Achilliea Millefollium

By

Caroline Kirwan
August 2, 2026

Herbalism

Achilles of the thousand leaves. Achilles is such as magical herb, it should be one of the first herbs that any herbalist works with. It is amazing on so many levels, it is a wound healer, an aromatic bitter and an antipyretic. 


Did you know that Yarrow gets it's Latin name from Achilles, it is said that Achilles as a baby was dipped into a bath of yarrow and that was what made him invincible on the battle field, his only weak spot was his heel that he was held by. 

Yarrow is a herb that has been used for thousands of years, it was found in burial tombs dating back over 60,000 years ago.


Culpepper spoke of Yarrow as a herb for cramps and describes that it is drying and binding. The uses of yarrow under Culpepper’s writings explained that it ‘restrains violent bleedings’ and also that the ‘leaves cure wounds, and is good for inflammations, ulcers, fistulas, and all such runnings as abound with moisture’


Native Americans used it as a digestive aid, and I have personally used it this way. It is powerful in helping with reflux, working alongside it's friend meadowsweet, it makes for an incredible remedy. 

Achilles of the thousand leaves. Achilles is such as magical herb, it should be one of the first herbs that any herbalist works with. It is amazing on so many levels, it is a wound healer, an aromatic bitter and an antipyretic. 


Did you know that Yarrow gets it's Latin name from Achilles, it is said that Achilles as a baby was dipped into a bath of yarrow and that was what made him invincible on the battle field, his only weak spot was his heel that he was held by. 

Yarrow is a herb that has been used for thousands of years, it was found in burial tombs dating back over 60,000 years ago.


Culpepper spoke of Yarrow as a herb for cramps and describes that it is drying and binding. The uses of yarrow under Culpepper’s writings explained that it ‘restrains violent bleedings’ and also that the ‘leaves cure wounds, and is good for inflammations, ulcers, fistulas, and all such runnings as abound with moisture’


Native Americans used it as a digestive aid, and I have personally used it this way. It is powerful in helping with reflux, working alongside it's friend meadowsweet, it makes for an incredible remedy. 

This enchanting plant has earned its place in the realm of natural healing and should be regarded as the go-to remedy for a variety of ailments.

Whether you’re facing an upset stomach, battling a fever, or dealing with wounds that require some extra care, Yarrow is the herb you can trust to provide the support you need. Its versatility and healing properties make it an essential addition to any herbal medicine cabinet.

Yarrow is legendary 

1.A Cardiovascular tonic

Yarrow is renowned for its wound-healing properties, and powdered yarrow is particularly effective for staunching bleeding. However, it also offers benefits for toning blood vessels, making it useful for varicosities such as hemorrhoids and varicose veins. Rich in flavonoids, yarrow helps decrease platelet adhesion.

This remarkable herb pairs well with other cardio tonics and adaptogens, providing support for stress-induced blood pressure issues.

2. A digestive Aid

One of my favorite uses for yarrow is to alleviate acid reflux, particularly when combined with Meadowsweet. It brews into a delightful tea, and its astringent properties effectively strengthen the stomach lining.

Yarrow's bitter compounds stimulate digestion, while its antispasmodic effects relieve stomach cramps and colic.

Additionally, yarrow's hepatic qualities enhance overall circulation, further promoting digestive health.

3. Genitourinary tract

It helps here in many ways, it stimulates blood flow and so balances the menses, it's a regulator and a stimulator. It's anti spasmodic help with menstrual pains. It aids with stagnation and moves old blood, it can improve fibroids and prolapse,  both of these can be causes by liver stagnation and the bitters help to get this flowing. 

It's anti bacterial and antiinflammatory properties, aid with UTI's and it is often prescribed for Prostate hyperplasia. 

4. Skin

Yarrow is an excellent wound healer both of the skin and internal ulcers, it's antiseptic so helps protect wounds from infection and also helps the granulation of wounds to aid the healing. 

It aids the skin as a whole by opening up blood vessels allowing oxygen to reach areas which may be lacking. 

It can also be used to help with bleeding gums.

Did you know?

Yarrow was often found in Saxon amulets for protection. Its uses in ritual and for protection both spiritually and physically are commonly referenced in historical texts.