Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a member of the Asteraceae family, native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Traditionally, its leaves, flowers, and roots have been used for infusions, decoctions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and antispasmodic actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, mediterranean herbal traditions, and traditional chinese medicine.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Yarrow
Scientific Name	Achillea millefolium
Plant Family	Asteraceae
Genus	Achillea
Species	millefolium
Native Range	Europe, Asia, North America
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Flowers, Roots
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Diuretic, Antispasmodic
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Achillea millefolium
Common Name: Yarrow
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Common Yarrow, Milfoil, Common Yarrow
Plant Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Achillea

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 30 to 100 centimeters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with upper surface pale green and lower surface gray-green, featuring prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Composite inflorescence with yellow disk flowers surrounded by white ray florets, actinomorphic, with 12 to 16 white petal-like rays and a central yellow tubular flower cluster.
Stems: Cylindrical, erect, branching in a basal cluster, surface glabrous, with opposite, linear leaves.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions
Traditional Chinese Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Poultice
Herbal Bath

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: In herbal literature, noted as a soothing anti-inflammatory, in inflammation-focused discussions.
Diuretic: Historically regarded as a moderate diuretic, in urinary system discussions.
Antispasmodic: As described in traditional systems, a warming antispasmodic, for cramp-focused discussions.
Carminative: Traditionally described as a calming carminative, within digestive system contexts.

Active Compounds

Essential Oil: Volatile plant-derived substances commonly present in leaves and flowers.
Flavonoid: A group of naturally occurring compounds commonly present in many flowering plants.
Coumarin: A class of aromatic organic compounds found in many plant species.
Phenolic Acid: Simple phenolic molecules widely distributed across plant tissues.

Modern Research Overview

Contemporary research on this plant includes areas such as chemical analysis, laboratory-based studies, and observational research. Detailed summaries of published findings are not included at this stage and will be added during future content updates.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Precautionary considerations have been reported in relation to this herb.
Contraindications: Certain contraindications have been reported in relation to the use of this herb.
Allergies: Information regarding allergic responses to this herb is limited.
Drug Interactions: Interactions with prescription medications have not been well documented.
Toxicity: Available information regarding the toxicity of this herb is limited.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well documented.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Water is poured over plant material and allowed to steep before straining.
Decoction: This method uses sustained heat to extract compounds from firm plant structures.
Poultice: Fresh or dried plant material is applied externally to the skin.
Infused Oil: This method allows plant material to release constituents into oil.
Tincture: Tinctures are liquid extracts produced through alcoholic maceration.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.