Common Yarrow (Achillea ptarmica)

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

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

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

Quick Facts / Key Information

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

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Achillea ptarmica
Common Name: Common Yarrow
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Achillea Ptarmica, St. John'S Wort, Common Yarrow
Plant Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Achillea

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 30 to 60 centimeters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with upper surface gray-green and lower surface white-woolly, bearing distinct stomatal bands.
Flowers: Inflorescence composed of dense, flat-topped clusters of small, white to pale yellow flowers with five distinct petals and prominent central stamen clusters, arranged in a corymbous inflorescence, exhibiting actinomorphic symmetry.
Stems: Erect, branching habit with opposite leaf arrangement, smooth surface, and presence of a prominent central vascular bundle.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Poultice
Powder

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: Historically regarded as a soothing anti-inflammatory, for irritation-related applications.
Carminative: In herbal literature, noted as a mild carminative, in relation to gastrointestinal comfort.
Diuretic: Traditionally described as a moderate diuretic, for elimination-focused applications.
Bitter: As described in traditional systems, a warming bitter, for digestion-related formulations.

Active Compounds

Essential Oil: A complex mixture of volatile compounds produced by aromatic plant tissues.
Flavonoid: Naturally occurring polyphenols that contribute to pigmentation and structural chemistry.
Coumarin: A class of aromatic organic compounds found in many plant species.
Phenolic Acid: Naturally occurring phenolic compounds present in many plant species.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific literature concerning this plant spans multiple areas, including phytochemistry and laboratory research. Detailed analysis of published studies is not included at this time and will be added as part of future editorial expansion.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Precautionary considerations have been reported in relation to this herb.
Contraindications: Reports outlining specific contraindications for this herb are limited.
Allergies: Reports of allergic reactions to this herb are not well documented in available sources.
Drug Interactions: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb interacts with pharmaceutical drugs.
Toxicity: Available information regarding the toxicity of this herb is limited.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been clearly established in available sources.

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.
Tincture: Plant material is macerated in alcohol to create a concentrated liquid extract.
Powder: Plant parts are dried and mechanically reduced to a powdered form.

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.