Yarrow | Achillea Millefolium
Yarrow is one of the first I ever came in contact with in my journey as an herbalist! This plant made me realize that most of these reputable herbs found in apothecaries are within reach, and are very accessible medicine for those that need it! You can identify it by its feather like leaves. This plant starts to bloom in June on the East Coast.
Yarrow's scientific name is Achillea Millefolium, after Achilles, a Greek hero wounded in the trojan war. Yarrow has often been used as battlefield medicine for its ability to stop and control bleeding in and out of the body. Salicylic acid(the main ingredient found in Aspirin) is also found in Yarrow. Therefore, Yarrow has been used to treat hemorrhage and wound healing.
This plant relaxes smooth muscles (such as in the stomach or uterus) from cramps. And stimulates blood flow to the pelvic area and uterus and heals and tones the GI tract. This is all to say this herb is really helpful to those who have stomach issues and or painful periods.
Pain in the body is caused by prostaglandins which can be worse with stagnant blood flow. By increasing your blood circulation in your body, this herb works to "cleanse" your body of pain.
Yarrow stabilizes and equalizes blood pressure and lowers cortisol the" stress-causing" hormone that leads to anxiety and depression. Like most herbs I work with, I found Yarrow existing on the edge of lands and properties.
This flower has been used as a mild sedative to treat anxiety and promote sleep. Used in tea form, this herb has a bitter taste. This isn't a herb to be used long term but for maximum 6 weeks.
Spiritually, I found that Yarrow works with establishing boundaries within the self and others. Yarrow helps those sensitive to their environments by solidifying and rebuilding the aura and energetic boundaries. In history, Yarrow has been used to connect with ancestors, in times where courage and healing is needed.
Here I have included scientific literature regarding the medicinal uses of Yarrow:
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