Nature Walk: Yarrow

Welcome to the Nature Walk blog series where commonly found medicinal herbs are briefly highlighted. Each featured plant is selected based on the Woven in Nature Healing Traditions team's outdoor walks. Today we are highlighting Yarrow.

It is with great delight that we share a unique nature walk that actually took place outside of the normal surroundings that Woven in Nature is accustomed to. While traveling in Alaska, we encountered a plant that was very familiar to us, Yarrow!  It was early summer, and the lawns and fields were beaming with natural (and tall) grasses, plants, and wildflowers. Within the blanketed bouquet, beautiful spears of white Yarrow appeared as far as the eyes could see. To us, each sway amongst the wind felt like a welcoming hello with a touch of home…

Yarrow (Scientific name: Achillea millefolium) grows very well in our local climate, and it is also an herb that Woven in Nature actively grows in small batches, wild-crafts, and utilizes regularly. It is an excellent herb for both external and internal uses. 

Externally, Yarrow’s coagulation properties (i.e., ability to create clots; change liquid into solid or semi-solid states) can pause active bleeding when applied directly to minor cuts. It also one of the most potent herbal antiseptics, reduces inflammation, and promotes wound healing. When creating salves for overall skin health or to subside irritation, Yarrow is a natural choice to restore balance and stimulate circulation; working well with a variety of complementary herbs.  As for its internal uses, Yarrow is analgesic and is sometimes referred to as a women’s herb, assisting with the relief of menstrual aches and pains. As a bitter and astringent herb, Yarrow aids with digestive issues and can be used to reduce coughs and the effects of colds due to its antiviral and antimicrobial qualities.

Yarrow’s aerial parts are commonly used for healing, yet the entire plant, including the root, is medicinal. It is important to note that there are several hybrid varieties of Yarrow that are intended for ornamental use; therefore, it is essential to specifically seek white Yarrow for your medicinal practices. It’s not a fussy plant to grow and is pollinator-friendly, making it a great choice for home gardens.

Whether your journey takes you to Alaska, across the globe, or to the comforts of your own backyard, Yarrow is a wonderful plant to consider for your herbal medicine kit. It offers numerous health benefits and boasts a rich history in traditional healing practices.

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Explore our products infused with Yarrow:

Antiseptic Salve (Shi-Choo's Blend)