Yarrow: The Herb of the Wounded Healer

A versatile protector for wounds, skin, and resilience.

Often the most quiet and subtle people can turn out to be the strongest warriors.  Yarrow is like that too. It’s white, delicate flowers might look gentle at first glance, yet for thousands of years this plant has been carried onto battlefields as a trusted healer.

Known as the Herb of the Wounded Healer, yarrow was said to treat the wounds of soldiers during the Trojan War, and its reputation followed through Roman camps, medieval knights, and even American battlefields. 

When there was no time or tools for anything else, yarrow was there — slowing bleeding, protecting wounds from infection, and helping to speed up recovery.

Today, while it is not needed for war, yarrow still earns its place in the home apothecary. It soothes skin irritation, supports wound healing, eases fevers, and offers gentle immune support. 

From salves and tinctures to teas brewed from its flowers and stems, this quiet warrior is still so powerful, if you know how to use it. 

Why Yarrow Works

Modern herbalists know yarrow for its astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial compounds. These properties help:

• Constrict blood vessels to slow bleeding

• Reduce inflammation in the skin

• Support wound healing and tissue repair

• Calm fevers and support the immune system

It’s no wonder yarrow earned its reputation as a battlefield companion and remains a household healer today.

How To Use Yarrow

While I may not be heading into battle (thankfully), yarrow still has a place in my apothecary:

• For skin & wounds: Infuse yarrow into an oil or salve to calm irritation, insect bites, or minor scrapes.

  
  

• As a tea: Brew dried yarrow flowers and leaves to help ease fevers or support immune resilience.
  

• In the bath: Add a handful of dried yarrow to bath salts or steep it directly in your tub for a soothing, skin-calming soak.
  

• In the garden: Yarrow is hardy, drought-resistant, and supports pollinators — a plant of both beauty and practicality.
  

Tip: While yarrow grows in many colors, white yarrow is considered the most potent variety for herbal use.

A Reflection

Yarrow shows that strength doesn’t have to be loud to be real. Its small white flowers have supported warriors and healers for centuries, proving that steady, practical action can make the biggest difference.

For me, it’s also a reminder of the quiet warrior we all carry inside. The part of us that protects, sets boundaries, and steps up when needed — even if no one else notices. Like yarrow, that strength is simple, reliable, and always close within.

— Lila

Know Your Body, Know Your Herbs | Precautions

Yarrow can cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to the daisy/ragweed family. It should be avoided during pregnancy and used cautiously if you’re on blood-thinning medications. Always check with a qualified practitioner before use.

Sources

Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine (3rd ed.). DK Publishing. 

➤ Includes history, uses, and preparations of yarrow in traditional and modern herbalism.

Grieve, M. (1931). A Modern Herbal. Dover Publications. 

➤ Historic text describing the folklore and medicinal uses of yarrow.

Bone, K., & Mills, S. (2013). Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy (2nd ed.). Elsevier. 

➤ Outlines clinical applications and safety considerations of yarrow and related herbs.