpine regions of Europe.
Each of these species shares the same higher taxonomic levels but differs at the species level. They are all commonly referred to as some form of Yarrow due to their similar appearance and medicinal properties.
Proven Yarrow Benefits for Health
In the light of modern science, many of Yarrow’s traditional uses have been substantiated with empirical evidence. Here are some examples to give you ideas you can research to help in your natural wellness efforts:
- Antibacterial Properties: Yarrow has been traditionally used for its antibacterial properties, particularly in wound healing. Some research suggests that it can inhibit the growth of certain types of bacteria, but more scientific research is needed to fully confirm these effects.[1]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3232110/
- Antifungal Benefits: Some studies have suggested that yarrow may possess antifungal properties, making it potentially useful in combating certain fungal infections. As with its antibacterial properties, more research is needed to definitively establish these benefits.[2]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3232110/
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Yarrow’s anti-inflammatory properties have been recognized by modern science. Studies have found that Yarrow could significantly reduce inflammation in acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. Achillea ageratum, AKA sweet yarrow, was found to have to highest anti-inflammatory properties amongst the yarrow tested.[3]https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.00784/full[4]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8018854/
- Antimicrobial Properties: The term “antimicrobial” is a broad term that encompasses both antibacterial and antifungal properties. Yarrow’s antimicrobial properties have been used traditionally to help prevent infections in wounds and cuts. These benefits are thought to be partially due to compounds like sesquiterpene lactones found in the plant.[5]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3232110/
- Antioxidant Benefits: Yarrow is rich in flavonoids and other compounds that exhibit antioxidant properties. These antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, contributing to overall health and potentially helping prevent a range of diseases, from cardiovascular disorders to certain types of cancer.[6]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5590066/