Herbs for Sovereign Wellness: Yarrow
History + Energetics
Yarrow is a powerful healing and protective herbal ally. While it is known for medicinal qualities, it has also historically been used for ritual + magic. Interestingly, the genus Achillea has its root in the mythology of Achilles, who supposedly used the herb to treat wounded soldiers in the battle of Troy. As you’ll learn later in this post, this makes a lot of sense given Yarrow’s powerful ability to stop bleeding. Despite this fascinating connection, the use of Yarrow may date back to Neanderthal times.
Yarrow has fascinating energetic properties in cultures around the world. In the Victorian Era-based language of flowers, Yarrow represents the duality of water and healing. It has also been used for divination and protection spells throughout history. In Ancient China, Yarrow was believed to balance Yin and Yang. As a flower essence, Yarrow has been used for spiritual protection and to strengthen energetic boundaries.
Also known as ‘thousand leaf’, Yarrow is associated with the water element and feminine energy. It is thought to be ruled Venus, the Roman Goddess of love, fertility, and beauty.
Yarrow’s energetic qualities are deeply connected to its physical medicinal uses. Read on below to learn more about using Yarrow for bleeding, women’s wellness, and so much more.
Medicinal Qualities
Yarrow is an herb of opposites. For example, it can constrict blood flow when needed for wounds, while also promoting healthy circulation to depleted organs. It can be both cooling and warming, depending on the intended use. Read on to learn about its incredible healing qualities.
This lovely plant’s medicinal uses are plentiful! Yarrow is astringent, antimicrobial, and much more. It has been known to:
Ease stomach cramps
Heal cuts or burns
Alleviate cold + flu symptoms
Decrease inflammation
Repel insects
Decrease toothache pain
Support immune system
Assist with hemorrhoid symptoms
and much, much more!
Yarrow for Sovereign Women’s Care
Yarrow has been used for women's wellness throughout history. This incredible plant is a key ally for female care and should be a staple in every woman’s sovereign wellbeing cabinet. Yarrow can normalize menstrual flow while improving healthy circulation. Its antispasmodic properties also help with cramping and menstrual-related pain. Yarrow can stop internal bleeding from endometriosis, ruptured ovarian cysts, and uterine fibroids. Midwives have used Yarrow throughout history to aid in childbirth to reduce the risk of blood clots and hemorrhage.
In my own practice, I have recommended Yarrow infusions during the latter half of the menstrual cycle (see Yarrow tea recipe below). I’ve also suggested Yarrow in aiding women after any kind of birth, whether live birth, miscarriage, or pregnancy terminations. It is especially helpful when used in a bath to regenerate and heal reproductive tissues (check out the postpartum herbal bath recipe below). Although Yarrow used topically is usually incredibly safe and calms inflammation, please consult your medical provider or midwife to ensure this is a safe practice for you.
There are so many potent recipes that incorporate Yarrow, from women’s wellness tea blends to Yarrow salves that soothe cuts and burns. Below are two of my favorite ways to use Yarrow, especially for women’s moon cycle and postpartum care.
>> Cycle Wellness Yarrow Tea
Place 1 teaspoon of dried yarrow into 1 cup of hot water
Steep for 10 minutes
Add lemon and honey to taste
>> Regenerative Post-Partum Yarrow Sitz Bath
Combine ~ 5 tablespoons dried Yarrow with few tablespoons other herbs of choice – for post-partum I recommend Chamomile and Calendula
Store in a glass jar until ready to use in your bath
About an hour before bath time, measure out ¾ - 1 cup of the herbs
Fill a pot with water and bring to boil
Remove from heat and add herbs, letting them steep for 1 hour
Strain out herbs through metal sieve
Pour remaining liquid brew into your bath
For extra strength, you can add remaining strained material to an herbal sachet and toss into the bath
Take a breath and feel the plants healing and restoring you
A Note on Making Your Own Medicines
I usually get my herbs through careful foraging or harvesting, at my favorite local apothecary, or online through trusted sources like Mountain Rose Herbs and Anima Mundi Herbals. Take care if foraging as there are lookalikes. Yarrow has clusters of beautiful small white flower heads, but can sometimes be confused with Poison Hemlock.
My transformational programs are rooted in working with herbs, always customized to your unique life path, goals, blocks and ailments. I rely on the plant’s medicinal uses but also incorporate herbal energetics to balance the energies in your own body, mind, and spirit. If you’re interested in how I can support your healing journey, you can read more about my 1:1 work HERE, or check out the scheduling portal below to book a call or session. I also offer weekly community Conscious Yoga classes that are an accessible and restorative way to support your overall wellbeing.
I would be honored to guide you on your healing journey ↓
Resources:
https://clinicalherbalism.com/yarrow-throughout-history/
https://www.herbrally.com/monographs/yarrow
https://www.berkeleyherbalcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Yarrow-Monograph-HP-Walcott.pdf
and many books, trainings, teachings of elders, and my own experience with the Plant
Disclaimer: This blog does not include medical advice and is to be used solely for informational purposes. Please consult a knowledgeable practitioner before use. Take caution if you are pregnant as Yarrow can act as a uterine stimulant. Always ask a professional if you are unsure.
